Organisers of Paris-Nice were forced to cancel stage 3 after snow began to fall on the course, creating a dangerous situation for the riders. After suffering criticism for not acting to protect riders from extreme weather on stage 1, the organisers chose to neutralise racing in the feedzone and eventually cancelled it altogether. Although the sprint and mountains points will count, the times will not be taken into account.
"The race jury and direction decided to cancel today's third stage because of the weather conditions," the ASO announced on its website. "The times will not be taken into account but the points scored at the first intermediate sprint of the day and on the climbs completed so far will count.
ASO cycling director Christian Prudhomme said the road was extremely slippery and rider safety was no longer guaranteed.
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"We are sorry," Prudhomme said. "That's Paris-Nice. We promise we'll come back to Mont-Brouilly. It's a pity but the riders will start again tomorrow from Julienas."
Riders appeared genuinely pleased to climb off their bikes in the wintry conditions, but some expressed regret that they were unable to finish the stage.
Rider and team reactions to the Paris-Nice stage 3 cancellation
— Movistar Team (@Movistar_Team) March 9, 2016
— Jonathan Vaughters (@Vaughters) March 9, 2016
— Geraint Thomas (@GeraintThomas86) March 9, 2016
— Andre Greipel (@AndreGreipel) March 9, 2016
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