Levi Leipheimer consolidates as Sylvain Chavanel drops back on tough day to Mende
The tough 3km climb to the La Croix-Neuve-Montée Laurent Jalabert, at the end of Paris-Nice stage five, provided mixed fortunes for the Omega Pharma-Quick Step team. Defending champion Tony Martin had dropped out of contention early in the race, but the Belgian team still started the day with two riders in the top four, with Levi Leipheimer in second place, and French champion Sylvain Chavanel in fourth.
By the time they reached the finish of the stage, which was won by aggressive Dutchman Lieuwe Westra (Vacansoleil-DCM), Leipheimer found himself in third place - having been overtaken by Westra - while Chavanel had tumbled to ninth.
"It was a hard race with a lot of wind and cold from the beginning," said Leipheimer at the end of the stage. "On the final climb I have to say that Team Sky did a great job. Richie Porte made the rhythm until the last kilometre and then Wiggins took things in his hands.
“Westra did a big number anticipating everybody and now is entered in the fight for the GC win,” he explained. “As far as I'm concerned, I think I did a good race with once again a great team around me. It's a pity that I didn't take the bonification seconds at the finish. Bradley surprised me and he finished 3rd behind Valverde.”
With his third place, Wiggins picked up four bonus seconds, extending his lead over the American to ten, with only Sunday’s time trial up to the Col d'Èze offering a realistic chance to take them back.
“In any case it was a good stage for me,” he said. “I'm always in the fight for the win. If nothing strange happens in the next two stages, the race will be decided in the last time trial.
“It will be important to be there on Sunday fresh and ready to fight."
Wearing the blue, white and red tricolore, Paris-Nice is an important race for Chavanel, despite his not feeling completely healthy.
"I started Paris-Nice with bronchitis but I wanted to start in any case," he said. "I'm always really motivated for this race; as national champion I really wanted to do well.
“Today it was difficult for me,” the French champion explained. “The legs were good, but I couldn't breathe as I wanted. I did my best and now I'm 9th in the GC. I will give all on Sunday to try to remain in the top 10; it would be a great team result."