Joe Duggan (Reporter)
BRITISH cyclist Geraint Thomas has seen off Spain’s two-time Tour de France champion Alberto Contador to win his first Paris-Nice race.
The Team Sky rider held off Contador’s attacks in the seventh and final stage to finish four seconds ahead of him in the overall placings.
Although Thomas finished the stage in 11th place, he had done enough to claim a famous victory.
“It’s definitely the greatest win in my career so far,” the 29-year-old Welshman said.
“To win ahead of Alberto, who is one of the greatest stage racers ever, and Richie, who won almost every race he entered last year, I can hardly believe it.”
A clearly fuming Contador, who launched attacks during the stage’s high climbs,was adamant he should have won.
“I don’t like second places. I did everything I could to make up for lost time and in the end I nearly won,” the 33-year-old Contador said.
