Egan Bernal gives Team Sky its sixth Paris-Nice win in eight years

Egan Bernal ​has today given Team Sky its sixth victory in seven years at Paris Nice – and in so doing has become the fifth rider to win the race with the British UCI WorldTour outfit.

The 22-year-old Colombian led the week-long French race by 49 seconds this morning ahead of the 110-kilometre final stage which started and finished in Nice.

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With 15 kilometres remaining, Movistar’s Nairo Quintana attacked and managed to distance the group containing his compatriot that he was briefly virtual leader on the road.

But Bernal, aided by Team Sky colleagues Michal Kwiatkowski – who would finish third overall – eventually crossed the line 10 seconds behind Quintana to assure his victory. The final stage, meanwhile, went to Astana’s Ion Izagirre.

Team Sky’s dominance of the Race to the Sun began with Bradley Wiggins’ victory in 2012. Richie Porte won in 2013 and 2015, while Geraint Thomas’s win in 2016 was followed 12 months later by Sergio Henao.

Bernal said afterwards: “It's a really good feeling, I can't believe I just won Paris-Nice. It's incredible for me. I'm happy.

“When some riders started to attack, I couldn't follow them but I also knew I had a good team, a strong team and it can control the escapees.

“It was not difficult to be calm because I really believed in my team. The whole team was riding very hard in the front.

“In the finale, I knew that with a 45 seconds lead, it was enough to win.”

Looking ahead, he said: “Next I will probably ride Catalunya and then it will be time to prepare for the Giro.

“It's my first Grand Tour as a leader so I just want to enjoy it. I prefer not to think about whiter I can win or not. I'm 22 years old, I'm young, I have a lot to learn. I must keep my feet on the ground."