Paris - Nice 2020: Quintana takes Queen Stage, Schachmann seals GC win

The last stage of Paris-Nice takes in three intermediate climbs before the final haul up the Valdeblore La Colmiane. Nairo Quintana climbs to victory, while Maximilian Schachmann wins the GC. Tiesj Benoot and Sergio Higuita round out the podium. (Slideshow route/profile)

Results 7th stage Paris-Nice 2020

1. Nairo Quintana (col)
2. Tiesj Benoot (bel) + 0.46
3. Thibaut Pinot (fra) + 0.56
4. Sergio Higuita (col) s.t.
5. Vincenzo Nibali (ita) s.t.
6. Maximilian Schachmann (ger) + 0.58
7. Guillaume Martin (fra) + 1.19
8. Tanel Kangert (est) + 1.22
9. Romain Bardet (fra) + 1.32
10. Rudy Molard (fra) s.t.

GC after stage 7
1. Maximilian Schachmann (ger)
2. Tiesj Benoot (bel) + 0.18
3. Sergio Higuita (col) + 0.59
4. Vincenzo Nibali (ita) + 1.16
5. Thibaut Pinot (fra) + 1.24
6. Nairo Quintana (col) + 1.30
7. Rudy Molard (fra) + 2.03
8. Tanel Kangert (est) + 2.16
9. Felix Großschartner (aut) + + 3.39
10. Søren Kragh Andersen (den) + 4.36

Race report
Alaphilippe, Paret-Peintre, De Gendt, Perez, Edet and Bettiol lead the way on the Col de Vence. The six reach the summit 3 minutes ahead of the peloton.

The gap is stable when the lead group crests the Col de la Sigale and the Côte de Saint-Antonin. Edet secures the polka dot jersey.

Perez drops back with 44 kilometres remaining, while De Gendt goes solo on the early slopes of the finish climb. Nairo Quintana goes after him inside the last 4 kilometres. The Colombian overhauls De Gendt and pushes on alone, while Tiesj Benoot strikes with 1.5 kilometres out.

Quintana climbs to victory and Benoot takes second place, which is not enough for the GC victory. Maximilian Schachmann wins Paris-Nice ahead of the Flemish rider and Sergio Higuita finishes in third place.

Another interesting read: route stage 7 Paris-Nice 2020.