As it happened: Breakaway succeeds on opening day at Critérium du Dauphiné - Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes stage 1

The opening stage of the 2026 Critérium du Dauphiné, now rebranded as the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, saw a successful breakaway claim victory in a challenging 146.2km route featuring multiple climbs. Alex Baudin of EF Education-EasyPost emerged as the stage winner, finishing with a time of 3:43:58, ahead of Ramses Debruyne and Leo Bisiaux. The race unfolded with numerous attacks and counterattacks, as riders sought to establish a lead on the demanding terrain, which included over 3,100 metres of elevation gain. The stage was marked by aggressive racing from early on, with several riders attempting to break free from the peloton. A seven-man breakaway eventually formed, including notable names such as Georg Steinhauser, Benjamin Thomas, and George Bennett, before Alex Baudin bridged across to the group. The peloton, led by teams protecting their general classification hopefuls, was unable to reel in the escapees, allowing the breakaway to maintain a decisive advantage until the finish. Paul Seixas, the pre-race favourite after strong performances in earlier spring classics and stage races, was a key figure to watch but did not feature in the final selection. Seixas had expressed disappointment at the absence of top rivals Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard, who were competing elsewhere or resting ahead of the Tour de France. Despite this, the race showcased a new generation of young talent, with 41% of the peloton eligible for the white jersey, highlighting the event’s role as a proving ground for emerging riders. The outcome of the opening stage sets an intriguing tone for the remainder of the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, with the general classification still wide open and several contenders poised to challenge in the mountainous terrain ahead. Teams will now reassess their strategies as they prepare for the upcoming stages, where the race’s true contenders are expected to assert themselves. The event continues to serve as a critical preparation for the Tour de France, offering valuable insights into form and fitness among the sport’s leading riders.