Paris - Nice

The first edition of this multi-day stage race took place in 1933, but only in 1951, the race got its final name Paris-Nice after a few name changes, and with exception of 1959, when the race was run between Paris and Rome, and therefore was called Paris-Rome.

It is the first major stage race of the early season, and therefore its nickname "race to the sun" certainly appeals to imagination.

The race was won several times by a number of world class riders : Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Laurent Jalabert, Fred De Bruyne and Joop Zoetemelk, but the absolute record - with 7 victories - is helt by Sean Kelly.

Since 2005, Paris-Nice has become part of the UCI Pro Tour. Since 2011 it is part of the UCI World Tour.