Paris [France], March 16: Jonas Vingegaard secured overall victory in Paris-Nice on Sunday in commanding fashion, finishing 4 minutes and 23 seconds ahead of second-placed Colombian Daniel Martinez.
The Dane was 6:07 ahead of German Georg Steinhauser in third as the twice Tour de France winner sent a clear message to great Slovenian rival Tadej Pogacar.
It was his first Paris-Nice success and sets up a potential epic showdown in July's Tour. Frenchman Lenny Martinez won the final stage ahead of Vingegaard.
Steinhauser's surprise third place was the best stage race success of his career. The 24-year-old also sealed the white jersey for the best young rider.
In Italy, Mexican talent Isaac del Toro won his second stage race of the season when the 22-year-old secured a maiden victory in the Tirreno-Adriatico.
On the final 142-kilometre stage of the "race between the seas" to San Benedetto del Tronto, del Toro crossed the finish line more than 2 minutes behind stage winner Jonathan Milan. However, as the Mexican had been held up by a crash, he was awarded the same time.
In the general classification, the potential heir apparent to Pogacar and Vingegaard finished 40 seconds ahead of US rider Matteo Jorgensen. Italian Giulio Pellizzari came third, a further two seconds behind.
Source: Qatar Tribune