Luke Lamperti Wins Stage 1 of Paris-Nice, Secures Yellow Jersey
American rider Luke Lamperti (EF Education-EasyPost) achieved the biggest win of his career on Sunday, seizing the opening stage of the 2026 Paris-Nice race and taking the first yellow jersey. The 23-year-old Californian demonstrated a superb final sprint, holding off competition from experienced sprinters like Biniam Girmay.
A Perfectly Timed Sprint
A well-executed leadout and perfectly timed sprint propelled Lamperti to victory at the end of the 171.2km stage in Carrières-sous-Poissy. He kicked for home with just over 200 meters to go, successfully fending off his rivals. Biniam Girmay (NSN Pro Cycling) posed the biggest threat, but was hampered by barriers along the roadway, preventing a full sprint launch.
Initial concerns about a potential impediment by Lamperti were dismissed after review, confirming the legality of his sprint. The barriers protruded slightly into the roadway at the critical point where Girmay needed to accelerate.
Team Success and a Fresh Start
This victory marks the first win of the season for EF Education-EasyPost, a team that had experienced a challenging start to the year. Lamperti expressed the significance of the win, stating, “I think it is super special…We have been knocking on the door but to actually get the job done is super special.”
Lamperti’s Rising Career
Lamperti’s success builds on a promising career trajectory. He was a three-time U.S. National criterium champion (2021-2023) and, in 2024, his first season with Soudal Quick-Step, achieved several top-7 finishes in one-day events, including fourth overall in the Deutschland Tour. Veteran Soudal Quick-Step boss Patrick Lefevere previously compared Lamperti to Tom Boonen in terms of career potential.
Despite identifying as more of a Classics rider, Lamperti acknowledged the impact of the stage’s challenging climbs on the sprint field. “I’m not a pure sprinter. I’m more of a Classics rider,” he said. “But the climbs today before the finish made it super hard and there were less sprinters.”
Key to Victory: Teamwork and Leadout
Lamperti credited his teammates, particularly Marijn van den Berg, for their crucial support. Van den Berg executed a long leadout, delivering Lamperti to the final 200 meters with a significant advantage. “Marijn was great. It was an incredible lead-out…He did maybe 350 meters himself,” Lamperti explained.
Looking Ahead
Lamperti will wear the yellow jersey on Monday’s Stage 2, an undulating 171.2km route to Montargis featuring three category 3 climbs and a flat finish. He expressed his determination to honor the jersey and maintain his lead. “To have the jersey tomorrow, to wear the yellow jersey, will be super special,” he said.
The American rider likewise noted the recent success of fellow Americans Matteo Jorgenson and Magnus Sheffield in Paris-Nice, suggesting a favorable trend for U.S. Cyclists in the race. “Maybe it’s good luck for the Americans here!”