Rui Costa's bad luck in Paris-Nice continued when he crashed hard at the end of today's final stage of the race. As it happened inside the final kilometre, however, the world champion secured his overall 2nd place in the race, his sixth in the 2014 season.

The curse of the rainbow jersey continues to haunt Rui Costa. After two consecutive second places that had left him clearly frustrated, the world champion hit the deck in the sprint in today's final stage of Paris-Nice.

While he was lying on the ground, it seemed that he was badly hurt but luckily he escaped the incident without any major injuries. As it happened inside the final kilometre, he was given the same time as stage winner Arthur Vichot and so finished 2nd overall in the race, his sixth runner-up spot in 2014.

"The goal was to maintain second place overall," he said. "The team worked superbly throughout the race. It's sad to crash a few metres from the finish. I have a knee that is a bit sore, but it is nothing. I'm happy with second place even though it is the third one in the race. It is a good result."

Lampre doctor Guardascione confirmed that Costa has no major injuries.

"Rui sustained bruises and abrasions to the knee and his left side. It is nothing to worry about and it won't jeopardize his schedule and plans for the future."

"Despite the final scare, Rui scored a great second place, behind a Betancur in great shape," Lampre manager Brent Copeland said. "Being on the podium in Paris-Nice after having ridden very well in all stages and received great support from his teammates is a result of value that adds to the two second places he took in some exciting stages.

"Rui is a great rider who knows how to excite the fans and he honours the best rainbow jersey in the best way.

"After two World Tour events, we have Ulissi's third place in the Tour Down Under and Rui Costa's place of honour  here in France. That start shows us that we are doing things right."