Greipel beats Degenkolb by inches in Paris-Nice stage two

Greipel was given a superb chance by his Lotto Soudal team-mates and timed his charge to the line perfectly, despite John Degenkolb (Giant-Alpecin) and then Arnaud Demare (FDJ) looking like they might catch him in the final 50m.

Greipel had to close a 13-second gap on Sky's Geraint Thomas with little over five kilometres to go of the 172-kilometre stage from Zooparc de Beauval Saint-Aignan to Saint-Amand-Montrond.

Lotto Soudal timed their attack brilliantly, with Greg Henderson leading out to give the German national champion victory in a time of 4:30:18.

Frenchman Demare ended up second while Greipel's fellow German Degenkolb claimed third, while Bradley Wiggins finished 27 seconds back in 99th place.

Polish world-champion Michal Kwiatkowski retains the leader's yellow jersey when Paris-Nice resumes on Wednesday with a 179km route to Saint-Pourcain-sur-Sioule.

1. Andre Greipel (Germany / Lotto) 4:30:18"

2. Arnaud Demare (France / FDJ) Same time

3. John Degenkolb (Germany / Giant) Same time

4. Michael Matthews (Australia / Orica) Same time

5. Jose Joaquin Rojas (Spain / Movistar) Same time

6. Nacer Bouhanni (France / Cofidis) Same time

7. Moreno Hofland (Netherlands / Lotto) Same time

8. Alexander Kristoff (Norway / Katusha) Same time

9. Jonas Van Genechten (Belgium / IAM Cycling) Same time

10. Niccolo Bonifazio (Italy / Lampre) Same time