Britain's David Millar had no problems defending his lead on the opening
road- stage of Paris-Nice yesterday, which ended in a bunch sprint won by
the Frenchman Jean-Patrick Nazon.
The Saunier Duval Prodir rider finished comfortably in the main pack, and
his one-second overall edge over the Czech Roman Kreuzinger remains intact.
"It went a lot easier than it could have done," Millar said.
The day's racing had a four-man breakaway as its main feature, which was
reeled in with just three kilometres to go to the finish.
Millar - and the remainder of the Paris-Nice riders - were more critical of
the decision taken yesterday by a judge in Spain to archive a massive
anti-doping operation, Operation Puerto.
The investigation had led to several top riders being kicked out of the Tour
de France last year. Riders held a minute's silence at the start in protest
against the archiving of the case, which has left a cloud of unresolved
suspicion over the sport.
"It's a pity the process was so badly done," Millar said. "The judge
shouldn't have permitted leaks from the investigation if the case against
these riders wasn't going to stand up in court. All I can hope is that the
riders implicated have learnt their lesson."
Hi: 18°C / Lw: 13°C
Nadal powers to title after epic win over Federer
Revealed: Ulster's most dangerous roads
Hammond and May refuse to sign new contracts
Deputy First Minister in Baghdad for peace mission
Thomas Beattie gives birth to healthy baby girl
Iran warns: attack us and we'll strike you back
Visting the city? Check out our guide to the capital
Swimsuit photo shoot in buildup to Vietnam final
Mandela honoured with the class of 2008
Video tribute as Queen's honours James Ellis
Supporters that made Euro 2008 one to remember
Fashion of the wives throughout the tournament
Pop princess Minogue wows fans at Odyssey gig
Try your luck in our GAA 'pick the score' competition
Looking forward to the famous biking event
Ship's Belfast beginnings celebrated in exhibition
Applauding Ulster's most exceptional women
Special report on Northern Ireland's worst house fire
Celebrating excellence at the inaugural awards gala 
Special multimedia report on Belfast Wheel