'The stars aligned for me today' - Alex Baudin solos to Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes stage one victory as Oscar Onley takes time over GC favourites

Alex Baudin claimed a solo victory on the opening stage of the 2026 Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, launching a decisive attack in the final 25 kilometres on the Côte de Rousset. The EF Education First-EasyPost rider broke away from a nine-man escape group and held off the chasers to win by 32 seconds, securing the leader’s jersey. Baudin’s triumph marked his second career win and capped a strong start to the season, highlighted by top-10 finishes at Paris-Nice and Itzulia. The 25-year-old, who overcame food poisoning the day before the race, expressed his delight at winning close to home with his family in attendance. The 146-kilometre stage featured five categorised climbs and was contested at a controlled pace, with Decathlon-CMA CGM leading the peloton in support of Paul Seixas. The early breakaway, which included notable riders such as New Zealand champion George Bennett, built a lead of over two minutes before Baudin went solo on the final climb. Despite efforts from a chasing group—including Oscar Onley and Kévin Vauquelin—to reduce the gap, Baudin maintained a comfortable advantage to the finish line in Saint-Ismier. The peloton’s measured tempo allowed the breakaway to succeed, with no major GC favourites able to close the gap. Oscar Onley, riding for Netcompany-Ineos, was part of a late attack that gained time over the main general classification contenders but ultimately finished ten seconds behind Baudin. The stage’s outcome set up an intriguing battle for the overall lead, with Baudin holding a 32-second advantage heading into the second stage. This next test, a demanding 234-kilometre ride to Le Puy-en-Velay, promises to challenge the peloton and test Baudin’s ability to defend the yellow jersey. Teams will likely adjust their strategies as the race unfolds, with the GC favourites expected to respond aggressively in the coming stages. Baudin reflected on his victory with a sense of disbelief and gratitude, noting that everything came together perfectly on the day. His performance not only boosts his confidence but also signals EF Education First-EasyPost’s intent in this key Tour de France warm-up event. Meanwhile, the controlled nature of the stage and the tactical decisions by teams like Decathlon-CMA CGM indicate a measured approach to the race’s early phases, preserving energy for the tougher challenges ahead. The Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes continues to provide valuable insights into form and team dynamics as the season progresses.