Sergio Henao kept Team Sky's successful run at Paris-Nice going with a close-fought, two-second, win over Alberto Contador. The Colombian climber had to withstand an onslaught from Contador, who was looking to overturn a 31 second lead on the final stage of the race and despite losing over minute inside the last hour of racing, the Team Sky rider rallied to deny Contador a famous victory.
The win marked Team Sky's fifth Paris-Nice title in six years, and the biggest win of Henao's career. David de la Cruz won the pulsating stage but the race will be remembered for Contador's attack from 50 kilometres out and Henao's desperate and ultimately successful chase.
"It's a reward after the terrible moments that I've been through," Henao said in relation to past injury problems.
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"Today the sun came out for me and I'm very happy. I'd like to dedicate this win to the team and all the staff, the mechanics, and to Dave Brailsford as well."
Brailsford was at the race on the final stage but refused to talk to Cyclingnews. He has been under intense pressure in recent months due to the on going UKAD investigation into a potential violation that occurred under his watch. Henao had said before the final stage that if he won, he would dedicate the victory to his team boss.
"He was always there when I needed him. He was there when I was injured, when I crashed several years ago and my knee was completely destroyed, he was there to support me."
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