As it happened: A new GC but the race leader hangs on after Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes stage 3 TTT

Stage 3 of the 2026 Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes featured a pivotal 28.4km team time trial (TTT) in Perreux, which significantly impacted the general classification standings. Jayco-AlUla delivered a commanding performance, finishing nearly two minutes ahead of their rivals with a time of 33:46, establishing themselves as the dominant force of the day. Despite this shake-up, the overall race leader managed to maintain their position, underscoring the competitive tension heading into the next stages. The race unfolded with teams starting at four-minute intervals, beginning with Dutch squad Picnic-PostNL, who have struggled this season and currently sit low in the UCI rankings. As the event progressed, several teams posted strong split times, with Bahrain Victorious and Movistar briefly challenging Jayco-AlUla’s supremacy at intermediate checkpoints. However, Jayco-AlUla’s cohesive effort and strategic pacing on the final climb proved decisive, allowing them to secure a comfortable lead over their closest contenders. Key moments included the tactical lead-out efforts by teams to position their general classification riders for the uphill finish, notably NSN’s manoeuvre with George Bennett narrowly edging out Lotto-Intermarché at the line. Bahrain Victorious also impressed by holding second place for much of the stage before being overtaken by TotalEnergies and Movistar at various points. The fluctuating times at the checkpoints highlighted the intensity and unpredictability of the TTT format, where teamwork and timing are critical. The implications of this stage are significant for the remainder of the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, as Jayco-AlUla’s strong showing not only boosts their morale but also places pressure on other GC contenders to respond in the upcoming mountain stages. The resilience of the current race leader, who managed to retain the overall lead despite the time trial’s challenges, sets up an intriguing battle ahead. Teams will need to balance individual ambitions with collective strategy as the race progresses through the demanding Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes terrain.