Mathys Rondel Secures Top-10 Overall at Paris-Nice

At the start of Paris–Nice for the third time, Tudor Pro Cycling Team lined up with clear ambitions: fight for a stage victory and place GC leader Mathys Rondel inside the Top-10 of the General Classification. After eight demanding days across France, the Team delivered a strong collective performance. Five Top-10 stage finishes were achieved by three different riders, while the 22-year-old French climber concluded the race in 8th overall.

15.03.2026

The week offered a true mix of terrains: bunch sprints, a Team Time Trial, hilly stages and tough mountain days. The riders also faced every possible weather condition - sunshine, rain, strong winds, and even a shortened stage to due to snow on Stage 7.

Although the stage win remained just out of reach, the Team showed cohesion and a growing form throughout the race. Sports Director Bart Leysen praised the riders’ collective effort.

“In general, the whole Team finished the race on a crescendo. Matteo showed once again that he is a strong leader, taking responsibility in the race. Arthur had a very good weekend, taking his chances in breakaways while also working for his teammates. Will was an important domestique in the final days, especially in the last stage with Mathys. Marco is still recovering from his crash at Opening Weekend. Unfortunately, Rick and Petr had to abandon due to sickness, but both played their role very well until that moment.”

Bart was particularly pleased with the performance of GC leader Mathys Rondel in his first participation in the race.

“For Mathys, this was his first Paris-Nice. We believed a result between fifth and tenth place was possible, and he delivered exactly that. Unfortunately, he lost around 1’30” after being caught behind the echelons on Stage 4 and also in a crash on the final descent that day. What impressed me most was his attitude: always near the front, always fighting with the best and staying focused. He never had a bad day, and that’s a very good sign for his future as a GC leader.”

Mathys himself leaves the race satisfied with his progression and the experience gained during a demanding week: “It was my first Paris-Nice and during the week it almost felt like we raced two completely different races. It made me think about what a Grand Tour might feel like - although I know the level of fatigue, physically and mentally, would be another step again.”

“Overall it’s a very positive outcome. The level was extremely high, my condition improved as the week went on and I was well positioned most of the time. The teammates also did a very good job throughout the race.”

If there is a learning to bring home, it’s definitely Stage 4: “One lesson I definitely take from this race is the echelon stage. It was an incredibly demanding day - I think many riders probably set power records during those four hours of racing full gas. Even though I lost time there, I’m happy with how my body reacted afterwards. We saw many riders abandon the next day due to sickness or crashes, but that wasn’t my case.”

The Frenchman sees that as a positive sign when thinking about longer stage races: “That gives me confidence thinking about a Grand Tour, especially the Giro d’Italia where difficult weather stages can also happen. My body held up well and the legs stayed strong.”

While Mathys had already finished ninth overall at the Tour de Romandie in 2025, he feels the level of racing this week was another step forward: “The result might not look much better, but the intensity was much higher. The race was three days longer and the level even stronger, so I can be very satisfied with this performance.”

Still, the 22-year-old is already thinking about the next steps in his development. “This year I can be happy, but from next year on I wouldn’t accept that anymore. I feel like I can still improve everywhere - in sprints, in the time trial, and in positioning during echelons. There’s always something to learn, but I’m happy with the progression I’m making.”

As a GC rider, he also embraces the responsibility that comes with leadership: “As a leader you have the responsibility to perform in all conditions. You can’t always be at your best all season, but you must always try to bring a result for the Team, even if you’re not at the best of your shape.”

Mathys will now take a short recovery period before heading to altitude camp to prepare for the Tour of the Alps and his Grand Tour debut at the Giro d’Italia.

Photo credits: Sprint Cycling Agency / A.S.O. Billy Ceusters