Alex Baudin Wins Opening Stage and Takes Leader's Jersey at Tour Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alpes

French rider Alex Baudin, riding for Decathlon‑CMA CGM, was part of the early breakaway on the opening stage of the Tour Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alpes. On the decisive Côte de Rousset he launched a solo attack, gaining more than a minute on his rivals and held on to the finish in Saint‑Ismier, securing both the stage win and the first leader’s jersey.

The 234‑km stage featured five categorized climbs and a total climb of about 3,800 m, favoring aggressive riders. Several favorites, including Wout van Aert and João Almeida, struggled on the hills and lost time. American Matthew Riccitello abandoned after suffering food poisoning. The result reshapes the early general‑classification battle as Baudin joins the race lead into the next stage.