NICE, France (AP) British rider Geraint Thomas withstood a strong challenge from two-time Tour de France champion Alberto Contador on the mountainous seventh and final stage to win the Paris-Nice race for the first time on Sunday.
Contador, who has also won Paris-Nice twice, was in second place overnight and trailed Thomas by 15 seconds. The veteran Spanish rider attacked repeatedly on the last two climbs only to finish four seconds behind Thomas overall.
Contador crossed the line just behind stage winner Tim Wellens of Belgium, with defending champion Richie Porte of Australia finishing the stage in third place.
Despite finishing the stage in 11th, Thomas had done enough to secure his biggest career win.
Porte, also a two-time Paris-Nice winner, placed third overall, 12 seconds behind Thomas - his former Sky teammate.
