The race has been a happy hunting ground in the past for the man known as ‘Bling” with Green Jersey wins in 2015 and 2016.
In an interview with Cycling Central ahead of Sunday’s first stage of Paris-Nice, Matthews revealed why the race has been such an important event for him throughout his career.
“If you can start well here at Paris-Nice it can really set you up for a good season,” Matthews said.
“It is a beautiful race and is always action-packed. Paris-Nice for me has always been a great preparation for San Remo.
“I’ve had so many amazing memories here like winning the Green Jersey twice so that too always brings me back.”
Matthews said he expects another exciting week of racing at Paris-Nice and will be a great early season test for his Bike Exchange team.
“It is always hectic racing just like in the classics. There is a lot of small roads and road furniture which sets up some hectic finishes,” Matthews said.
“Be prepared to fight from start to end. It is a very stressful race so you need to be on your toes.
“You need to ride as a team here. If you ride as an individual it is a very chaotic one week of racing.”
The Paris-Nice sets off on Sunday, March 7 with the eight-day race set to feature a star-studded field of some of the World’s best riders including Primoz Roglic, Tao Geoghegan Hart, Sam Bennett, Mads Pedersen and Max Schachmann.
SBS will broadcast each stage of the Paris-Nice LIVE as well as streaming on SBS On Demand.
