Race to the rain
Last Sunday on the Côte d'Azur there were only two types of riders on their bikes: Deliveroo couriers and professional racers. Monsoon conditions meant it was only those for whom the bike is le métier who pedalled.
Such was the level of the precipitation, the rivers which flow into the Baie des Anges turned the water from azur blue to brown. And it was almost as if the city of Nice was collectively embarrassed by the weather, whilst ASO were surely considering a re-brand of 'The Race To The Sun'.
However, money had been paid and the show had to go on.
As a spectacle, the final stage of the Paris-Nice has evolved over the past few years, going from a straight contre-la-montre up the Grande Corniche, or King Kelly's Hill, to a short, sharp leg-breaking rollercoaster across the collines of l'arrière-pays.
That may have upset the traditionalists, who loved to see the race of truth climb up out of the city via the balcony views above the coast to Col d'Eze, but others believe the final day of this one-week competition now provides some of the best racing you will see all season. Helped in recent years by a certain Alberto Contador and his tendancy to pop off the front when the road rises up in an attempt to overhaul the yellow jersey.
At only 110km, last Sunday's stage was small fry to the professionals, but as any one who has ridden the hills behind Nice will testify, there is barely a flat piece of road. Nor a straight one for that matter, so an attacking rider can disappear quite quickly.
And that's exactly what has happened over the past three years before the arrivée on La Prom. A mixture of GC contenders, local riders seeking glory and those with good early season form usually form echappeés and chasing groups.
Watching the end of the stage in the City is to witness the consequences of a war of attrition that took place on the four climbs that preceded the double Eze loop. There is no such thing as a peloton when the race finally descends the Moyenne Corniche before climbing back to Eze for the final time.
And eight days of racing is decided on that one loop up and over one of Europe's prettiest coastal villages. And the whole loop is important - remember Geraint Thomas's 54t chainring for the chase down from Eze to the Promenade - that's local knowledge for you.
In 2016 the winning margin was 4 seconds, last year it was two seconds and this year... back to four, albeit this time the pursuant, Marc Soler, was successful.
We watch as Simon Yates comes into view leading the chasing group, but rolls to the side, unable to pull any longer. In hindsight, it's almost as if he knew before going into that last corner - that modern battle was lost on this historical battle ground.
Of course, if you are not paid to ride your bike, you can choose when to ride it. We promise the weather will improve (it already has). So come and ride the roads of The Race To The Sun, in the sun.
