Paris-Nice 2023: Public car appears from nowhere in final stage - ‘How on earth has that happened?’

There are always plenty of assigned vehicles following a cycling race, but the roads on a stage are closed to the public. However, during the final stage of Paris-Nice, an ordinary public car somehow got onto the road on a descent and was facing towards the riders. Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates went into the final stage in the overall lead of the race.

'How on earth has that happened?' - Public car appears during Paris-Nice final stage

Video credit: TNT Sports

The final stage of Paris-Nice is usually dramatic but a scary moment in the finale on Sunday saw a car appear from nowhere, forcing riders to go around it.

With 60km remaining of the stage around Nice, a public car emerged around a corner facing the direction of the riders.

In cycling, the roads are closed for all vehicles and the only cars or bikes you see are those from the teams, broadcasters or organisers.

Paris - Nice

Pogacar blitzes field with dominant win on way to Paris-Nice title

12/03/2023 at 15:14

Somehow, an ordinary car got onto the course on the descent towards the Cote de Peille. Luckily, everyone seemed to avoid the vehicle and no harm was done.

Eurosport commentator Rob Hatch was not happy about what he saw, calling on race organisers to do more to stop these mishaps from happening.

“Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear,” said Hatch. “Now how on earth has that happened? I’m angry seeing things like that in a pro race.

“That is dangerous. That could have been an absolute nightmare. Organisers really need to get a grip. Seen that a few times in the last few weeks, cars on the road. Disastrous.”

There have been several incidents of the years involving team cars causing accidents or camera bikes, but rarely does a public vehicle get onto the roads.

Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) went into the final stage in the overall lead and sealed the title with a dominant victory over David Gaudu (Groupama FDJ) and Jumbo-Visma's Jonas Vingegaard.

- - -

Stream Paris-Nice, Tirreno-Adriatico and more top cycling action live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.com

Paris - Nice

Pogacar fends off rivals to claim Stage 7 summit victory

11/03/2023 at 15:44

Paris - Nice

Paris-Nice Stage 6 cancelled due to 'exceptionally violent' winds

10/03/2023 at 15:23