The Team Sky rider began the 134 kilometre route around Nice with a 15 second advantage over Contador, but was expecting the Tinkoff star to launch several attacks during the day’s climbs.

Contador launched his move of the day at the Cote de Peille, 82km into the race, with his strong attack giving him a 50 second advantage over his rivals as he was able to count upon the help from remnants of the early breakaway.

Aided by his Team Sky team-mates, Ireland’s Nicholas Roche and Colombia’s Sergio Henao, Thomas was able to close on and eventually join Contador at the head of the race.

The Spaniard, a seven-time Grand Tour winner, attacked again with the assistance of his Polish team-mate Rafal Majka as the lead group climbed the Col d'Eze at 16km to the finish.

Australia’s Richie Porte, the defending champion, was able to follow the move and a four-man group was completed by Belgium’s Tim Wellens.

Their lead had reached around 25 seconds before they made the descent into the finish, putting Contador in the virtual race lead.

A frantic chase to the finish followed, with superb work from Henao and Thomas’ time trial prowess helping them limit their losses to just five seconds as they crossed the line.

Wellens would ultimately claim the final stage victory by ending in three hours, 16min 9sec and although he was awarded the same time Contador would end four seconds short of winning Paris-Nice for the third time.

BMC Racing’s Porte would finish third, 12 seconds behind his former Team Sky colleague Thomas.

"When Alberto went, we took it calmly at first but then on Col d'Eze, I must admit my legs gave way and I really thought it was over even for the podium,” said Thomas, after becoming the fourth Team Sky rider to win the race in five years.

“But then in the descent, I must really thank Sergio, this yellow jersey also belongs to him.

“This is amazing, it's definitely the greatest win in my career so far.

“To win ahead of Alberto, who is one of the greatest stage racers ever, and Richie, who won almost every race he entered last year, I can hardly believe it.”

Thomas' winning overall time was 27:26.40.

Australia’s Michael Matthews, who lost the race lead to Thomas yesterday, was able to win the overall points classification.

Canada’s Antoine Duchesne won the King of Mountains title, while Movistar secured the team classification.