Paris-Nice stage 1 LIVE: Binaim Girmay among the contenders for victory on hilly opening day in France

Paris-Nice Stage 1 saw Olav Kooij of Visma-Lease a Bike claim a hard-fought victory in Carrières-sous-Poissy, out-sprinting Mads Pedersen and Laurence Pithie. The 157.7km hilly opener, marked by a late crash involving Michael Matthews and Sam Bennett, culminated in a chaotic sprint where Kooij demonstrated superior positioning and power. Biniam Girmay, touted as a pre-stage favourite, finished outside the top three, unable to convert his strong form into a win.

This victory marks a significant early-season statement for Kooij, confirming his status as one of the peloton's premier fast-finishers, especially on undulating terrain. For Visma-Lease a Bike, it's another affirmation of their depth, securing a stage win in the 'Race to the Sun' without their GC leader, Jonas Vingegaard, even starting. Girmay's near-miss, meanwhile, highlights the brutal competitiveness of WorldTour sprints, where even marginal errors prove costly.

Kooij's win is a testament to meticulous team execution and raw talent. In a race often decided by fractions, the young Dutchman certainly didn't leave anything to chance.