Swiss champion Mauro Schmid buried himself in the breakaway in winter-like conditions to finish an impressive second place on stage seven of Paris-Nice.
The Team Jayco AlUla rider was backed up by a strong supporting ride from teammate Kell O’Brien, who had also made it into the early breakaway that went clear in the opening kilometre. The Australian has been a big engine for the squad this week and he went deep into the final kilometres of the last ascent to set-up his teammate.
While the day started bathed in sunshine, the riders were once again soaked through by the rain as it started to fall midway through the stage. Poor weather conditions had already forced organisers to alter the route, leaving the riders tackling a 109km stage and just one climb before the tough summit finale.
By the time Schmid attacked from the breakaway with around four kilometres to go, alongside Michael Storer, snow was already falling on the riders. After a brave ride, Schmid lost touch with Storer as the climb hit its hardest gradients, but he fought all the way to the line to secure second place in Auron.
Mauro Schmid
“The plan was to be there quite early. I wasn’t expecting the break to go in the first kilometre, but I ready behind the car when we started. I got a gap pretty quickly and I was happy to be there and then I felt pretty good. I tried to save the legs on the last climb and make a good pace to the finish. I had good legs and Kell helped me on the last climb to set a strong pace. I couldn’t really follow Storer, but I tried as hard as I could and I’m happy with second.”
Paris-Nice 2025 stage 7 results
1. Michael Storer 02:43:31
2. Mauro Schmid (Team Jayco AlUla) +20
Photo: Sprint Cycling
