Tipperary’s Sam Bennett has finished 2nd on the opening stage of Paris-Nice.
The Bora Hansgrohe sprinter looked to have victory in his grasp with 20 metres to go of the 170 kilometre stage – however Belgian champion Tim Merlier just edged out the Carrick man.
Tomorrow is likely to see Bennett in with another chance of victory with a flat stage expected to finish in a bunch sprint.
