Who will challenge Jonas Vingegaard at the Race to the Sun? Analysing the contenders for Paris-Nice

Jonas Vingegaard is set to headline the start list for the upcoming Paris-Nice, the 'Race to the Sun', where he will face a formidable challenge from a field including UAE Team Emirates' Juan Ayuso and DSM-Firmenich PostNL's Oscar Onley. The eight-day stage race, often a crucial early-season barometer, will see Vingegaard attempt to add another prestigious stage race to his palmarès against a mix of established and emerging talents.

This year's Paris-Nice takes on added significance as Vingegaard, a two-time Tour de France champion, makes a relatively early-season appearance, signaling his intent for a dominant year. Ayuso, a rising GC star, and Onley, who impressed at the Tour Down Under before a collarbone injury, represent the next generation eager to test themselves against the sport's elite. Their performances here will offer crucial insights into their form and potential for later Grand Tours, setting the tone for the season's major battles.

While Vingegaard's presence elevates the race, the true intrigue lies in how the younger guard measures up. The Dane is the obvious favourite, but Paris-Nice rarely unfolds without a few unexpected twists, reminding us that even the sunniest races can have their clouds.