2012 Paris–Nice#Stage 2

As Paris–Nice was a UCI World Tour event, all 18 UCI ProTeams were invited automatically and obligated to send a squad. Four other squads were given wildcard places into the race,{{cite news|url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/paris-nice-2012-wildcards-announced|title=Paris-Nice 2012 wildcards announced|website=Cycling News|date=18 January 2012|access-date=4 March 2012}} and as such, formed the event's 22-team peloton.

The 22 teams that competed in the race were:{{cite web|title=Teams|url=http://www.letour.fr/2012/PNC/COURSE/us/equipes.html|work=Paris–Nice|publisher=Amaury Sport Organisation|access-date=29 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219003232/http://www.letour.fr/2012/PNC/COURSE/us/equipes.html|archive-date=19 February 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}

{{div col|colwidth=18em}}

• {{UCI team code|ALM|2012}}
• {{UCI team code|AST|2012}}
• {{UCI team code|BMC|2012}}
• {{UCI team code|COF|2012}}
• {{UCI team code|EUC|2012}}
• {{UCI team code|EUS|2012}}
• {{UCI team code|FDJ|2012}}
• {{UCI team code|GRM|2012a}}
• {{UCI team code|GEC|2012a}}
• {{UCI team code|KAT|2012}}
• {{UCI team code|LAM|2012}}
• {{UCI team code|LIQ|2012}}
• {{UCI team code|LTB|2012}}
• {{UCI team code|MOV|2012}}
• {{UCI team code|OPQ|2012}}
• {{UCI team code|SKS|2012a}}
• {{UCI team code|RAB|2012}}
• {{UCI team code|RNT|2012}}
• {{UCI team code|SAU|2012}}
• {{UCI team code|SAX|2012a}}
• {{UCI team code|SKY|2012}}
• {{UCI team code|VCD|2012}}

{{div col end}}

File:Paris-Nice 2012 Profile stage 1.png

;4 March 2012 — Dampierre-en-Yvelines to Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse, {{convert|9.4|km|1|abbr=on}} (ITT){{cite web|title=Stage 1: Dampierre-en-Yvelines to Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse|url=http://www.letour.fr/2012/PNC/COURSE/us/100/etape_par_etape.html|work=Paris–Nice|publisher=Amaury Sport Organisation|access-date=4 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303101007/http://www.letour.fr/2012/PNC/COURSE/us/100/etape_par_etape.html|archive-date=3 March 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}

The race began in the Vallée de Chevreuse for the first time,{{cite news|title=D−4: Paris–Nice News|url=http://www.letour.fr/2012/PNC/COURSE/us/actus.html#zone185233|work=Paris–Nice|publisher=Amaury Sport Organisation|access-date=5 March 2012|date=29 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314180717/http://www.letour.fr/2012/PNC/COURSE/us/actus.html#zone185233|archive-date=14 March 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} as it reverted to an opening individual time trial stage after race organisers elected to run a road stage first in 2011. Apart from the third-category climb of the Côte des Dix-sept Tournants – the hill of seventeen turns – the stage was relatively flat, dropping only {{convert|9|m|ft}} in altitude from the start, to the end. With rain expected to disrupt the stage, teams decided to spread their time trial specialists across the field in order to maximise their potential of winning the stage.{{cite news|url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/paris-nice-2012/stage-1/results|title=Gustav Erik Larsson takes opening stage|website=Cycling News|date=4 March 2012|access-date=5 March 2012|first=Daniel|last=Benson}} For the first rider to depart the start in Dampierre-en-Yvelines, {{UCI team code|SUN|2012a}}'s Alexandre Geniez, weather conditions were cloudy and grey,{{cite news|url=http://www.velowire.com/article/569/en/paris-nice-2012--larsson-time-trial-specialist-in-the-vallee-de-chevreuse.html|title=Larsson time trial specialist in the Vallée de Chevreuse|work=Velowire|publisher=Thomas Vergouwen|date=4 March 2012|access-date=5 March 2012}} with slightly damp roads due to overnight rains.{{cite news|url=http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/11295/Gustav-Larsson-flies-to-rain-affected-Paris-Nice-time-trial-victory.aspx|title=Gustav Larsson flies to rain-affected Paris–Nice time trial victory|first=Ben|last=Atkins|work=VeloNation|date=4 March 2012|access-date=5 March 2012}} He ultimately recorded a time of 12' 10" for the stage.

File:Wiggo paris nice 2012.jpg finished second to Gustav Larsson by one second on the stage, despite encountering wet conditions.]]

Geniez held the lead for all of a few minutes as Denis Menchov ({{UCI team code|KAT|2012}}) improved upon his time by eight seconds, before {{UCI team code|GRM|2012a}} rider Thomas Dekker was the first rider to set a time below twelve minutes, recording a time of 11' 56"; a six-second improvement on Menchov's time. Michael Mørkøv ({{UCI team code|SAX|2012a}}), and later Maarten Wynants ({{UCI team code|RAB|2012}}) both improved upon Dekker's time, but by the end of the first wave of riders to depart,{{cite web|url=http://www.grassyknolltv.com/2012/paris-nice/Heures_de_depart_CLM.pdf|date=3 March 2012|access-date=5 March 2012|title=Horaire de départ du CLM: dimanche 4 mars 2012|language=fr|trans-title=Departure times of ITT: Sunday, March 4, 2012|work=Steephill|publisher=Grassy Knoll}} it was {{UCI team code|OPQ|2012}} and Sylvain Chavanel that held the lead, recording a time of 11' 31". Following a quick start to the stage, {{UCI team code|VCD|2012}}'s Thomas De Gendt was the next rider to hold the provisional best time on the stage, besting Chavanel's time by less than a second.{{cite news|url=http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/531996/wiggins-second-in-paris-nice-opening-time-trial.html|title=Wiggins second in Paris–Nice opening time trial|date=4 March 2012|access-date=5 March 2012|first=Nigel|last=Wynn|work=Cycling Weekly|publisher=IPC Media Limited}} De Gendt, who won the opening stage of the race in 2011, ultimately picked up the polka-dot jersey for the lead in the mountains classification, as he held the quickest time to the intermediate timing point, at the summit of the Côte des Dix-sept Tournants. De Gendt's time held for a while, as riders struggled to match the pace that he had set, with only Markel Irizar of {{UCI team code|RNT|2012}} coming within touching distance of his time, finishing one second down.

It was not until De Gendt's {{UCI team code|VCD|2012|nolink=yes}} team-mate Gustav Larsson – the Swedish national champion in the discipline – that his time was beaten; Larsson, although six seconds slower than De Gendt to the intermediate checkpoint, put in a better second element to the race, eventually crossing the finish line in an eventual stage-winning time of 11' 19".{{cite news|url=http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/03/news/gustav-erik-larsson-wins-paris-nice-opener_208037|title=Gustav Erik Larsson wins Paris–Nice opener|work=VeloNews|date=4 March 2012|access-date=5 March 2012}} {{UCI team code|OPQ|2012|nolink=yes}} also deployed Levi Leipheimer in the first half of riders to complete the course, and did so in a time four seconds slower than Larsson.{{cite news|url=http://www.omegapharma-quickstep.com/en/news/show/leipheimer-on-the-podium-after-paris-nice-stage-1/238|title=Leipheimer On the Podium After Paris–Nice Stage 1|work={{UCI team code|OPQ|2012}}|publisher=Decolef|date=4 March 2012|access-date=5 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202232930/http://www.omegapharma-quickstep.com/en/news/show/leipheimer-on-the-podium-after-paris-nice-stage-1/238|archive-date=2013-12-02|url-status=dead}} The weather closed in for the last batch of riders, providing a tougher test for those riders in wanting to position themselves highly in the stage classification. {{UCI team code|BMC|2012}}'s Tejay van Garderen and {{UCI team code|SKY|2012}}'s Bradley Wiggins both attacked the course late on, and were rewarded with finishes inside the top five, as van Garderen finished nine seconds down on Larsson, while Wiggins – a winner of the time trial stage in February's Volta ao Algarve – fell short by just one second, but ensured he had an advantage of 24 seconds on defending race-winner and world time trial champion Tony Martin ({{UCI team code|OPQ|2012|nolink=yes}}), who could only finish 28th.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/cycling-wiggins-set-fair-for-parisnice-after-second-place-in-the-rain-7536411.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/cycling-wiggins-set-fair-for-parisnice-after-second-place-in-the-rain-7536411.html |archive-date=2022-05-01 |url-access=subscription|title=Wiggins set fair for Paris–Nice after second place in the rain|date=5 March 2012|access-date=5 March 2012|work=The Independent|first=Alasdair|last=Fotheringham|author-link=Alasdair Fotheringham}}{{cbignore}}

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File:Paris-Nice 2012 Profile stage 2.png

;5 March 2012 — Mantes-la-Jolie to Orléans, {{convert|185.5|km|1|abbr=on}}{{cite web|title=Stage 2: Mantes-la-Jolie to Orléans|url=http://www.letour.fr/2012/PNC/COURSE/us/200/etape_par_etape.html|work=Paris–Nice|publisher=Amaury Sport Organisation|access-date=4 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222080004/http://www.letour.fr/2012/PNC/COURSE/us/200/etape_par_etape.html|archive-date=22 February 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}

Following his crash in the opening day time trial, {{UCI team code|SAX|2012a}}'s Nick Nuyens became the race's first abandonment; he attempted to ride through the pain barrier, but had to withdraw within the neutralised zone prior to the real start of the stage.{{cite news|url=http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/11301/Setback-for-Nuyens-Flanders-preparation-as-Belgian-withdraws-from-Paris-Nice.aspx|title=Setback for Nuyens' Flanders preparation as Belgian withdraws from Paris–Nice|work=VeloNation|date=5 March 2012|access-date=6 March 2012}} The peloton itself remained together for the first third of the race, as strong headwinds counteracted against the field and did not allow for any breakaways to be formed efficiently. As such, Olivier Kaisen was the first to make a move for {{UCI team code|LTB|2012}}, attacking as the field moved through the commune of Rambouillet.{{cite news|url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/paris-nice-2012/stage-2/results|title=Tom Boonen wins in Orléans|first=Daniel|last=Benson|website=Cycling News|date=5 March 2012|access-date=6 March 2012}} Kaisen managed to extend his advantage out by almost three minutes when he reached the summit of the day's only categorised climb, in Les Granges-le-Roi. Mountains classification leader Thomas De Gendt ({{UCI team code|VCD|2012}}) placed second, with Sylvain Chavanel third for {{UCI team code|OPQ|2012}}.

File:Paris-Nice 2012 etape2 1.JPG ({{UCI team code|OPQ|2012}}) leads John Degenkolb (hidden behind Boonen, {{UCI team code|SUN|2012a}}) and José Joaquín Rojas ({{UCI team code|MOV|2012}}) in Orléans.]]

As the field reached the midway point of the stage, the windy conditions that had earlier plagued any potential breakaway from forming returned, and the crosswinds provided a large split in the field and echelons forming within it.{{cite news|url=http://www.uci.ch/Modules/ENews/ENewsDetails.asp?id=NzkzMw&MenuId=MTI2Mjc|title=First echelon in Paris–Nice|publisher=Union Cycliste Internationale|date=5 March 2012|access-date=6 March 2012}} By the time that the race had been finished, around thirty riders had made it in the lead group on the road, including overall contenders Bradley Wiggins of {{UCI team code|SKY|2012}}, {{UCI team code|OPQ|2012|nolink=yes}}'s Levi Leipheimer and {{UCI team code|BMC|2012}} rider Tejay van Garderen.{{cite news|url=http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/11303/Tom-Boonen-sprints-to-Paris-Nice-stage-two-as-the-wind-blows-Gustav-Larsson-away.aspx|title=Tom Boonen sprints to Paris–Nice stage two as the wind blows Gustav Larsson away|first=Ben|last=Atkins|work=VeloNation|date=5 March 2012|access-date=6 March 2012}} The group was later reduced to 21 riders out front after several small crashes eliminated a handful of riders from contention. Wiggins put more time into his rivals by taking the intermediate sprint, and with it, three bonus seconds on offer that gave him the virtual race lead, without even considering the fact that the overnight leader Gustav Larsson ({{UCI team code|VCD|2012|nolink=yes}}) failed to make the split. The gap from the lead pack to the first group of pursuers remained between two and two-and-a-half minutes for the rest of stage with many teams electing not to bridge the gap, mainly due to the rain that had commenced within the closing {{convert|25|km|1|abbr=on}}.

Larsson's team-mate Lieuwe Westra attacked with around {{convert|4|km|1|abbr=on}} remaining, but his effort was quickly neutralised by Chavanel, one of a number of {{UCI team code|OPQ|2012|nolink=yes}} riders in the group hoping to help Tom Boonen in a sprint finish lead-out. Following another failed attack from {{UCI team code|GRM|2012a}} rider Andreas Klier, it was left to the sprinters to battle it out for the stage honours. {{UCI team code|SUN|2012a}}'s John Degenkolb – who had recovered to the group after a puncture with {{convert|30|km|1|abbr=on}} remaining – was the first to make an attempt for the line, closely followed by José Joaquín Rojas ({{UCI team code|MOV|2012}}), but both were out-sprinted by Boonen, who went to the inside of Degenkolb and took out the victory, for the 100th individual victory of his career,{{cite news|url=http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/03/news/boonen-100th-career-win-isnt-as-important-as-being-healthy-again_208188|title=Boonen: 100th career win isn't as important as being healthy again|work=VeloNews|date=5 March 2012|access-date=6 March 2012|first=Andrew|last=Hood}} and his team's first at UCI World Tour level.{{cite news|url=http://www.omegapharma-quickstep.com/en/news/show/boonen-gets-100th-win-team-earns-first-world-tour-win/246|title=Boonen Gets 100th Win, Team Earns First World Tour Win|work={{UCI team code|OPQ|2012}}|publisher=Decolef|date=5 March 2012|access-date=6 March 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130131022057/http://www.omegapharma-quickstep.com/en/news/show/boonen-gets-100th-win-team-earns-first-world-tour-win/246|archive-date=2013-01-31|url-status=dead}} Rojas just beat Degenkolb for second place on the line with Sep Vanmarcke and Francesco Gavazzi rounding out the top five for {{UCI team code|GRM|2012a|nolink=yes}} and {{UCI team code|AST|2012}} respectively. Following his finish in the lead group, Wiggins assumed the overall lead from Larsson,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cycling/17261475|title=Bradley Wiggins takes lead in Paris–Nice race|publisher=BBC Sport|date=5 March 2012|access-date=6 March 2012}} with Boonen taking the points classification lead while moving into third place overall behind team-mate Leipheimer, thanks to the bonus seconds on offer at the finish.

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|General Classification after Stage 2

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File:Paris-Nice 2012 Profile stage 3.png

;6 March 2012 — Vierzon to Lac de Vassivière, {{convert|194|km|1|abbr=on}}{{cite web|title=Stage 3: Vierzon to Le Lac de Vassivière|url=http://www.letour.fr/2012/PNC/COURSE/us/300/etape_par_etape.html|work=Paris–Nice|publisher=Amaury Sport Organisation|access-date=4 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303100754/http://www.letour.fr/2012/PNC/COURSE/us/300/etape_par_etape.html|archive-date=3 March 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}

A trio of riders – {{UCI team code|SUN|2012a}}'s Roy Curvers, {{UCI team code|SAU|2012}} rider Jimmy Engoulvent and Michael Mørkøv of {{UCI team code|SAX|2012a}} – made the early breakaway from the field, and managed to extend their advantage to the main field to over four-and-a-half minutes at one point during the stage, before eventually stabilising at the 4' 30" mark for the majority of the stage.{{cite news|url=http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/11310/Alejandro-Valverde-wins-tight-sprint-to-take-Paris-Nice-stage-three.aspx|title=Alejandro Valverde wins tight sprint to take Paris–Nice stage three|work=VeloNation|date=6 March 2012|access-date=7 March 2012|first=Ben|last=Atkins}} {{UCI team code|SKY|2012}} and {{UCI team code|OPQ|2012}} riders occupied the front portion of the peloton, protecting their respective lead riders Bradley Wiggins and Levi Leipheimer in order to not lose time before the final climb at Lac de Vassivière.{{cite news|url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/paris-nice-2012/stage-3/results|first=Barry|last=Ryan|date=6 March 2012|access-date=7 March 2012|website=Cycling News|title=Alejandro Valverde wins in Lac de Vassivière}}{{cite news|url=http://www.omegapharma-quickstep.com/en/news/show/team-protects-paris-nice-gc-riders/253|date=6 March 2012|access-date=7 March 2012|work={{UCI team code|OPQ|2012}}|publisher=Decolef|title=Team Protects Paris–Nice GC Riders|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120907104531/http://www.omegapharma-quickstep.com/en/news/show/team-protects-paris-nice-gc-riders/253|archive-date=2012-09-07|url-status=dead}} The pack, now fronted by the {{UCI team code|MOV|2012}}, steadily cut into the lead for the three escapees, who reached the categorised climb of the Côte de Bourganeuf with an advantage of less than three minutes. Curvers crested the summit first, but posed no threat to the mountains classification leader Thomas De Gendt ({{UCI team code|VCD|2012}}), who kept a hold of the polka-dot jersey.

After the climb, the peloton lifted the pace and cut into the leaders' advantage, trimming off two minutes within the space of {{convert|10|km|1|abbr=on}}. Engoulvent left his two breakaway companions behind with {{convert|14|km|1|abbr=on}} remaining, as {{UCI team code|OPQ|2012|nolink=yes}} hit the front of the peloton, this time with points classification leader Tom Boonen doing some of the legwork. Engoulvent held his slim lead through the intermediate sprint at Peyrat-le-Château, before being engulfed by the field with {{convert|6|km|1|abbr=on}} to go.{{cite news|url=http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/03/news/valverde-holds-off-gerrans-at-paris-nice_208259|title=Valverde holds off Gerrans at Paris–Nice|first=Andrew|last=Hood|date=6 March 2012|access-date=7 March 2012|work=VeloNews|publisher=Competitor Group, Inc.}} {{UCI team code|VCD|2012|nolink=yes}} rider Sergey Lagutin attacked with {{convert|4|km|1|abbr=on}} to go – just as team-mate Lieuwe Westra did the previous day – but was unsuccessful, and was eventually caught just before the final kilometre of the stage. Westra attacked but was covered off immediately, setting up the uphill sprint to the line.

French pair Blel Kadri ({{UCI team code|ALM|2012}}) and Jérémie Galland ({{UCI team code|SAU|2012|nolink=yes}}) both launched their attacks in the closing stages,{{cite news|title=Valverde's perfect move|url=http://www.letour.fr/2012/PNC/LIVE/us/300/journal_etape.html|work=Paris–Nice|publisher=Amaury Sport Organisation|date=6 March 2012|access-date=7 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308201439/http://www.letour.fr/2012/PNC/LIVE/us/300/journal_etape.html|archive-date=8 March 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} but were overhauled by a bunch of riders from which Alejandro Valverde ({{UCI team code|MOV|2012|nolink=yes}}) looked to have the legs on the rest of the field, sprinting from {{convert|300|m|abbr=on}} out. Valverde was briefly troubled by the sprint of Australian road race champion Simon Gerrans ({{UCI team code|GEC|2012a}}), with Valverde ultimately prevailing at the line – just as was the case at the Tour Down Under in a two-up sprint{{cite news|title=In-form Valverde wins Paris–Nice third stage|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i9tiiHctgXK8OswUWVPcuPYf3p-A?docId=CNG.ea6339254f924ac9eb10504ea501bd52.201|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226120335/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i9tiiHctgXK8OswUWVPcuPYf3p-A?docId=CNG.ea6339254f924ac9eb10504ea501bd52.201|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 26, 2014|work=Google News|publisher=Google Inc.|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=6 March 2012|access-date=7 March 2012}} – by half a wheel length, with {{UCI team code|LTB|2012}}'s Gianni Meersman rounding out the podium ahead of {{UCI team code|RAB|2012}}'s Luis León Sánchez and {{UCI team code|KAT|2012}}'s Xavier Florencio; both of whom had launched their own attacks in the closing metres. Valverde's victory – his fourth of the season since returning from a doping ban – was enough to move him into the lead of the points classification, while the bonus seconds awarded on the line moved him into sixth place overall, 20 seconds down on race leader Wiggins.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cycling-road/17276955|title=Bradley Wiggins retains Paris–Nice yellow jersey|publisher=BBC Sport|date=6 March 2012|access-date=7 March 2012}}

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|General Classification after Stage 3

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File:Paris-Nice 2012 Profile stage 4.png

;7 March 2012 — Brive-la-Gaillarde to Rodez, {{convert|178|km|1|abbr=on}}{{cite web|title=Stage 4: Brive-la-Gaillarde to Rodez|url=http://www.letour.fr/2012/PNC/COURSE/us/400/etape_par_etape.html|work=Paris–Nice|publisher=Amaury Sport Organisation|access-date=4 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303095419/http://www.letour.fr/2012/PNC/COURSE/us/400/etape_par_etape.html|archive-date=3 March 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}

A quintet of riders – {{UCI team code|ALM|2012}}'s Jean-Christophe Péraud, {{UCI team code|FDJ|2012}} rider Pierrick Fédrigo, Leigh Howard of {{UCI team code|GEC|2012a}}, {{UCI team code|LTB|2012}}'s Bart De Clercq and {{UCI team code|COF|2012}} rider Luis Ángel Maté – made the early breakaway from the field, and managed to extend their advantage over the main field to in excess of five minutes at one point during the stage.{{cite news|url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/paris-nice-2012/stage-4/results|title=Gianni Meersman wins in Rodez|first=Daniel|last=Benson|website=Cycling News|date=7 March 2012|access-date=8 March 2012}} As such, the riders between them managed to take all sub-classification points on offer during the stage, at the single intermediate sprint – coming after {{convert|142|km|1|abbr=on}} at Saint-Cyprien-sur-Dourdou – and the first three of the five categorised climbs during the stage. Their advantage out front dwindled quickly as the peloton – led by {{UCI team code|RAB|2012}} and {{UCI team code|LAM|2012}} – gathered pace, leaving the breakaway with just 90 seconds of a lead out front with around {{convert|40|km|1|abbr=on}} to go. {{convert|15|km|1|abbr=on}} later, Maté sat up with cramping in his knee – stemming from a crash in Stage 2 – having already wrested the lead of the mountains classification away from Thomas De Gendt ({{UCI team code|VCD|2012}}). The peloton picked up the pace again, with {{UCI team code|OPQ|2012}} on the front, and the remaining members of the breakaway were caught a short time later.{{cite news|url=http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/11315/Gianni-Meersman-times-it-right-to-take-Paris-Nice-stage-four.aspx|title=Gianni Meersman times it right to take Paris–Nice stage four|work=VeloNation|date=7 March 2012|access-date=8 March 2012|first=Ben|last=Atkins}}

De Gendt himself attacked on the penultimate climb, the Côte d'Aubert le Crès, to limit the points gap between himself and Maté, picking up the four points on offer for reaching the summit first and reducing his gap to Maté to eight points. After a short period off the front of the field, De Gendt was caught by a small gruppetto of riders and ultimately the rest of the field moments later, with the {{UCI team code|MOV|2012}} and {{UCI team code|SKY|2012}} squads making moves in order to get their respective classification leaders Alejandro Valverde and Bradley Wiggins in safe positions for the run to Rodez. Andreas Klöden tried to go clear inside the final {{convert|2|km|1|abbr=on}} for {{UCI team code|RNT|2012}}, taking top points at the final climb, but was caught with around {{convert|500|m|abbr=on}} to go.{{cite news|title=Meersman from third to first|url=http://www.letour.fr/2012/PNC/LIVE/us/400/journal_etape.html|work=Paris–Nice|publisher=Amaury Sport Organisation|date=7 March 2012|access-date=8 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309182734/http://www.letour.fr/2012/PNC/LIVE/us/400/journal_etape.html|archive-date=9 March 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} The easing gradient into Rodez set up a sprint to the line with {{UCI team code|LAM|2012|nolink=yes}}'s Grega Bole launching early, but was eventually passed by {{UCI team code|LTB|2012|nolink=yes}} rider Gianni Meersman, who was third the previous day. Meersman held on to win ahead of Bole and {{UCI team code|VCD|2012|nolink=yes}}'s Lieuwe Westra,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cycling-road/17292007|title=Bradley Wiggins maintains lead in Paris–Nice|date=7 March 2012|access-date=8 March 2012|publisher=BBC Sport}}{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/cycling-wiggins-guards-his-nice-lead-7544597.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/cycling-wiggins-guards-his-nice-lead-7544597.html |archive-date=2022-05-01 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Wiggins guards his Nice lead|date=8 March 2012|access-date=8 March 2012|work=The Independent|agency=Associated Press}}{{cbignore}} whose bonus seconds on the line enabled him to surpass Valverde for sixth place in the general classification. Other than Maté assuming the mountains lead from De Gendt, none of the other jerseys changed hands as Wiggins, Valverde and Tejay van Garderen ({{UCI team code|BMC|2012}}) all finished safely in the pack.

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|General Classification after Stage 4

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File:Paris-Nice 2012 Profile stage 5.png

;8 March 2012 — Onet-le-Château to Mende, {{convert|178.5|km|1|abbr=on}}{{cite web|title=Stage 5: Onet-le-Château to Mende|url=http://www.letour.fr/2012/PNC/COURSE/us/500/etape_par_etape.html|work=Paris–Nice|publisher=Amaury Sport Organisation|access-date=4 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303100956/http://www.letour.fr/2012/PNC/COURSE/us/500/etape_par_etape.html|archive-date=3 March 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}

File:Lieuwewestra.JPG in the closing metres at Mende. Westra's stage victory moved him into second place in the general classification, trailing overall leader Bradley Wiggins ({{UCI team code|SKY|2012}}) by six seconds.]]

The race's queen stage consisted of six categorised climbs over the {{convert|178.5|km|1|abbr=on}} parcours,{{cite news|url=http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/11321/Lieuwe-Westra-soars-to-take-Paris-Nice-stage-five-on-the-Montee-Jalabert.aspx|first=Ben|last=Atkins|work=VeloNation|date=8 March 2012|access-date=9 March 2012|title=Lieuwe Westra soars to take Paris–Nice stage five on the Montée Jalabert}} including three first-category climbs; the Côte de la Malène, the Côte de l'Estrade and the final climb to Mende, the Côte de la Croix-Neuve–Montée Laurent Jalabert – a {{convert|3|km|1|abbr=on}} climb at an average gradient of 10.1%,{{cite news|url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/drama-to-the-last-for-paris-nice|website=Cycling News|date=2 February 2012|access-date=9 March 2012|title=Drama to the last for Paris–Nice}} named in honour of the three-time Paris–Nice winner Laurent Jalabert – which had featured twice before as a summit finish in 2007 and 2010, won on both occasions by Alberto Contador. Many riders and teams believed that the stage suited {{UCI team code|MOV|2012}}'s Alejandro Valverde,{{cite news|title=Westra, the Beast of Gévaudan|url=http://www.letour.fr/2012/PNC/LIVE/us/500/journal_etape.html|work=Paris–Nice|publisher=Amaury Sport Organisation|date=8 March 2012|access-date=9 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309193901/http://www.letour.fr/2012/PNC/LIVE/us/500/journal_etape.html|archive-date=9 March 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|title=Wiggins ready for all takers on Mende|url=http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/03/news/wiggins-ready-for-all-takers-on-mende_208464|work=VeloNews|date=8 March 2012|access-date=9 March 2012}} who had finished second on the Mende stage in 2010 before the result was expunged due to his doping suspension later in the year. Four riders – {{UCI team code|VCD|2012}}'s Frederik Veuchelen, {{UCI team code|GEC|2012a}} rider Simon Clarke, David Lelay of {{UCI team code|SAU|2012}} and {{UCI team code|EUC|2012}}'s Yukiya Arashiro – advanced clear of the main field after just {{convert|2|km|1|abbr=on}} of the stage, and managed to extend their advantage to a maximum of around seven minutes at one point during the stage.

Veuchelen earned the majority of points on offer for the mountains classification, summiting the stage's first three climbs, cresting them all ahead of Lelay and Arashiro.{{cite news|url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/paris-nice-2012/stage-5/results|first=Daniel|last=Benson|website=Cycling News|date=8 March 2012|access-date=9 March 2012|title=Westra prevails on Mende mountain finish}} {{UCI team code|MOV|2012}} riders began to step up the pace on the front of the peloton, looking to set up the basis for an eventual attack at Mende by Valverde. With around {{convert|50|km|1|abbr=on}} to go, {{UCI team code|ALM|2012}}'s Blel Kadri exited the race, after breaking his left scapula in a crash.{{cite news|url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/broken-shoulder-for-kadri-in-paris-nice-crash|website=Cycling News|date=8 March 2012|access-date=9 March 2012|title=Broken shoulder for Kadri in Paris–Nice crash}} On the Côte de l'Estrade, {{UCI team code|AST|2012}}'s Kevin Seeldraeyers and {{UCI team code|RAB|2012}}'s Laurens ten Dam attacked off the front of the main field, and set off in chase of the lead quartet. As Veuchelen continued to rack up points towards a mountains classification lead, Seeldraeyers and ten Dam continued to close on the lead group, and with around {{convert|10|km|1|abbr=on}} remaining, they latched on to the group as they were on the outskirts of Mende. The peloton caught all bar Veuchelen a short time later, with Veuchelen relenting to the foot of the final climb of the Côte de la Croix-Neuve–Montée Laurent Jalabert, before he too was engulfed by the main field through the advancing pace of several teams on the front of the pack.

{{UCI team code|SKY|2012}} then took up the reins through recent Volta ao Algarve winner Richie Porte,{{cite web|url=http://www.atwistedspoke.com/porte-shreds-contenders-on-climb-to-mende/|title=Porte shreds contenders on climb to Mende|first=Matt|last=Walsh|date=8 March 2012|access-date=9 March 2012|work=Twisted Spoke|publisher=WordPress}} protecting their overall leader Bradley Wiggins; such was Porte's high tempo that less than twenty riders remained in the lead group as the race reached the final kilometre. Arnold Jeannesson attacked from the group for {{UCI team code|FDJ|2012}}, gaining several bike lengths before Wiggins upped his pace, putting youth classification leader Tejay van Garderen ({{UCI team code|BMC|2012}}) into difficulty. As Wiggins bridged up to Jeannesson, Lieuwe Westra, sixth place in the general classification overnight, attacked for {{UCI team code|VCD|2012|nolink=yes}}; pulling clear and earned the stage victory, six seconds ahead of a small group consisting of Valverde, Wiggins, Levi Leipheimer ({{UCI team code|OPQ|2012}}) and Simon Špilak for {{UCI team code|KAT|2012}}. Westra moved into second place in the general classification after reducing his deficit to Wiggins, to six seconds,{{cite news|url=http://www1.skysports.com/cycling/news/15264/7579811/Westra-closes-in-on-Wiggins|title=Westra closes in on Wiggins|work=Sky Sports|publisher=BSkyB|date=8 March 2012|access-date=9 March 2012}} while Valverde and Špilak both moved ahead of van Garderen, into the top five. Jeannesson's late-stage attack was also beneficial to his overall position, as he also moved inside the top ten, into seventh position.

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|General Classification after Stage 5

|}

File:Paris-Nice 2012 Profile stage 6.png

;9 March 2012 — Suze-la-Rousse to Sisteron, {{convert|178.5|km|1|abbr=on}}{{cite web|title=Stage 6: Suze-la-Rousse to Sisteron|url=http://www.letour.fr/2012/PNC/COURSE/us/600/etape_par_etape.html|work=Paris–Nice|publisher=Amaury Sport Organisation|access-date=4 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305112402/http://www.letour.fr/2012/PNC/COURSE/us/600/etape_par_etape.html|archive-date=5 March 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}

Just as what occurred on the second stage of the race, crosswinds caused an early fracture in the main field; inside the first {{convert|5|km|1|abbr=on}},{{cite news|title=Sanchez restores pride in Sisteron|url=http://www.letour.fr/2012/PNC/LIVE/us/600/journal_etape.html|work=Paris–Nice|publisher=Amaury Sport Organisation|date=9 March 2012|access-date=9 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309213928/http://www.letour.fr/2012/PNC/LIVE/us/600/journal_etape.html|archive-date=9 March 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} a group of around thirty riders – including all the overall general classification contenders, with the exception of Alejandro Valverde ({{UCI team code|MOV|2012}}) and Maxime Monfort ({{UCI team code|RNT|2012}}) – got clear just as the race moved into the commune of Tulette. A second group of another thirty riders also formed out of the main bunch, but were quickly caught by the peloton, mainly through the acceleration of the {{UCI team code|MOV|2012}}, helping Valverde to get back into the stage equation. The main field reformed on the day's second categorised climb, the Côte du Pas de Ventoux, but seven riders – mountains classification leader Frederik Veuchelen ({{UCI team code|VCD|2012}}), {{UCI team code|RNT|2012|nolink=yes}}'s Jens Voigt, {{UCI team code|SUN|2012a}} rider Simon Geschke, Luis León Sánchez of {{UCI team code|RAB|2012}}, Mikaël Cherel ({{UCI team code|ALM|2012}}), {{UCI team code|FDJ|2012}}'s Anthony Geslin and Daniel Navarro of {{UCI team code|SAX|2012a}} – went clear to form the day's primary breakaway.{{cite news|url=http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/11329/Luis-Leon-Sanchez-outsprints-Jens-Voigt-to-take-Paris-Nice-stage-six.aspx|title=Luis León Sánchez outsprints Jens Voigt to take Paris–Nice stage six|first=Ben|last=Atkins|work=VeloNation|date=9 March 2012|access-date=9 March 2012}}{{cite news|url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/paris-nice-2012/stage-6/results|title=Sanchez wins Paris–Nice stage to Sisteron|first=Daniel|last=Benson|website=Cycling News|date=9 March 2012|access-date=9 March 2012}}

By the time the breakaway reached the third climb of the day, the Côte d'Aurel, the gap to the main field was just under four minutes, and with Sánchez – the 2009 race-winner{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/cycling/9134243/Paris-Nice-2012-Luis-Leon-Sanchez-wins-stage-six-as-Bradley-Wiggins-retains-leaders-yellow-jersey.html|title=Luis León Sánchez wins stage six as Bradley Wiggins retains leader's yellow jersey|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=9 March 2012|access-date=9 March 2012}} – less than four minutes behind overall leader Bradley Wiggins, {{UCI team code|SKY|2012}} put their men on the front of the field in order to limit any potential gains that Sánchez could have made. The gap to the breakaway was reduced to two minutes inside the final {{convert|25|km|1|abbr=on}} of the stage, and as the leaders made their way through Sisteron before a {{convert|19|km|1|abbr=on}} finishing circuit, their lead was almost halved to 1' 10". Sánchez, Voigt and Cherel went clear of their four other companions as they crested the final climb of the day, the Côte des Marquises with around {{convert|12|km|1|abbr=on}} left in the stage. Cherel was dropped several minutes later, and with the main bunch not closing quickly enough to force a field sprint for the honours, it was left to Sánchez and Voigt to do battle themselves. Voigt launched first but Sánchez held enough in reserve to out-sprint his rival, by a wheel length, for his fourth career Paris–Nice stage victory.{{cite news|url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/09032012/2/cycling-sanchez-beats-voigt-paris-nice-stage-win.html|title=Sanchez beats Voigt to Paris–Nice stage win|agency=Reuters|work=Yahoo! Eurosport|publisher=TF1 Group|date=9 March 2012|access-date=9 March 2012}} {{UCI team code|GRM|2012a}}'s Heinrich Haussler led home the main field in third place, fourteen seconds in arrears of Sánchez and Voigt,{{cite news|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jnj_WNIUNI-acUDtTJ3xOqOjqUtA?docId=CNG.9cff4b4e504e7c63ce362980228c55e3.c51|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226121032/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jnj_WNIUNI-acUDtTJ3xOqOjqUtA?docId=CNG.9cff4b4e504e7c63ce362980228c55e3.c51|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 26, 2014|title=Sanchez strikes as Wiggins keeps Paris–Nice cycling lead|work=Google News|publisher=Google Inc.|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=9 March 2012|access-date=9 March 2012}} while the overall contenders finished safely in the pack, causing no changes to the top ten placings.{{cite news|url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/09032012/58/sanchez-takes-stage-wiggins-retains-lead.html|title=Sanchez takes stage, Wiggins retains lead|work=Yahoo! Eurosport|publisher=TF1 Group|date=9 March 2012|access-date=9 March 2012}}

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|General Classification after Stage 6

|}

File:Paris-Nice 2012 Profile stage 7.png

;10 March 2012 — Sisteron to Nice, {{convert|219.5|km|1|abbr=on}}{{cite web|title=Stage 7: Sisteron to Nice|url=http://www.letour.fr/2012/PNC/COURSE/us/700/etape_par_etape.html|work=Paris–Nice|publisher=Amaury Sport Organisation|access-date=4 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303101013/http://www.letour.fr/2012/PNC/COURSE/us/700/etape_par_etape.html|archive-date=3 March 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}

Mini-attacks set the course for the stage as the field remained as one, for much of the first hour of racing.{{cite news|url=http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/11337/Paris-Nice-Thomas-De-Gendt-solos-into-Nice-as-Leipheimer-crashes-out-of-contention.aspx|title=Thomas De Gendt solos into Nice as Leipheimer crashes out of contention|first=Ben|last=Atkins|work=VeloNation|date=10 March 2012|access-date=11 March 2012}} It was not until after {{convert|48|km|1|abbr=on}} that the stage's primary breakaway had been formed. Two riders – Thomas De Gendt of {{UCI team code|VCD|2012}} and {{UCI team code|COF|2012}}'s Rein Taaramäe – originally managed to breach the confines of the field, and set off in a bid to extend a substantial advantage of the main field, as both riders featured a long way down the general classification.{{cite news|url=http://www.teamsky.com/article/0,27290,24793_7583866,00.html|title=Wiggins one step away|date=10 March 2012|access-date=11 March 2012|work={{UCI team code|SKY|2012}}|publisher=BSkyB}} Taaramäe's presence in the breakaway came just {{convert|12|km|1|abbr=on}} after he had suffered an accident in the main field; he was looking to reduce some of his 31-minute deficit to race leader Bradley Wiggins ({{UCI team code|SKY|2012}}), while De Gendt was half that margin behind Wiggins, trailing by 15' 44".

By the time that De Gendt and Taaramäe had reached the stage's opening climb of the day, the Col des Leques, the duo held an advantage of over eight minutes to the main field, before later extending that gap out to twelve minutes around {{convert|15|km|1|abbr=on}} later. {{UCI team code|AST|2012}}'s Evgeni Petrov gave chase on his own for around {{convert|30|km|1|abbr=on}},{{cite news|title=De Gendt shines like his team|url=http://www.letour.fr/2012/PNC/LIVE/us/700/journal_etape.html|work=Paris–Nice|publisher=Amaury Sport Organisation|access-date=11 March 2012|date=10 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309213935/http://www.letour.fr/2012/PNC/LIVE/us/700/journal_etape.html|archive-date=9 March 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} but was eventually recaptured by the peloton, still twelve minutes in arrears of De Gendt and Taaramäe. The lead duo were in the process of attacking one another on the Col de Vence, with De Gendt eventually breaking Taaramäe's resistance, and ultimately soloed the remaining {{convert|60|km|1|abbr=on}} of the stage to take his team's third victory of the race, after prior victories for Gustav Larsson and Lieuwe Westra.{{cite news|url=http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/03/news/paris-nice-de-gendt-wins-solo-on-stage-7-leipheimer-crashes_208866|title=De Gendt takes stage 7, Leipheimer crashes|work=VeloNews|date=10 March 2012|access-date=11 March 2012}} Taaramäe also remained clear of the main field, finishing second, but over six minutes down on De Gendt.{{cite news|url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/paris-nice-2012/stage-7/results|title=De Gendt solos to victory|first=Barry|last=Ryan|website=Cycling News|date=10 March 2012|access-date=11 March 2012}}

A further three minutes passed before the main field crossed the finish line on the Promenade des Anglais, led over the line by {{UCI team code|SUN|2012a}} rider John Degenkolb, Greg Henderson of {{UCI team code|LTB|2012}} and {{UCI team code|BMC|2012}}'s Thor Hushovd.{{cite news|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/news/35229/De-Gendt-wins-as-Wiggins-holds-lead|title=De Gendt wins as Wiggins holds lead|date=11 March 2012|access-date=11 March 2012|work=Cycling Central|publisher=Special Broadcasting Service|agency=Agence France-Presse|archive-date=14 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314102820/http://www.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/news/35229/de-gendt-wins-as-wiggins-holds-lead|url-status=dead}} Wiggins maintained his six-second lead over Westra in the overall classification,{{cite news|url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/10032012/58/wiggins-leads-deciding-paris-nice-tt.html|title=Wiggins leads into deciding Paris–Nice TT|work=Yahoo! Eurosport|publisher=TF1 Group|date=10 March 2012|access-date=11 March 2012|agency=Reuters}} as both riders finished safely in the pack, however this was not the case for Levi Leipheimer, who had been lying in third place overnight for {{UCI team code|OPQ|2012}}. In the second half of the stage alone, Leipheimer crashed on three separate occasions,{{cite news|url=http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/11338/Leipheimer-philosophical-as-three-crashes-put-him-out-of-Paris-Nice-contention.aspx|title=Leipheimer philosophical as three crashes put him out of Paris–Nice contention|first=Ben|last=Atkins|work=VeloNation|date=10 March 2012|access-date=11 March 2012}} and thus finished over seven minutes behind his rivals for overall victory, thereby ending his chances of winning the race and the chances of becoming the first American since Floyd Landis, in 2006, to win the race.

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|General Classification after Stage 7

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File:Paris-Nice 2012 Profile stage 8.png

;11 March 2012 — Nice to Col d'Èze, {{convert|9.6|km|1|abbr=on}} (ITT){{cite web|title=Stage 8: Nice to Col d'Èze|url=http://www.letour.fr/2012/PNC/COURSE/us/800/etape_par_etape.html|work=Paris–Nice|publisher=Amaury Sport Organisation|access-date=4 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303101019/http://www.letour.fr/2012/PNC/COURSE/us/800/etape_par_etape.html|archive-date=3 March 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}

For the final time trial stage, the race returned to the Col d'Èze for a mountain time trial for the first time since 2001{{cite news|url=http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/10975/Paris-Nice-route-leaked-Col-dEze-time-trial-to-return.aspx|title=Paris–Nice route leaked, Col d'Eze time trial to return|work=VeloNation|first=Shane|last=Stokes|date=25 January 2012|access-date=11 March 2012}} – although the first time since 1995 in its once traditional place as the final stage of the race{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/mar/10/bradley-wiggins-paris-nice-cycling|title=Bradley Wiggins set for second major stage race win in Paris–Nice|work=The Guardian|date=10 March 2012|access-date=11 March 2012|first=William|last=Fotheringham}} – when Dario Frigo of the {{UCI team code|FAS|2001}} team triumphed by almost half a minute from his nearest rivals.{{cite news|url=http://autobus.cyclingnews.com/results/2001/mar01/parisnice016.shtml|title=Frigo does the double|website=Cycling News|first=Séverine|last=Cottin|date=17 March 2001|access-date=11 March 2012}} As was customary of time trial stages, cyclists set off in reverse order from where they were ranked in the general classification at the end of the previous stage. Thus, Jarosław Marycz of {{UCI team code|SAX|2012a}}, who, in 145th place, trailed overall leader Bradley Wiggins ({{UCI team code|SKY|2012}}) by one hour, eighteen minutes and fifty-three seconds, was the first rider to set off on the final stage.{{cite news|url=http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/11341/Wiggins-wins-Paris-Nice-with-Col-dEze-victory.aspx|title=Wiggins wins Paris–Nice with Col d'Eze victory|first=Shane|last=Stokes|date=11 March 2012|access-date=11 March 2012|work=VeloNation}} Marycz set a time of 23' 32" for the 4.7% average gradient climb.

File:Bradley Wiggins, Paris-Nice 2012 (cropped).JPG won the final stage of the race by two seconds, to win the race overall by eight seconds over Lieuwe Westra.]]

{{UCI team code|LIQ|2012}} rider Tiziano Dall'Antonia was the first to break 23 minutes for the climb,{{cite news|url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/paris-nice-2012/stage-8/results|title=Wiggins wins Paris–Nice|website=Cycling News|date=11 March 2012|access-date=11 March 2012|first=Barry|last=Ryan}} but his stay at the top of the standings was short as Wiggins' team-mate Danny Pate, a former world time trial champion at under-23 level, went substantially quicker than Dall'Antonia, setting a benchmark of 21' 29" for the climb.{{cite news|url=http://www.teamsky.com/article/0,27290,24793_7574257,00.html|title=Danny Pate Paris–Nice analysis|first=Dirk|last=Friel|work={{UCI team code|SKY|2012}}|publisher=BSkyB|date=11 March 2012|access-date=11 March 2012|archive-date=8 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308235522/http://www.teamsky.com/article/0,27290,24793_7574257,00.html|url-status=dead}} Wiggins shadowed his team-mate's run, in a car following him up the hill, to gather information about what lay ahead before his start time. Pate's time held for almost 20 minutes until {{UCI team code|LTB|2012}}'s Bart De Clercq bettered his time, breaking the 21-minute barrier. French riders then lowered the benchmark yet further; David Moncoutié, who finished fourth in the race's last time trial at the Col d'Èze, recorded a time of 20' 11" for {{UCI team code|COF|2012}}, but Jean-Christophe Péraud usurped that with the first sub 20-minute time. The {{UCI team code|ALM|2012}} rider, the 2009 national time trial champion, recorded a time of 19' 45"; a time that left his team manager Vincent Lavenu elated, with Péraud later expressing his surprise at such a quick time.{{cite news|url=http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/11344/Ag2r-La-Mondiale-hails-Perauds-result.aspx|title=Ag2r La Mondiale hails Péraud's result|work=VeloNation|date=11 March 2012|access-date=11 March 2012}}

Péraud's time remained untouched until the final group of riders set off, and with {{UCI team code|KAT|2012}}'s Simon Špilak coming closest to Péraud in a time of 19' 59", having faded from a similar time at the intermediate point of the Col des Quatre Chemins, the stage battle ultimately came down to the two riders in contention for the overall honours; Wiggins and {{UCI team code|VCD|2012}}'s Lieuwe Westra. Westra set off two minutes before Wiggins, and although noted as proficient in the time trial discipline, he left everything on the hill as he set the fastest time to the intermediate checkpoint; recording a time of 11' 29", taking around three seconds per kilometre out of Péraud's time of 11' 47". Two minutes later, Wiggins passed the same point two seconds slower than Westra, but a stronger second half to the stage sealed the victory for Wiggins; as the hill flattened, Wiggins' time-trial experience proved pivotal as he overhauled the deficit to Westra, and finished the stage with a two-second advantage over Westra, taking the stage win, overall victory and the points classification in one fell swoop. {{UCI team code|MOV|2012}}'s Alejandro Valverde, who had held the lead of the points classification prior to the stage, could only muster sixth on the stage, but this result was good enough for him to claim the final remaining place on the podium.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cycling/17332892|title=Bradley Wiggins wins Paris–Nice after final time trial|publisher=BBC Sport|date=11 March 2012|access-date=11 March 2012}}

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|Final General Classification

|}

In the 2012 Paris–Nice, four different jerseys were awarded. For the general classification, calculated by adding each cyclist's finishing times on each stage, and allowing time bonuses for the first three finishers on mass-start stages, the leader received a yellow jersey.{{cite web|title=2012 Paris–Nice: Special rules|url=http://www.letour.fr/2012/PNC/COURSE/us/reglement_particulier.html|work=Paris–Nice|publisher=Amaury Sport Organisation|access-date=11 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302210647/http://www.letour.fr/2012/PNC/COURSE/us/reglement_particulier.html|archive-date=2 March 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} This classification was considered the most important of the 2012 Paris–Nice, and the winner of the classification was considered the winner of the race.

Additionally, there was a points classification, which awarded a green jersey. In the points classification, cyclists got points for finishing in the top 20 in a stage. Unlike in the better known points classification in the Tour de France, the type of stage had no effect on what points were on offer – each stage had the same points available on the same scale. The win earned 25 points, second place earned 22 points, third 20, fourth 18, fifth 16, and one point fewer per place down to a single point for 20th. In addition, points could be won in intermediate sprints; three points for crossing the sprint line first, two points for second place, and one for third.

There was also a mountains classification, the leadership of which was marked by a red and white polka-dot jersey. In the mountains classification, points were won by reaching the top of a climb before other cyclists. Each climb was categorised as either first, second, or third-category, with more points available for the higher-categorised climbs. For first-category climbs, points were awarded on a scale of 10 points for first across the climb, second place earned 8 points, third 6, fourth 4, and one point fewer per place down to a single point for seventh. Second-category climbs awarded points on a scale of 7 points for first place, second place earned 5 points, third 3, and one point fewer per place down to a single point for fifth. Third-category climbs awarded points to the top three riders only; 4 points for first across the climb, second place earned 2 points, third place earned 1 point.

The fourth jersey represented the young rider classification, marked by a white jersey. This was decided the same way as the general classification, but only riders born after 1 January 1987 were eligible to be ranked in the classification.

There was also a classification for teams, in which the times of the best three cyclists per team on each stage were added together; the leading team at the end of the race was the team with the lowest total time.

{{reflist|30em}}

• {{cite web|url=http://netstorage.lequipe.fr/ASO/cyclisme/paris-nice/2014/guide_historique_fr.pdf|title=Guide Historique 2014|language=French|trans-title=Historic Guide 2014|work=L'Equipe|page=75|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327051041/http://netstorage.lequipe.fr/ASO/cyclisme/paris-nice/2014/guide_historique_fr.pdf|archivedate=27 March 2014}}

{{commons category}}

• {{official website|http://www.letour.fr/us/homepage_horscoursePNC.html}}

{{2012 UCI World Tour}}

{{Paris–Nice}}

{{Good article}}

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Paris-Nice

Paris-Nice

Category:Paris–Nice

Paris-Nice