![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FzitWgbTQZzG5uGCX3ksup0yumrZugUFrvvj-4sI0UrpRMkYMqdqWxsFnvhvWXTI42Be8rCFUnxHJsWfyPv0V9WPa0C0sylmQowgGhvWAY5IHcX0qZhvdh3WfHUtsBUBI9279S7noT9M/s400/vande-velde.jpeg)
Christian Vande Velde leading the chase at the 2008 Paris-Nice Stage 1. Today's stage was so brutal, that organizers shortened the race by 110 kilometers! With temperatures in the 40's, hail, rain, and a touch of snow and winds gusting up to 40mph just finishing the day was a test. At least we aren't the only ones suffering this time of year.