Jumbo Visma's incredible performance in the opening Paris-Nice stage was unforgettable, especially for the team's French rider Christophe Laporte.

Laporte, Wout Van Aert, and Primoš Roglic attacked on the final climb and finished 1-2-3 in a mini team time trial.

"I have to thank the team," said Van Aert. In the last kilometer, Wout said, "For me."

"I won my first Paris-Nice stage and I'm wearing the yellow jersey. If someone had told me that at the start, I wouldn't have believed it; to finish with three guys is unbelievable," Laporte said.

The 29-year-old from La Seine-sur-Mer, France, joined Jumbo Visma from Cofidis earlier this year and signed a two-year contract through 2023.

Jumbo Visma led a three-rider breakaway on the final climb of the Côte de Breuil-Bois-Robert, a 1.2km climb with a 7% gradient that peaked just 6km from the finish line in Mantes-la-Ville.

Laporte explained that he intended to attack alone to put pressure on rival teams, keep Roglic in a safe position in the overall fight, and set up Van Aert for a possible group sprint. He said that when he looked back after the attack, he was surprised to see Van Aert and Roglic still on his wheel.

"My plan from the beginning was to keep Primosch at the same time as the other GC riders and sprint for Wout. I did that, but Wout and Primosch were in my circle and there were only three of us, so that's what I went for," Laporte said.

"With a kilometer to go, Wout told me, 'Today is for you. That's a nice present for me. I was a little full of gas at that point, but I was very happy. I am French and Paris-Nice is a big race for French riders and for all riders. It's a big race for French riders and for all riders.

Van Aert also admitted that he was surprised that the three riders were able to open up a gap on the climbs. Having gained an advantageous position, they worked together seamlessly to extend their lead to 19 seconds over fourth-place Pierre Latour (Total Energy) and 22 seconds over Mads Pedersen (Trek-Segafredo) in fifth.

"It was amazing that there were only three leaders, especially from the team. The fact that there was no one left was also an advantage for us. It was the perfect way to finish the race," Van Aert said.

Van Aart said it was an easy decision to give Laporte the stage win, as Roglic had gained precious seconds on his GC rivals.

"He deserves this win. He is a strong rider, I just got to know him this winter, but he is very friendly and has always been part of the team since we spent time together"

.

"It is quite significant that he won a stage here in France, Paris-Nice. Primosch also got a good advantage on GC.