Geraint Thomas defies Contador to claim victory in Paris-Nice

Updated 13/03/2016 at 14:16 GMT

Team Sky's Geraint Thomas claimed victory in one of the biggest races of the early part of the season as he won Paris-Nice ahead of Alberto Contador.

Geraint Thomas (Sky)- winner of Paris-Nice 2016

Image credit: AFP

Thomas went into Sunday's final stage with the yellow jersey and a nine-second lead after a stunning showing to come second on Saturday's penultimate stage.

And while Alberto Contador came second on the closing day to grab five seconds back from Thomas, the Welshman finished safely in the pack to claim his overall victory on the Promenade des Anglais.

"It's incredible - it's hard to believe to be honest," said Thomas, the Welshman thrilled to have held off Tinkoff's Contador and BMC's Richie Porte.

Paris - Nice

Geraint Thomas delighted after winning Paris-Nice

00:01:30

14/03/2016 at 12:36

"To beat those two? I can't really believe it... It's the biggest win for sure of my whole career."

Wellens wins final stage of Paris-Nice, but Thomas claims overall glory

The final stage was won by Tim Wellens, with Contador second and Porte third, the trio having pulled out a big lead as they mounted an attack in the final 20km.

But Thomas and team-mate Serio Henao were able to respond and stay in touch, keeping close enough for Thomas to become the first Welshman to claim victory in the famous race.

Cycling LIVE on Eurosport: TV schedule

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Geraint Thomas (GB) Team Sky 27:26:40

2. Alberto Contador (Spa) Tinkoff-Saxo +04

3. Richie Porte (Aus) Team Sky +12

4. Ilnur Zakarin (Rus) Team Katusha +20

5. Ion Izagirre (Spa) Movistar Team +37

6. Sergio Luis Henao (Col) Team Sky +44

7. Simon Yates (GB) Orica GreenEdge "

8. Tony Gallopin (Fra) Lotto Soudal +51

9. Romain Bardet (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale +1:00

10. Rui Costa (Por) Lampre-Merida +1:07

STAGE SEVEN RESULTS

1. Tim Wellens (Bel) Lotto Soudal 03:16:09

2. Alberto Contador (Spa) Tinkoff-Saxo "

3. Richie Porte (Aus) Team Sky "

4. Tony Gallopin (Fra) Lotto Soudal +00:05

5. Simon Yates (GBr) Orica GreenEdge "

6. Arnold Jeannesson (Fra) FDJ.fr "

7. Rui Costa (Por) Lampre-Merida "

8. Jesus Herrada (Spa) Movistar Team "

9. Romain Bardet (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale "

10. Ion Izagirre (Spa) Movistar Team "

Paris - Nice

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