Saint-Ismier, France – June 7, 2026 — While much of the pre-race attention was focused on overall contenders such as Paul Seixas, Isaac Del Toro, Juan Ayuso and other General Classification favorites, the opening stage of the 2026 Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes produced an unexpected hero.
Riding for EF Education-EasyPost, French rider Alex Baudin delivered a remarkable long-range attack to win Stage 1 after a courageous solo effort. The 25-year-old survived from the breakaway and crossed the finish line alone in Saint-Ismier, securing the biggest victory of his professional career and becoming the first rider to wear the race leader's yellow jersey in the newly rebranded event.
The victory marked a dream start for Baudin and provided French cycling fans with an unforgettable opening day on home roads.
A New Name, the Same Prestigious Test Before the Tour de France
Formerly known as the Critérium du Dauphiné, the race entered a new chapter in 2026 under its new identity: Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
Despite the name change, the event remains one of the most important preparation races ahead of the Tour de France. Many of the world's best riders use the eight-day WorldTour stage race as a final benchmark before July's Grand Départ.
Stage 1 featured a challenging 146.2-kilometer route from Vizille to Saint-Ismier, packed with climbing from start to finish.
The profile included:
Col de l'Arzelier (8.6 km at 5.7%)
Côte de Seyssins
Côte de Quaix-en-Chartreuse
Col de Vence
Côte de Rousset (8.2 km at 7.6%)
With more than 3,200 meters of elevation gain, the opening stage offered little opportunity for recovery and immediately placed the peloton under pressure.
Race analysts had identified the final ascent of Côte de Rousset as the decisive point of the day, and the climb ultimately proved pivotal.
Aggressive Racing from the Start
The race exploded into action almost immediately after the official start.
Several riders attempted to establish an early breakaway, including experienced attackers and strong climbers looking to capitalize on the demanding terrain.
After nearly twenty kilometers of relentless attacks, a select group finally managed to gain separation from the peloton. Among those riders was Alex Baudin, who quickly became one of the strongest members of the escape group.
Behind them, teams with General Classification ambitions were reluctant to commit fully to the chase, allowing the breakaway's advantage to grow steadily throughout the first half of the race.
At the time, few expected that the stage winner would ultimately emerge from the move.
Baudin Launches the Decisive Attack
As the race entered its final forty kilometers, the intensity increased significantly.
The decisive moment arrived on the slopes of Côte de Rousset, the final categorized climb of the day.
Sensing an opportunity, Baudin accelerated from the breakaway group and immediately opened a gap over his companions. One by one, the remaining escapees were dropped as the Frenchman established himself at the front of the race.
With approximately 28 kilometers remaining, Baudin committed to a solo attack.
It was a bold move.
Behind him, the peloton was beginning to accelerate under the pressure of several GC teams. Riders such as Paul Seixas, Isaac Del Toro, João Almeida and Juan Ayuso remained attentive near the front, preparing for potential attacks among the favorites.
Yet Baudin never hesitated.
Displaying exceptional climbing form, strong descending skills and perfect pacing, he continued to hold a narrow but crucial advantage over the chasing group.
The Favorites Run Out of Road
As the finish approached, tension built across the race.
The group of overall contenders gradually reduced Baudin's lead, but cooperation among the chasing teams was inconsistent. Several squads appeared unwilling to assume full responsibility for the pursuit, creating hesitation that ultimately worked in Baudin's favor.
Kilometer after kilometer, the French rider maintained his rhythm.
When he entered the finishing straight in Saint-Ismier alone, the local crowd erupted in celebration.
Baudin crossed the line with enough time to secure a memorable solo victory, earning not only the stage win but also the race lead.
For EF Education-EasyPost, the result represented another significant WorldTour success during the 2026 season.
A Near-Perfect Day in Yellow
Baudin's achievements extended far beyond the stage victory itself.
Following his dominant performance, he left Stage 1 leading multiple classifications:
Overall General Classification (Yellow Jersey)
Best Young Rider Classification (White Jersey)
Mountains Classification (Polka Dot Jersey)
Points Classification
Most Combative Rider Award
Rarely does a rider leave the opening stage of a major WorldTour race with such a comprehensive collection of honors.
Speaking after the finish, Baudin described the victory as one of the most emotional moments of his career, particularly because it came close to his home region in southeastern France.
The Frenchman also acknowledged that defending the yellow jersey throughout the coming days would be an enormous challenge.
GC Favorites Remain Patient
While Baudin stole the spotlight, the overall contenders largely chose caution over aggression.
Although the pace increased on several key climbs, none of the major favorites launched a decisive attack against one another.
This approach was understandable given what still lies ahead.
The race route includes a team time trial and several demanding mountain stages that are expected to have a far greater impact on the General Classification battle.
Nevertheless, Stage 1 provided the first opportunity to assess form, and several teams—including UAE Team Emirates-XRG and Visma | Lease a Bike—appeared well-positioned for the challenges to come.
The real fight for overall victory is only just beginning.
The Road to the Tour Starts Here
For decades, the Dauphiné has been considered the final examination before the Tour de France.
The opening stage of the newly named Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes served as a reminder that cycling's biggest races are often won by riders willing to take risks.
Alex Baudin's bold solo attack delivered one of the most memorable victories of his career and provided the race with an unforgettable opening chapter.
Stage 2, scheduled for June 8, will feature a longer and more demanding parcours, offering another opportunity for attackers while posing new challenges for the yellow jersey holder.
Whether Baudin can continue to defend his lead remains one of the most compelling storylines of the week.
Stage 1 Results
Race: Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes 2026
Stage: Stage 1
Date: June 7, 2026
Route: Vizille → Saint-Ismier
Distance: 146.2 km
Stage Winner: Alex Baudin (EF Education-EasyPost)
Yellow Jersey: Alex Baudin
White Jersey: Alex Baudin
Mountains Classification Leader: Alex Baudin
Points Classification Leader: Alex Baudin
Most Combative Rider: Alex Baudin
The 2026 Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes has begun in spectacular fashion, and if Stage 1 is any indication, the week ahead promises plenty more drama on the roads of southeastern France.
