Climbers will rejoice with the 2022 edition of Paris-Nice as the eight-day stage race has plenty of hilly stages and a mountain-top summit finish in Southern France’s Col du Turini. However, the route offers enough diversity for all riders with a rolling-hill time trial mid-stage race and flatter stages early in the week.

The 2021 edition of Paris-Nice saw the return of Bora-Hansgrohe’s Maximillian Schachmann to the top step, but we have a list of underdogs who could shake up the podium results in 2022.

Jack Haig

Team Bahrain Victorious’ Jack Haig had a successful year of racing in 2021. He was third overall in the Vuelta de España and also had a top-10 result at 2021 Paris-Nice, placing seventh. Haig is targeting the 2022 Paris-Nice as well as the Ardennes Classic as part of his spring schedule.

Brandon McNulty

Brandon McNulty could be looking for redemption after crashing out of the 2021 edition of Paris-Nice. McNulty was third overall in the GC going into stage six when he had to abandon the race. McNulty is off to a strong 2022 early season campaign with wins at Faun-Ardèche Classic and Trofeo Calvià.

Adam Yates

Second overall in the 2022 UAE Tour recently, Ineos Grenadiers’ Adam Yates appears to be in top early-season form. Yates has proven that he can produce consistency in stage racing, having placed fourth overall at the 2021 Vuelta de España. UAE recently announced that Yates will spearhead Ineos along with teammate Daniel Martínez at the 2022 Paris-Nice.

Matteo Jorgenson

Movistar’s young American talent Matteo Jorgenson has already built on a successful 2021 season with a fourth place finish at Tour de la Provence. 

Jorgenson proved his general classification potential in last year’s Paris-Nice, where he finished an impressive eighth overall. 

At 22 years old, Jorgenson is an exciting GC prospect for years to come, and Movistar has given the young American many opportunities to develop as a team leader. Jorgenson appears poised to build on his eight place finish at Paris-Nice, but leadership duties may be split with Iván Sosa in 2022.