Paris-Nice third stage canceled due to snow

MONT BROUILLY, France — Snow caused the third stage of the Paris-Nice race, led by Australian Michael Matthews, to be cancelled Wednesday. Weather made the 168km stage from Cusset to the finish in Beaujolais territory at Mont Brouilly dangerous for the riders, who were allowed to climb off their bikes and into team cars. Organizers called a halt to proceedings at a feed zone 75km from the finish, while five riders — Alexey Lutsenko, Laurent Didier, Alexis Gougeard, Jesus Herrada and Thomas De Gendt — had a 3min 30sec lead on the peloton. Organizers originally envisaged restarting the race 42.5km from Mont Brouilly, although falling snow had also been reported at the finish line. No time has been recorded for the day's racing, organizers said. It means Matthews retains his 14sec lead over Dutchman Tom Dumoulin with New Zealander Patrick Bevin third at 19sec. Reigning champion Richie Porte of Australia is 10th at 27sec while two-time Tour de France winner Alberto Contador is 18th at 33sec. Another of the pre-race favorites, Britain's Geraint Thomas, is fifth on the same time as Bevin. Gilbert quits race with illness Belgium's former world champion Philippe Gilbert pulled out of the race Wednesday suffering from a respiratory infection, his BMC team said. "I really love this race so it is disappointing to have to stop racing," said the 33-year-old cyclist, who captured the world road race title in 2012. "But I have one of my biggest goals for the season, Milan-San Remo, around the corner and in order to perform well there I need to fully recover from this illness and be in the best shape possible," added Gilbert. "Phil's condition is nothing to be overly concerned about, however, the cold weather and snow that we saw in the opening prologue and first two stages of the race have done nothing but aggravate his condition," team doctor Dario Spinelli reported. Gilbert has yet to win the March 19 race in 12 attempts. The multiple classics winner was placed 104th, 4mins 40sec behind Australian Michael Matthews, ahead of Wednesday's third stage.