Belgium’s Tiesj Benoot triumphed on stage six of Paris-Nice ©Getty Images

Belgium’s Tiesj Benoot earned a solo victory on the sixth stage of Paris-Nice, as organisers announced the final day of the race will be cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak.

The International Cycling Union WorldTour race resumed with a 161.5 kilometres stage from Sorgues to Apt amid doubts over whether the event would continue to its intended finish with sporting events worldwide being cancelled.

The eight-member Bahrain-McLaren team withdraw prior to the stage, with organisers then announcing tomorrow’s seventh stage due to finish at Valdebore la Colmiane will be the last of the race.

The final 135km stage in Nice on Sunday (March 15) will not be held.

On the road, Denmark’s Søren Kragh Andersen sought to rise to the top of the standings, with the second-placed rider joining an earlier breakaway group.

Andersen and Italy’s Vincenzo Nibali attacked again on the hilly stage with 15km to go, with the duo then joined by Benoot.

Paris-Nice is due to conclude tomorrow after the final stage was cancelled by organisers ©Getty Images
Paris-Nice is due to conclude tomorrow after the final stage was cancelled by organisers ©Getty Images

A late attack on a climb by Benoot saw the Belgian move clear, with the Team Sunweb riding holding off several attacks to secure the stage win in 3 hours 57min 02sec.

His Australian team-mate Michael Matthews led the peloton across the line, ending 22 seconds adrift of the stage winner.

Germany’s Maximilian Schachmann remains in the overall race lead.

His advantage was cut to 36 seconds, with Benoot rising to second following his stage victory today.

Tomorrow’s 166.5km mountain stage from Nice to Valdebore la Colmiane is scheduled to end the race.