Warren Barguil of Arkea-Samsic spent too much time drafting behind the team car to return to the peloton after crashing with Romain Bardet (AG2R La Mondiale), and the UCI (International Cycling Union) jury was removed from the race.

Citing rule 2.12.007.4.7, which prohibits drafting behind the race car, the race jury excluded Barguil from competition for the final seven stages and also fined the team director for ignoring the official's instructions.

Barguil's crash occurred at a roundabout with 61km remaining when crosswinds began to form an echelon in the peloton. Barguil, along with Bardet and one other racer, hit the deck.

After Team Sunweb accelerated out of the corner, the peloton began to break up, with most of the peloton going to the right side of the roundabout while a small group including Barguil and Bardet went to the left. The cause of the crash is not known.

Bardet was able to get up quickly, holding his elbow in pain, but Barguil remained on the pavement for several minutes. After a few kilometers, Barguil stopped and it appeared that he was going to retire, but he got back on his bike and continued riding.

He eventually finished more than 14 minutes behind, but within the time limit. However, his efforts were in vain, and the jury soon ruled that he could not continue.

Paris-Nice was the fourth start of the season for Barguil, who had competed in the Tour de la Provence, the Von Ardèche Classic (4th), and the Royal Bernard-Drome Classic (2nd behind EF Pro Cycling's Simon Clark).

Barguil's next race is the Volta a Catalunya, which starts March 23 in Spain.