Why the team time trial in Paris-Nice is still a test for the upcoming Tour de France

The organisers of Paris-Nice have once again included a team time trial in this year’s route. This 23.5-kilometer race against the clock is not only crucial for the general classification but also serves a bigger purpose: it can be seen as an important rehearsal ahead of the Tour de France.

This year’s Tour de France begins with a team time trial in and around Barcelona, Spain. This only increases the significance of the TTT in Paris-Nice as a ‘test event,’ although Victor Campenaerts—one of the key time trial specialists at Visma | Lease a Bike—adds a caveat.

"Yes, this year the team time trial is even more important because it is the first stage (of the Tour, ed.). But our focus is primarily on Tuesday’s team time trial," the Belgian told Het Nieuwsblad. "The courses aren’t really comparable either. The Tour’s TTT is shorter but tougher towards the end."

Still, his team Visma | Lease a Bike does see the Paris-Nice team time trial as an important benchmark. "Because of the situation in the Tour, the stakes are somewhat higher, but last year as well, we meticulously prepared the Paris-Nice team time trial and won it spectacularly," Campenaerts said.

Conclusions
"I also want to emphasize that this team time trial will be important for the general classification in this Paris-Nice, which is also a goal for us. Nevertheless, we will draw some conclusions looking ahead to Barcelona. We are at the start here with some riders who will also race the Tour. Races often are the best training. So this will be a very good workout."