The 2008 Paris-Nice was wrought with controversy but that didn't stop Davide Rebellin (Gerolsteiner) from winning the race by three seconds over Rinaldo Nocentini. The margin was the smallest in the race's history with the previous record being a four second win in 1973 by Raymond Poulidor over Joop Zeotemelk.

 

The race got off to a shaky start with a dispute between Paris-Nice organizers Amaury Sport Organization and International Cycling Union president Pat McQuaid. The UCI stated that the race was illegal because it was operating under it's own rules and urged riders and teams to boycott. McQuaid even went as far as threatening sanctions if they took part. Both the French cycling federation and French Sports Minister back the ASO.

The letter from UCI president Pat McQuaid to all of the teams racing in Paris-Nice can be seen HERE.

The final stage was another venue for upheaval as riders delayed the start by protesting in support of Belgian rider Kevin van Impe who was surprised with an unannounced doping test while arranging for the funeral of his baby son.

Once the final stage got underway, it made for an extremely exciting finish. Rebellin had to fend off a number of attacks to win the race he saw slip away in the final stage last year.

“Yes, I finally managed to win. Last year was very disappointing when I lost the yellow jersey on the last day. I didn’t want to have it end like that again," he said. "My team was rock solid. I only had a few seconds in my favor, but it was enough to win. I am very happy.

“I’m at an age when most guys retire, but I still love the excitement of racing and I don’t (mind) making the sacrifices it takes to win. This victory shows that I can still be competitive at the top level. I was planning on retiring next year, but if I keep winning, who knows?”

Stage 7 was won by Luis-León Sanchez (Caisse d'Epargne) of Spain. 

“I came to Paris-Nice with the intention of winning, but the Ventoux was too hard for me and it spoiled my chances," said Sanchez. "After that, we focused on the last two stages to try to win a stage. Yesterday I went too early in the sprint, but today I felt strong again and just decided to attack in the final kilometers rather than wait for the sprint. The headwinds were awful, but I had just enough to win.”

Visit www.velonews.com for full coverage of the 2008 Paris-Nice.