Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, June 9, 2026 — The fourth stage of the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes kicked off today. Stretching 178 kilometres, the race set off from Vichy and wound through rolling hills and mountainous terrain before finishing in Clermont-Ferrand. Featuring undulating roads and gruelling climbs that tested riders' stamina, this stage proved pivotal for the overall general classification battle.
Stage Highlights: Multiple Attacks and a Decisive Climb
The race got off to a fast pace right from the start. A five-rider breakaway formed within the first 20 kilometres, aiming to collect intermediate sprint points and mountain classification points. The climb up Puy de Dôme in the middle section became the defining moment of the stage, where numerous general classification contenders went head-to-head.
Paul Seixas from the Decathlon C-MACGM Team delivered a dominant performance on the climb and launched repeated attacks, yet his moves were repeatedly reeled in by the main peloton. Gilles Marini and Mathieu Van der Poel, both sitting high on the general classification standings, stayed tight within the group on the key ascent to avoid losing time.
Decisive Sprint: Manier Proves His Sprint Prowess Once Again
By the time the race reached the flat final section heading into Clermont-Ferrand, the early breakaway had been caught by the peloton. In the nail-biting final sprint, Gilles Marini of Team QuickStep–AlphaVin showcased outstanding sprinting ability and crossed the finish line first to claim the stage victory. He edged out Alexander Kristoff and Jasper Philipsen by a narrow margin to take top honours of the stage.
This triumph not only earned Marini the stage title but also further strengthened his lead in the points classification, making him a strong favourite for the green jersey.
Updates on General Classification and Standings
The top spots in the overall general classification remained largely unchanged after the stage. Mathieu Van der Poel still held a slim lead at the top, followed by Gilles Marini and Paul Seixas. Marini moved to the top of the points classification thanks to his stage win, while Paul Seixas took command of the mountain classification after his repeated breakaway attempts throughout the day.
Many riders commented after the race that today's stage was extremely physically demanding. In particular, the relentless climb of Puy de Dôme posed a huge challenge for both sprinters and general classification hopefuls.
Looking Ahead to Upcoming Stages
As the race moves deeper into its critical mountain phases, the battle for the overall title is set to intensify. Tomorrow's stage will depart from Clermont-Ferrand and head to Le Puy-en-Velay, with more tough climbs on the agenda. The standings in both the general classification and points classification are likely to see new shifts, and strong climbers will be the focus of tomorrow's competition.
Stage Statistics
Stage distance: 178 kilometres
Stage winner: Gilles Marini (Team QuickStep–AlphaVin)
Leader of points classification: Gilles Marini
Leader of mountain classification: Paul Seixas
Leader of general classification: Mathieu Van der Poel
