Andrew Talansky (Cannondale-Garmin)
Andrew Talansky (Cannondale-Garmin)
Andrew Talansky proved last year he is capable in the biggest week-long stage races with his stunning victory at the Criterium du Dauphine.
And while that result failed to develop into Grand Tour success at the Tour de France, Talansky will go to Paris-Nice with the chance to add to his burgeoning reputation.
Talansky’s form is unknown, with the race marking the 26-year-old’s 2015 race debut in the Cannondale-Garmin team’s green and black argyle jerseys, but his ability is undoubted.
The team will be desperate for a result, having so far failed to make an impression since Cannondale and Garmin-Sharp merged for the current campaign.
Talansky was a stage winner the last time he raced Paris-Nice, wearing the yellow jersey for two stages before finishing second on the Col d’Eze to claim that spot overall.
Like van Garderen and Porte he is a rider well-suited to the parcours awaiting at this year’s race, and will be backed by the likes of Tom-Jelte Slagter – a stage winner last year – and American duo Ben King and Ted King.