Mar 6, 2006
Boonen Snags Yellow
Tom Boonen took the stage win in the Stage 1 of Paris Nice as predicted. The stage was run under rain and very difficult weather conditions. David Zabriske had a small breakaway that got significant time at one point. But the TT expert abandoned the effort after Qucik Step setup a chase. Two french riders Stéphane Augé (Cofidis) and Christophe Laurent (Agritubel) broke away at km 60 were hoping to get the first French win in Paris Nice since 2002. Unfortunately for them, Quick Step setup their Treno Blu just in time to launch Boonen to the win. Allen Davis of Liberty Seguros tried to catch Boonen off guard, but was quickly overhauled by the Torpedo/Tornado.
As a result of the win, Boonen takes over the Yellow Jersey from Bobby Julich.