Three stages in and Perrig Quemeneur (Europcar) is the only WorldTour rider to have joined a break so far. Bretagne-Seche Environnement have been represented every day so far, with Christophe Laborie set to enjoy another day in the polka dot jersey in stage four.

Cofidis and IAM Cycling – two Pro Continental teams – have also had a man apiece earn their sponsors some exposure so far but pro cycling’s top teams have instead chosen to play it safe in the bunch – and without much luck for the most part too.

Trek Factory Racing, for example, have youngster Bob Jungels 29 seconds back on GC, but the Schleck brothers are both well off the pace. While the team’s regular breakaway artist, Jens Voigt, is not in action at Paris-Nice, there must be somebody keen to give their new sponsors exposure – and Trek are by no means alone either.

The directeur sportifs at IAM Cycling and Cofidis both admitted in interviews during the last two stages that the attack was doomed and they had hoped for more riders to join it. Hopefully more riders will be forthcoming now the route is set to get a little punchier.