Chaotic Start and Relentless Attacks: An Unpredictable Stage Unfolds

Today’s stage delivered exactly what the parcours promised—an aggressive and highly unpredictable race shaped by relentless attacks and constant reshuffling at the front.
The Climber's Playground: Opportunities for Aggression
Featuring seven categorized climbs—six category-three and one category-two ascent—the route offered repeated opportunities for attackers, but lacked a decisive climb to establish clear hierarchy. This led to an explosive opening phase, with no breakaway able to establish itself even 150 km from the finish.
Flat Section Fury: The Battle for Position Intensifies
After the early climbs, a 20 km flat section intensified the battle for position. Multiple riders attempted to go clear, with a group of over 20 briefly forming, including Pello Bilbao, who started the day 13th on general classification. However, cohesion proved elusive, and the peloton maintained control.
New Moves Emerge: UAE Team Emirates Stays Active
By 140 km to go, the race remained unsettled. A more promising move emerged when Andreas Kron attacked alongside Julian Alaphilippe and Iván Romeo Pericas, quickly gaining a 20-second advantage. Meanwhile, UAE Team Emirates—riding aggressively in the absence of their GC leader Isaac Del Toro—continued to animate the race, following up on their near-success the previous day.
Mountain Points Scramble: Bou Adds to His Tally
Mountain points were contested along the way, with Bou adding to his tally atop the Jata climb, cresting behind Anders Halland Johannessen and Jardi Van Der Lee.
McNulty's Solo Effort: A Brave but Isolated Bid
As the race progressed, Brandon McNulty launched a solo move, building a lead of up to 35 seconds. However, without support and exposed on flat terrain, his advantage gradually diminished. Behind him, Uno-X Mobility increased the pace, driving the chase and splintering the peloton. Notably, Paul Seixas was caught on the wrong side of a split, complicating his race.
Tactical Showdown: Teamwork and Timing Prevail
McNulty’s effort ultimately came to an end 36 km from the finish, when he was reeled in by the chasers. The race remained fiercely contested between the breakaway and the peloton, with Uno-X Mobility continuing to set the tempo, likely in support of Tobias Halland Johannessen. With no dominant climb to decide the outcome, the stage has evolved into a tactical showdown—where positioning, teamwork, and timing may prove more decisive than pure climbing strength.