France • Stage Race
A shivering peloton battles the biting crosswinds of the northern plains, chasing the promise of warmth as the road snakes toward the Mediterranean. It is the 'Race to the Sun,' a brutal spring awakening where legends are forged in the transition from winter's grey shadows to the shimmering azure of the Promenade des Anglais.
| Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2026 |
Known for treacherous crosswinds (bordures) in the northern flatlands, unpredictable spring weather including snow, and a decisive final weekend in the steep, technical hills of the Maritime Alps surrounding Nice.
The race was founded by media mogul Albert Lejeune to promote his newspapers in Paris and Nice.
The event returned after a hiatus during World War II under the temporary name Paris-Côte d'Azur.
Irish legend Sean Kelly secured his seventh consecutive overall victory, a record of dominance that remains unchallenged.
The Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) took control of the race, cementing its status as the premier early-season stage race.