Jonas Vingegaard delivered a dominant performance on stage five of Paris-Nice on Thursday, riding clear on a long solo attack to claim his second victory in as many days.
The Visma-Lease a Bike rider attacked on the Saint-Jean-de-Muzols climb during the 206.3km stage and rode alone for the final 21 kilometers before crossing the line in Colombier-le-Vieux in southeast France.
The Dane had taken the leader's yellow jersey the previous day in brutal weather at Uchon and further strengthened his grip on the race as sunshine replaced the rain that had caused chaos in stage four.
French rider Valentin Paret-Peintre finished second, arriving 2 minutes 2 seconds behind after breaking clear from the chase group in the final kilometers.
The rest of the contenders crossed the line roughly 18 seconds later after failing to organize an effective pursuit.
"I really wanted to win today and so did the team," Vingegaard said, pleased to take victory on the same roads where he crashed last year and was forced to abandon the race the following day.
Reflecting on that moment, he added: "It's nice to take revenge now, and to win here on such a beautiful day. The weather is beautiful and it's been an amazing day for me and the team."
Vingegaard is racing for the first time this season as he prepares to target a Giro d'Italia and Tour de France double later this year.
"He destroyed everyone," said Belgian teammate Victor Campenaerts.
"He's in phenomenal form. He came here to crush everyone. I'm already looking forward to supporting him in his two big goals, the Giro and the Tour de France."
Paret-Peintre secured second place. "I knew Jonas was going to attack on the steepest part of the second climb," Paret-Peintre said.
"When Campenaerts took his final turn at the front, I thought: 'Come on, I have to suffer a little longer and then Jonas will go.' He's the strongest, and when you're the strongest, it's normal to want to win."
Jonas Vingegaard Extends Paris-Nice Overall Lead
The two-time Tour de France winner now leads the overall standings by 3 minutes 22 seconds over Colombian rider Daniel Martinez.
Vingegaard is racing for the first time this season as he builds toward an ambitious Giro d'Italia and Tour de France double later this year.
The eight-day race, often referred to as the Race to the Sun, continues Friday with a 179.3km hilly stage from Barentane near Avignon to Apt in southern France.
The stage includes several climbs and could offer another opportunity for attackers before the decisive mountain stages later in the race.
Despite his commanding position, Vingegaard warned the race is not yet decided.
"It's not over, there's still three stages left. A lot can happen, but we just have to stay focused until Nice."
Friday's sixth stage of the Race to the Sun is a 179.3km hilly route from Barbentane near Avignon to Apt.