While the short stage races in Australia, the Middle East, and Spain during January and February serve as warm ups, the true season openers for the peloton’s GC men are Paris-Nice in France and Tirreno-Adriatico in Italy. The Italian event, known by the riders as “The race of the Two Seas” is the youngest of the two, having begun in 1966. The race crosses Italy from west to east, running from the Tyrrhenian coast to the Adriatic Coast and consisting of seven stages since 2002. The event, like the Giro d’Italia is also organized by RCS-Sport/La Gazzetta dello Sport will be held this year from March 4-10.
Paris-Nice consists of eight stages and was first held in 1933. Known as “the race to the sun”, the event starts in the chilly suburbs of Paris and heads straight south to finish on the Cote d’Azur of the Mediterranean Sea. It is not uncommon for the riders to encounter snow enroute. Organized by the Amaury Sport Organization, which also promotes the Tour de France, this year’s race runs concurrently with the Italian event, from March 3-10. Interestingly, two-time Tour de France winner Laurent Fignon promoted the 2000 and 2001 editions prior to selling the event to ASO. Essentially all of the world’s best professional European professionals will race one of these two stage races prior to the spring classics and shorter stage races.
Q1. Who holds the record for victories in Paris-Nice?
Q2. What is the best finish by an American in the “Race to the Sun”?
Q3. Because Paris-Nice is organized by the ASO, it is an important showcase for Tour de France contenders and their teams. When was the last time a rider who triumphed in the March event also claimed Le Tour in July?
Q4. Who holds the record for the most victories in “The Race of the Two Seas”?
Q5. What is the best finish by an American in Tirreno-Adriatico?
BONUS QUESTION: Milan-San Remo is the season-opening classic and happens shortly after the finish of Tirreno-Adriatico. To win both in succession is very prestigious, especially for the Italians! When was the last time this happened?
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