The 26-year-old’s win was his first as a member of the Bahrain-Merida team, clocking a time of 4 hours 20min 59sec as he held off Germany’s John Degenkolb on the 195-kilometre route from Rochefort-en-Yvelines to Amilly.

Frenchman Demare, the winner of yesterday’s opening stage, came third on a day dominated by rain and crosswinds and retains the general classification lead on 7:43.28.

He had looked well positioned for a second consecutive stage triumph before Colbrelli moved out in front with around 500 metres remaining.

Demare has a six-second advantage over compatriot Julian Alaphilippe, while Belgium’s Philippe Gilbert is a further 11 seconds behind.

Australia's Richie Porte, the champion in 2013 and 2015, came in with a group more than 14 minutes back today.

Tomorrow’s third stage sees the remaining riders take on a 190km stage from Chablis to Chalons-sur-Saone.

Paris-Nice is an International Cycling Union (UCI) World Tour event.