Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: Visma-Lease a Bike power to team time trial victory on stage 3, but EF's Baudin keeps yellow jersey after GC shake-up

Visma-Lease a Bike secured a commanding victory in the team time trial on stage three of the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, overcoming significant challenges to finish nine seconds ahead of Netcompany Ineos and 29 seconds clear of EF Education-EasyPost. Despite losing key riders Wout van Aert early and Ben Tulett to a puncture, the Dutch squad maintained composure and consistency over the rolling 28-kilometre course. Their win propelled team leader Matteo Jorgenson up the general classification, setting the stage for a reshuffle in the overall standings. EF Education-EasyPost’s collective strength proved decisive on the final climb, allowing race leader Alex Baudin to retain the yellow jersey despite Visma’s strong performance. Netcompany Ineos riders Kévin Vauquelin and Oscar Onley also made gains in the general classification, although Onley’s progress was hampered by a dropped chain late in the stage. Juan Ayuso and Lidl-Trek finished fourth on the day, 32 seconds behind Visma, while other favourites such as Decathlon CMA CGM and UAE Team Emirates-XRG lagged further behind. Jorgenson reflected on the victory with enthusiasm, highlighting the unique satisfaction of winning as a team. He acknowledged the setbacks faced during the stage, including van Aert’s early withdrawal and Tulett’s near-crash, but praised the squad’s adaptability and effort in the closing kilometres. The American rider expressed cautious optimism about his chances in the overall race, emphasising a measured approach to the coming stages. The stage itself was marked by intense competition and fluctuating fortunes among the teams. Early leaders Picnic PostNL set a fast pace, but were eventually eclipsed by Lotto-Intermarché and New Zealand’s George Bennett, while Jayco-AlUla demonstrated strong form with a time well ahead of several rivals. Movistar surprised many by challenging the favourites, briefly holding the best time before being overtaken by the likes of Netcompany Ineos and ultimately Visma-Lease a Bike. The course’s technical climbs and rolling terrain tested teams’ pacing strategies, contributing to a dynamic and unpredictable contest. Looking ahead, the race remains wide open with the general classification still unsettled. Visma-Lease a Bike’s resilience and teamwork have positioned them as serious contenders, but Baudin’s hold on the yellow jersey and the performances of other GC hopefuls suggest the battle for overall victory will intensify in the coming stages. Teams will need to balance risk and strategy carefully as the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes progresses towards its conclusion.