The general classification
Max Schachmann claimed the overall win after hanging on to his rivals during the final climb. The late attack from Tiesj Benoot in the final kilometre just wasn’t strong enough. However, the Bora-Hansgrohe pro admitted the last 3km were “a walk through hell”.
“Now I’m in heaven,” Schachmann said after the win. “It was very tough. This is only the fourth year of my career but this is my biggest victory. People have always doubted if I could become a general classification rider, and now I’ve won one of the most prestigious week-long stage races here.”
Schachmann had to defend his lead against Benoot, Higuita and Pinot. And in the end, he won by 18 seconds.
The race ended a day early because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Final general classification
1. Max Schachmann (Bora-Hansgrohe) – 27:14:23
2. Tiesj Benoot (Sunweb) + 18s
3. Sergio Higuita (EF Pro Cycling) + 59s
4. Vincenzo Nibali (Trek-Segafredo) + 1:16
5. Thibaut Pinot (Groupama-FDJ) + 1:24
6. Nairo Quintana (Arkéa-Samsic) + 1:30
7. Rudy Molard (Groupama-FDJ) + 2:03
8. Tanel Kangert (EF Pro Cycling) + 2:16
9. Felix Großschartner (Bora-Hansgrohe) + 3:39
10. Søren Kragh Andersen (Sunweb) + 4:36
The Škoda sponsored Green Jersey
Unlike the Tour de France, the same amount of points is awarded in each stage of Paris-Nice to the top 10 finishers, with 15 points going to the winner, 12 to the second rider, 9 to the third, and then all the way down (from 7 to 1) to the rest of the top 10. Points can also be gained in intermediate sprints. 3 points go to the first pro at the sprint finishing line, 2 to the second one and 1 to the third.
Tiesj Benoot won the Škoda sponsored Green Jersey this year with 43 points. Thanks to his effort on the final climb, he successfully defended the jersey against Max Schachmann, who finished second with 38 points.
Well done and congratulations, Tiesj!
