Before Tom Boonen's victory in the first stage of Paris-Nice on Monday, it was 26 years since a world champion last won a stage in Paris-Nice. His win in St-Amand-Montrond is a rarity in the 'race to the sun'; In 1980 - 26 years ago - was the last time the rainbow jersey came across the finish line in first position. It was then worn by Jan Raas, world champion in '79 who won the stage from Nemours to Auxerre.
With nine wins already this season, Tom Boonen has already shown that the rainbow jersey is not cursed for him.
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