Paris-Nice: stage three cancelled due to snow

Race leader Michael Matthews won the second stage of the race on Tuesday after Nacer Bouhanni was disqualified

Australia's Michael Matthews has retained his 14-second lead in Paris-Nice after stage three was cancelled due to snow.

Organisers halted the 168km stage from Cusset to Mont Brouilly after 75km.

No times were recorded, but points from the sprints and climbs will be carried forward.

Race director Christian Prudhomme said: "The road was extremely slippery and safety was no longer guaranteed. It's a pity."

Tomorrow's 195.5km stage takes the riders from Julienas to Romans-sur-Isere.

Overall classification after stage three:

1. Michael Matthews (Aus/Orica) 9hrs 41mins 46secs

2. Tom Dumoulin (Net/Giant) +14secs

3. Patrick Bevin (NZ/Cannondale) +19secs

4. Jon Izagirre (Sp/Movistar)

5. Geraint Thomas (GB/Team Sky)

Selected others:

18. Alberto Contador (Sp/Tinkoff) +33secs

19. Simon Yates (GB/Orica) +37secs

21. Ben Swift (GB/Team Sky) +38secs