Where Sheffield could get up again, Mäder could not: "This one's for Gino," says American in tears after Paris-Nice victory

With tears and a trembling voice, Sheffield stood before the camera for the flash interview. "It's unbelievable. I have been second many times, and this is my first victory at the WorldTour level. It means so much," he said. "In cycling, winning is so difficult, no matter what race. It means everything. The team has always believed in me in the difficult times, and so has my family." His last victory was in August 2022, in the Tour of Denmark.

Sheffield got steadily better as the Tour of Denmark progressed. That made the task for the final stage clear. "We had a perfect plan created on the bus; we never gave up. I tried to use the guys on the first climb. There were still 30, 40 men left, but Tobias (Foss, ed.) said: believe in the plan, don't give up. Josh (Tarling, ed.) was fantastic on that climb. We kept picking up the pace, and then we were in a position that favored us. It was about making the right moves."

INEOS Grenadiers handled it confidently, as the American could ultimately break away. 'Matteo (Jorgenson) and Lipowitz were isolated. "I told the guys I would attack and not look back. I caught up to Mads (Pedersen) and the other guys. I knew I would probably be stronger on the climb, so I knew I had to use him on the descent and the flat. After that, I just went up as fast as I could."

He seemed sure of victory at the top of the Col des Quatre Chemins, but it was still exciting in the final. "My gears were acting up, and I was quite worried about that last straight stretch because of the headwind. I thought I might lose time because you never know when it's over in cycling. But I'm so happy and relieved that I made it."

Yellow jersey wearer and eventual GC winner Jorgensen tried to catch his compatriot but was unsuccessful. It was an extraordinary American celebration in Nice, especially since the two know each other well. "We have never been teammates but were on the same junior team. He has also had his ups and downs during his career. It shows what is possible for American cycling and any kid wanting to get started."

Sheffield came to Paris-Nice with big plans for the GC but failed because of the freezing, neutralized third stage. But with the victory in the final stage, he doesn't care. "Unfortunately, I also wanted to ride for the GC. I had prepared very well in the past few weeks. But on that cold day, I suffered greatly when we were in the cars. But you can never give up, and I think that is what I have learned today." In the last stage, Sheffield moved to fourth place in the GC. "I cannot thank my family enough for always being there for me," he concluded, already in tears.

After the podium ceremony, the American wanted to dedicate the victory to someone special. 2I want to dedicate this victory to Gino Mäder. It has been two years since we lost him. I didn't know him well, but I was also involved in the accident during the Tour of Switzerland. I didn't know if it was possible ever to win again." Both Sheffield and Mäder crashed on the fatal descent of the Albula Pass. The American was able to get back up with a concussion, but Mäder passed away later in the hospital.

It made the INEOS Grenadiers rider look at life differently. "You can't take anything for granted, in cycling or life. I want to enjoy this victory now." The British team was strong all week, and the stage win is well deserved. "You saw the strength of the team this week. We are very proud to have Thymen on the podium, but how the rest of the team raced is very special."