{"id":251408,"date":"2026-07-04T18:02:24","date_gmt":"2026-07-04T18:02:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/04\/tour-de-france-stage-1-live-report-huge-fight-among-the-big-gc-teams-for-victory-at-barcelona-team-time-trial-grand-depart\/"},"modified":"2026-07-04T18:02:24","modified_gmt":"2026-07-04T18:02:24","slug":"tour-de-france-stage-1-live-report-huge-fight-among-the-big-gc-teams-for-victory-at-barcelona-team-time-trial-grand-depart","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/04\/tour-de-france-stage-1-live-report-huge-fight-among-the-big-gc-teams-for-victory-at-barcelona-team-time-trial-grand-depart\/","title":{"rendered":"Tour de France stage 1 live report: Huge fight among the big GC teams for victory at Barcelona team time trial Grand D\u00e9part"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T18:02:24+00:00\">2026-07-04T18:02:24.189Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-04d473d8-e1c2-4fac-af3a-2260a4cfef39\">Thanks for joining us today, for what was a triumphant return of the team time trial to the Tour de France, and a statement-making victory for Visma-Lease a Bike and Jonas Vingegaard.<\/p>\n<p>Vingegaard will therefore wear the yellow jersey tomorrow, however might already be in a fight to defend it, despite being so early in this race. There are some steep hills in the finale of tomorrow\u2019s route in Barcelona, likely to bring the GC men to the fore &#8211; and a potential Tadej Poga\u010dar attack? The stage is set for a thriller, so be sure to follow our live coverage once again tomorrow!<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T18:00:24+00:00\">2026-07-04T18:00:24.973Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-377e92a8-c972-4ae6-86bf-b41328675102\">A familiar sight from past Tours de France, but not one we\u2019ve seen for a few years &#8211; Jonas Vingegaard in the yellow jersey.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-4ba10900-1867-47cb-b0f5-25a027c8a03e\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X7CyMFurNGmid6fZ9EMK2B-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X7CyMFurNGmid6fZ9EMK2B-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X7CyMFurNGmid6fZ9EMK2B-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X7CyMFurNGmid6fZ9EMK2B-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X7CyMFurNGmid6fZ9EMK2B-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X7CyMFurNGmid6fZ9EMK2B-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T17:57:43+00:00\">2026-07-04T17:57:43.347Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-72259f6e-a8b1-4198-9dff-d45013b67d28\">Here are the full GC rankings after stage one.<\/p>\n<p><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/tour-de-france-gc-standings-2026\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/tour-de-france-gc-standings-2026\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/tour-de-france-gc-standings-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tour de France GC standings \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard dons first yellow jersey of 2026 race<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T17:51:15+00:00\">2026-07-04T17:51:15.015Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-9f42e444-9e53-41b6-a076-a67da9f958a1\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Qxb4pT8ZybhG65rLfMrVk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Qxb4pT8ZybhG65rLfMrVk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Qxb4pT8ZybhG65rLfMrVk-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Qxb4pT8ZybhG65rLfMrVk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Qxb4pT8ZybhG65rLfMrVk-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Qxb4pT8ZybhG65rLfMrVk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Qxb4pT8ZybhG65rLfMrVk.jpg\" alt=\"Team Visma | Lease a Bike&amp;#039;s Danish rider Jonas Vingegaard (R) tugs on the medal around Team Visma | Lease a Bike&amp;#039;s Belgian rider Victor Campenaerts&amp;#039; neck as the whole team celebrates on the podium after winning the 1st stage of the 113th edition of the Tour de France cycling race, a 19 km team time trial stage in and around Barcelona in northeastern Spain, on July 4, 2026. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT \/ AFP)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Qxb4pT8ZybhG65rLfMrVk-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Qxb4pT8ZybhG65rLfMrVk-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Qxb4pT8ZybhG65rLfMrVk-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Qxb4pT8ZybhG65rLfMrVk-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Qxb4pT8ZybhG65rLfMrVk-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Qxb4pT8ZybhG65rLfMrVk-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Qxb4pT8ZybhG65rLfMrVk.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Qxb4pT8ZybhG65rLfMrVk.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T17:44:58+00:00\">2026-07-04T17:44:58.583Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-837bc80a-3531-4da8-80fc-5d9c1af8b212\">As a result of this stage, and its new team time trial format, the top ten is already full of many of the names we&#8217;re anticipating taking part in the fight for the GC.<\/p>\n<p>Vingegaard leads, Poga\u010dar is third, Ayuso fourth, Evenepoel fifth, Del Toro sixth, Lipotwitz eighth and Seixas tenth.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T17:36:33+00:00\">2026-07-04T17:36:33.524Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fb2e741f-221e-46da-bff5-14550078ece9\">Sandwiched in between Visma and UAE at the top of the rankings were Netompany Ineos. It was clear from the way they rode today, leaving behind both K\u00e9vin Vauquelin and Egan Bernal, that they were all in for the stage win rather than the GC, pointing to how we expect them to race these three weeks.<\/p>\n<p>They may be left lamenting what might have been, after a mechanical prevented Vauquelin from taking the last turn, as planned.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"\/>\n<p id=\"elk-fb2e741f-221e-46da-bff5-14550078ece9-2\"><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/french-gc-hopeful-kevin-vauquelin-loses-precious-time-in-tour-de-france-opening-team-time-trial\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/french-gc-hopeful-kevin-vauquelin-loses-precious-time-in-tour-de-france-opening-team-time-trial\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/french-gc-hopeful-kevin-vauquelin-loses-precious-time-in-tour-de-france-opening-team-time-trial\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">French GC hopeful K\u00e9vin Vauquelin loses precious time in Tour de France opening team time trial<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T17:29:07+00:00\">2026-07-04T17:29:07.701Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cd37dd3c-e34d-40ac-a644-19edccded0cb\">So that\u2019s first blood to Jons Vingegaard and Visma-Lease a Bike over Tadej Poga\u010dar and UAE Team Emirates XRG, in what\u2019s shaping up to be another epic battle between the two. Vingegaard showed no sign of fatigue following his ride to win the Giro d\u2019Italia in May, while his team looked extremely strong, despite the absence of Wout van Aert, who would usually be a huge factor on a day like today.<\/p>\n<p>His replacement, Davide Piganzoli, was still with Vingegaard and Jorgenson in the final kilometre, and looks set to play a vital role in his yellow jersey challenge, having done such a great job for him at the Giro.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T17:21:40+00:00\">2026-07-04T17:21:40.474Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cee15406-31dc-44db-82a4-d42dd7e46f77\">That means Jonas Vingegaard will wear the yellow jersey, the first time he has adorned it since standing on the podium in Paris upon victory at the 2023 Tour de France.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-42a15631-21e0-49ed-a8ad-bbc3b9c944dd\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.60%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ts4KtbpSC8wo7dTnWrX8zS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ts4KtbpSC8wo7dTnWrX8zS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ts4KtbpSC8wo7dTnWrX8zS-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ts4KtbpSC8wo7dTnWrX8zS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ts4KtbpSC8wo7dTnWrX8zS-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ts4KtbpSC8wo7dTnWrX8zS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ts4KtbpSC8wo7dTnWrX8zS.jpg\" alt=\"BARCELONA, SPAIN - JULY 02: Jonas Vingegaard of Denmark and Team Visma | Lease a Bike during the team presentation prior to the 113th Tour de France 2026 \/ #UCIWT \/ on July 02, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ts4KtbpSC8wo7dTnWrX8zS-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ts4KtbpSC8wo7dTnWrX8zS-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ts4KtbpSC8wo7dTnWrX8zS-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ts4KtbpSC8wo7dTnWrX8zS-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ts4KtbpSC8wo7dTnWrX8zS-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ts4KtbpSC8wo7dTnWrX8zS-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ts4KtbpSC8wo7dTnWrX8zS.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ts4KtbpSC8wo7dTnWrX8zS.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T17:18:39+00:00\">2026-07-04T17:18:39.159Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-visma-lease-a-bike-win-the-stage\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-visma-lease-a-bike-win-the-stage\"><span>VISMA-LEASE A BIKE WIN THE STAGE<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-0320db0c-b05b-4be5-8785-a3890a538aa9\">UAE Team Emirates XRG come close\u2026but not close enough! Poga\u010dar distanced Del Toro in the final 500 metres to the line, but was left with just a little bit too much to do, falling 11 short of Vingegaard\u2019s time. That means they finish third, behind both VismaLease a Bike in first, and Netcompany Ineos in second.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-ffea3d4c-5a3f-41ab-b1eb-f7b7385d471f\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiZJgJqKsccKprUrkb3Dt4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiZJgJqKsccKprUrkb3Dt4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiZJgJqKsccKprUrkb3Dt4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiZJgJqKsccKprUrkb3Dt4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiZJgJqKsccKprUrkb3Dt4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiZJgJqKsccKprUrkb3Dt4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiZJgJqKsccKprUrkb3Dt4.jpg\" alt=\"UAE Team Emirates - XRG&amp;#039;s Slovenian rider Tadej Pogacar (R) cycles with his team next to the Palau nacional (&amp;#039;National Palace&amp;#039;) on the hill of Montjuic during the 1st stage of the 113th edition of the Tour de France cycling race, a 19,6 km team time trial stage in and around Barcelona in northeastern Spain, on July 4, 2026. (Photo by Jeff PACHOUD \/ AFP)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiZJgJqKsccKprUrkb3Dt4-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiZJgJqKsccKprUrkb3Dt4-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiZJgJqKsccKprUrkb3Dt4-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiZJgJqKsccKprUrkb3Dt4-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiZJgJqKsccKprUrkb3Dt4-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiZJgJqKsccKprUrkb3Dt4-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiZJgJqKsccKprUrkb3Dt4.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiZJgJqKsccKprUrkb3Dt4.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T17:14:56+00:00\">2026-07-04T17:14:56.160Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-60691a10-75b5-4d96-8d74-a8969c34e6c9\">Only one more question left to answer &#8211; can UAE Team Emirates XRG better that time? They have a considerable margin of 13 seconds from the final time check to make up, but you can\u2019t discount the might of Poga\u010dar, and the amount of ground he could potentially make it in the final uphill stretch of the route.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T17:13:10+00:00\">2026-07-04T17:13:10.520Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-new-fastest-time-visma-lease-a-bike\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-new-fastest-time-visma-lease-a-bike\"><span>NEW FASTEST TIME &#8211; VISMA-LEASE A BIKE<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-2b433295-1cdc-4883-a13f-7cdd72cb1455\">Visma-Lease a Bike have smashed Netcompany&#8217;s time! Vingegaard at last shed teammates Jorgenson and Piganzoli, to reach the finish 7 seconds quicker than Ganna.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-1e18471d-86b7-41cb-a686-1f9d006b2a68\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA.jpg\" alt=\"Team Visma | Lease a Bike riders cycle past the Sagrada Familia Basilica during the 1st stage of the 113th edition of the Tour de France cycling race, a 19,6 km team time trial stage in and around Barcelona in northeastern Spain, on July 4, 2026. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT \/ AFP)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T17:08:45+00:00\">2026-07-04T17:08:45.966Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-39e7a2b8-0dbf-4698-96c6-0935e44a9b0b\">Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe post the third fastest time at the finish, ten seconds slower than Netcompany.<\/p>\n<p>Remco Evenepoel went solo before the finish, dropping his teammate (and co-GC leader Florian Lipowitz). It was always likely he would do so, but that&#8217;s still a striking statement as to his relative strength compared with his teammate.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-3890da68-7199-46b7-9ed4-dffc09b21a5a\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nCnWG9UqTShz8mD9DUNgpW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nCnWG9UqTShz8mD9DUNgpW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nCnWG9UqTShz8mD9DUNgpW-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nCnWG9UqTShz8mD9DUNgpW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nCnWG9UqTShz8mD9DUNgpW-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nCnWG9UqTShz8mD9DUNgpW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nCnWG9UqTShz8mD9DUNgpW.jpg\" alt=\"Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe team&amp;#039;s Belgian rider Remco Evenepoel (R) cycles with his team next to the Palau nacional (&amp;#039;National Palace&amp;#039;) on the hill of Montjuic during the 1st stage of the 113th edition of the Tour de France cycling race, a 19,6 km team time trial stage in and around Barcelona in northeastern Spain, on July 4, 2026. (Photo by Jeff PACHOUD \/ AFP)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nCnWG9UqTShz8mD9DUNgpW-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nCnWG9UqTShz8mD9DUNgpW-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nCnWG9UqTShz8mD9DUNgpW-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nCnWG9UqTShz8mD9DUNgpW-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nCnWG9UqTShz8mD9DUNgpW-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nCnWG9UqTShz8mD9DUNgpW-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nCnWG9UqTShz8mD9DUNgpW.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nCnWG9UqTShz8mD9DUNgpW.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T17:03:58+00:00\">2026-07-04T17:03:58.086Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-924c76a8-5ec0-4022-84c5-f01da726b258\">Juan Ayuso finishes for Lidl-Trek&#8230;but he doesn&#8217;t quite have enough! He comes 8 seconds short of Netcompany Ineos&#8217; time.<\/p>\n<p>The win is far from sealed yet, however. Visma-Lease a Bike are going well, one second quicker than Netcompany at the second time check.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T17:01:09+00:00\">2026-07-04T17:01:09.041Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8c7e3cad-56e6-4c21-bb06-f1d6a197ec64\">Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe are a little off the pace, 12 seconds slower than both Lidl-Trek and Netcompany Ineos at the second time check. What does Remco Evenepoel have left in the tank for the second half?<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile Lidl-Trek are nearing the finish, having posted exactly the same time as Netcompany Ineos at all three of the time checks. This is going to come right down to the wire.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T16:55:08+00:00\">2026-07-04T16:55:08.037Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-714266d2-2a6e-499f-992e-feff0a033882\">Paul Seixas ultimately dropped the rest of his Decathlon teammates before the finish, and flew up the final climb to post the second fastest time.<\/p>\n<p>Netcompany&#8217;s lead remains in tact, however is coming under serious threat from Lidl-Trek, who were a fraction of a second quicker at the second check. We&#8217;re poised for a very exciting finish.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-f88502c4-6659-4c01-8c39-87eae4659742\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CE9oAnaRqqcLE4bPXa8nui-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CE9oAnaRqqcLE4bPXa8nui-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CE9oAnaRqqcLE4bPXa8nui-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CE9oAnaRqqcLE4bPXa8nui-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CE9oAnaRqqcLE4bPXa8nui-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CE9oAnaRqqcLE4bPXa8nui-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CE9oAnaRqqcLE4bPXa8nui.jpg\" alt=\"BARCELONA, SPAIN - JULY 04: A general view of the Team Decathlon CMA CGM competing during the 113th Tour de France 2026, Stage 1 a 19.6km team time trial stage from Barcelona to Barcelona \/ #UCIWT \/ on July 04, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CE9oAnaRqqcLE4bPXa8nui-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CE9oAnaRqqcLE4bPXa8nui-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CE9oAnaRqqcLE4bPXa8nui-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CE9oAnaRqqcLE4bPXa8nui-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CE9oAnaRqqcLE4bPXa8nui-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CE9oAnaRqqcLE4bPXa8nui-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CE9oAnaRqqcLE4bPXa8nui.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CE9oAnaRqqcLE4bPXa8nui.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T16:49:05+00:00\">2026-07-04T16:49:05.229Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2dd14529-daa0-445e-a246-9fdf16699e23\">We\u2019re down to the final three teams! World time trial champion Remco Evenepoel\u2019s (and Florian Lipowitz&#8217;s) Red Bull-Bora Hansroge began their ride a few minutes, Jonas Vingegaard\u2019s Visma-Lease a Bike are about to begin there\u2019s &#8211; then finally Tadej Poga\u010dar\u2019s UAE Team Emirates XRG will be the last team off.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T16:45:51+00:00\">2026-07-04T16:45:51.037Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-07f4c3c9-8856-45d7-a347-a2fa20feff5f\">Ganna, after leading Netcompany Ineos to the fastest time of the day so far.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-165d8913-d19a-4769-b3cb-971abbc82983\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y5ub7mXdgjR5t5qVLKDjfe-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y5ub7mXdgjR5t5qVLKDjfe-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y5ub7mXdgjR5t5qVLKDjfe-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y5ub7mXdgjR5t5qVLKDjfe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y5ub7mXdgjR5t5qVLKDjfe-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y5ub7mXdgjR5t5qVLKDjfe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y5ub7mXdgjR5t5qVLKDjfe.jpg\" alt=\"Netcompany INEOS team&amp;#039;s Italian rider Filippo Ganna cycles to the finish line of the 1st stage of the 113th edition of the Tour de France cycling race, a 19,6 km team time trial stage in and around Barcelona in northeastern Spain, on July 4, 2026. (Photo by Loic VENANCE \/ AFP)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y5ub7mXdgjR5t5qVLKDjfe-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y5ub7mXdgjR5t5qVLKDjfe-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y5ub7mXdgjR5t5qVLKDjfe-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y5ub7mXdgjR5t5qVLKDjfe-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y5ub7mXdgjR5t5qVLKDjfe-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y5ub7mXdgjR5t5qVLKDjfe-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y5ub7mXdgjR5t5qVLKDjfe.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y5ub7mXdgjR5t5qVLKDjfe.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T16:44:27+00:00\">2026-07-04T16:44:27.149Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d75dfadc-9617-4331-85e0-093d7fcfe641\">Paul Seixas and his Decathlon team are losing time already, arriving at the second time check with only the seventh fastest time, 20 seconds down on Netcompany. They will be hoping to make some of that up on the final uphill with Seixas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T16:38:39+00:00\">2026-07-04T16:38:39.016Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-new-fastest-time-netcompany-ineos\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-new-fastest-time-netcompany-ineos\"><span>NEW FASTEST TIME &#8211; NETCOMPANY INEOS<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-661e5d70-1f5d-40e9-ac58-eb09425301a9\">Netcompany Ineos finish\u2026and it\u2019s the fastest so far, by a whole 31 seconds! Their ride did look to be unravelling somewhat, as the man who was slated to finish the ride off, K\u00e9vin Vauquelin, was dropped after suffering a mechanical. But Filippo Ganna charged to the finish by himself, and is now the virtual yellow jersey.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-adc7a486-3145-4f5f-87e5-01b80588ebff\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ApcVUEeJWYAWk64xRBV9xK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ApcVUEeJWYAWk64xRBV9xK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ApcVUEeJWYAWk64xRBV9xK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ApcVUEeJWYAWk64xRBV9xK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ApcVUEeJWYAWk64xRBV9xK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ApcVUEeJWYAWk64xRBV9xK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ApcVUEeJWYAWk64xRBV9xK.jpg\" alt=\"BARCELONA, SPAIN - JULY 04: Michal Kwiatkowski of Poland and Netcompany INEOS Cycling Team competes during the 113th Tour de France 2026, Stage 1 a 19.6km team time trial stage from Barcelona to Barcelona \/ #UCIWT \/ on July 04, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ApcVUEeJWYAWk64xRBV9xK-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ApcVUEeJWYAWk64xRBV9xK-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ApcVUEeJWYAWk64xRBV9xK-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ApcVUEeJWYAWk64xRBV9xK-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ApcVUEeJWYAWk64xRBV9xK-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ApcVUEeJWYAWk64xRBV9xK-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ApcVUEeJWYAWk64xRBV9xK.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ApcVUEeJWYAWk64xRBV9xK.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T16:31:41+00:00\">2026-07-04T16:31:41.941Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-da5c3dfe-b978-403d-bc82-8f45c01d63cb\">A historic moment &#8211; Paul Seixas has just begun his Tour de France, becoming the race&#8217;s youngest participant in almost a century. A nation holds its breath.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T16:30:08+00:00\">2026-07-04T16:30:08.505Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-new-fastest-time-alpecin-premier-tech\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-new-fastest-time-alpecin-premier-tech\"><span>NEW FASTEST TIME &#8211; ALPECIN-PREMIER TECH<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-9b8880bc-cb3f-4e42-813b-a179db412f02\">After Jayco-Alula came 9 seconds short of best Groupama-s benchmark, Alpecin-Premier Tech have done just that, Mathieu van der Poel arriving alone at the line to beat it by 2 seconds.<\/p>\n<p>How long will their lead stand for though? Netcompany Ineos are on an absolute flyer, and were 14 seconds quicker than Alpecin at the second time check.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-39449be4-1eae-492a-8a3e-bcc588d85224\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6zP5kbrWPq35tD6t9MxA3G-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6zP5kbrWPq35tD6t9MxA3G-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6zP5kbrWPq35tD6t9MxA3G-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6zP5kbrWPq35tD6t9MxA3G-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6zP5kbrWPq35tD6t9MxA3G-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6zP5kbrWPq35tD6t9MxA3G-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6zP5kbrWPq35tD6t9MxA3G.jpg\" alt=\"BARCELONA, SPAIN - JULY 04: Mathieu van der Poel of Netherlands and Team Alpecin-Premier Tech (C) with teammates compete during the 113th Tour de France 2026, Stage 1 a 19.6km team time trial stage from Barcelona to Barcelona \/ #UCIWT \/ on July 04, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6zP5kbrWPq35tD6t9MxA3G-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6zP5kbrWPq35tD6t9MxA3G-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6zP5kbrWPq35tD6t9MxA3G-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6zP5kbrWPq35tD6t9MxA3G-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6zP5kbrWPq35tD6t9MxA3G-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6zP5kbrWPq35tD6t9MxA3G-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6zP5kbrWPq35tD6t9MxA3G.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6zP5kbrWPq35tD6t9MxA3G.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T16:23:21+00:00\">2026-07-04T16:23:21.578Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9acd7761-c46b-4a80-a32a-4b91fcae2b90\">Ben O\u2019Connor has been dropped from the Jayco-AlUla train, and they haven\u2019t slowed down to wait for him, pressing on to set the second fastest time at the final time check. It appears therefore that he isn\u2019t targeting the GC at this year\u2019s race.<\/p>\n<p>O\u2019Connor himself has been linked with a move back to his old team &#8211; for more on that story, have a read here.<\/p>\n<p><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/ben-oconnor-rumoured-to-be-returning-to-decathlon-cma-cgm-for-2027\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/ben-oconnor-rumoured-to-be-returning-to-decathlon-cma-cgm-for-2027\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/ben-oconnor-rumoured-to-be-returning-to-decathlon-cma-cgm-for-2027\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ben O&#8217;Connor rumoured to be returning to Decathlon CMA CGM for 2027<\/a><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-6edf9b7d-5e4b-4ca8-838f-9fe5d25f2206\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.60%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ohfQRyk82TjR6GN5ozXTwe-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ohfQRyk82TjR6GN5ozXTwe-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ohfQRyk82TjR6GN5ozXTwe-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ohfQRyk82TjR6GN5ozXTwe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ohfQRyk82TjR6GN5ozXTwe-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ohfQRyk82TjR6GN5ozXTwe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ohfQRyk82TjR6GN5ozXTwe.jpg\" alt=\"BARCELONA, SPAIN - JULY 04: Michael Matthews of Australia and Team Jayco AlUla compete during the 113th Tour de France 2026, Stage 1 a 19.6km team time trial stage from Barcelona to Barcelona \/ #UCIWT \/ on July 04, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ohfQRyk82TjR6GN5ozXTwe-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ohfQRyk82TjR6GN5ozXTwe-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ohfQRyk82TjR6GN5ozXTwe-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ohfQRyk82TjR6GN5ozXTwe-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ohfQRyk82TjR6GN5ozXTwe-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ohfQRyk82TjR6GN5ozXTwe-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ohfQRyk82TjR6GN5ozXTwe.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ohfQRyk82TjR6GN5ozXTwe.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T16:17:07+00:00\">2026-07-04T16:17:07.226Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c9e690d3-98b7-448f-82da-62e31eea7133\">One of the big favourites for the stage have just begun their ride &#8211; Netcompany Ineos. They&#8217;re targetting stage wins over everything else at this Tour, and this team time trial is among their best hopes.<\/p>\n<p>Cyclingnews has learned that their strategy will be for K\u00e9vin Vauquelin to take over for the final 600m, rather than Ganna, as he aims for both the stage win and the yellow jersey.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T16:11:17+00:00\">2026-07-04T16:11:17.216Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a8c08457-9388-469c-80ee-a5141a6d216b\">Having led at the previous checks, Movistar ultimately posted only the seventh best time at the finish. One of their riders crossed the line ahead of the rest, while GC leader Uijtdebroeks finished further behind with Cepeda and Castrillo, who were forced to sit up and slow down in order to try and help limit his losses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T16:06:00+00:00\">2026-07-04T16:06:00.927Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-906bd1f7-61f4-47ae-ae5f-209395110d7e\">Problems for Movistar! They were flying, but their GC man Cian Uijtdebroeks has been dropped, meaning those ahead of him have had to slow down. It appears they will not set the new fastest time after all, despite having set the benchmark at the second and third checks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T16:00:34+00:00\">2026-07-04T16:00:34.416Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d17d63c8-fbdf-4111-9248-365d693f96f7\">Tom Pidcock set off alone in the final part of the course for Pinarello Q36.5, to help set the second fastest time, but still fell a whole 15 seconds short of Groupama\u2019s time. That time is however coming under threat from Movistar, who have set the fastest time at the second check by three seconds &#8211; but they\u2019re now being compromised by a mechanical for their time trial specialist Javier Romo.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T15:55:13+00:00\">2026-07-04T15:55:13.189Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-38d422da-4ad3-4d5e-8f54-ed812e99e7e2\">Romain Gr\u00e9goire finishing for Groupama. It appears his teammates Guillaume Martin and Cl\u00e9ment Berthet crashed at some point, as there were visible tears in their jersey.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-c72a596f-7105-4bf0-aa38-cacbecc8066d\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeJHSZKh9o8ZcmjrHfPxEY-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeJHSZKh9o8ZcmjrHfPxEY-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeJHSZKh9o8ZcmjrHfPxEY-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeJHSZKh9o8ZcmjrHfPxEY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeJHSZKh9o8ZcmjrHfPxEY-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeJHSZKh9o8ZcmjrHfPxEY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeJHSZKh9o8ZcmjrHfPxEY.jpg\" alt=\"Groupama - FDJ United team&amp;#039;s French rider Romain Gr&amp;amp;eacute;goire cycles to the finish line of the 1st stage of the 113th edition of the Tour de France cycling race, a 19,6 km team time trial stage in and around Barcelona in northeastern Spain, on July 4, 2026. (Photo by Loic VENANCE \/ AFP)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeJHSZKh9o8ZcmjrHfPxEY-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeJHSZKh9o8ZcmjrHfPxEY-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeJHSZKh9o8ZcmjrHfPxEY-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeJHSZKh9o8ZcmjrHfPxEY-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeJHSZKh9o8ZcmjrHfPxEY-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeJHSZKh9o8ZcmjrHfPxEY-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeJHSZKh9o8ZcmjrHfPxEY.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeJHSZKh9o8ZcmjrHfPxEY.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T15:49:25+00:00\">2026-07-04T15:49:25.111Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-new-fastest-time-groupama-fdj\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-new-fastest-time-groupama-fdj\"><span>NEW FASTEST TIME &#8211; GROUPAMA-FDJ<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-f4f2401d-762e-4c6d-92c4-2cab0e0f98cb\">Groupama-FDJ have indeed set the new best time, a whole 20 seconds faster than TotalEnergies! Romain Gr\u00e9goire went solo for them in the final, and absolutely flew up the final hill. The recently-crowned French national road champion looks in great shape.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T15:47:33+00:00\">2026-07-04T15:47:33.310Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bdcd6629-8e28-4f07-8007-657c686daae2\">Groupama-FDJ are poised for a good time. They&#8217;re the fastest at the third and final intermediate check, one second up on TotalEnergies, and are now approaching the finish. It&#8217;s going to be close&#8230;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-60f0ec4c-0d24-4c30-8890-f5745584ee87\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zq6RmwZxCvjWWLiUxfriTS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zq6RmwZxCvjWWLiUxfriTS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zq6RmwZxCvjWWLiUxfriTS-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zq6RmwZxCvjWWLiUxfriTS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zq6RmwZxCvjWWLiUxfriTS-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zq6RmwZxCvjWWLiUxfriTS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zq6RmwZxCvjWWLiUxfriTS.jpg\" alt=\"The team Groupama-FDJ United cycles during the 1st stage of the 113th edition of the Tour de France cycling race, a 19,6 km team time trial stage in and around Barcelona in northeastern Spain, on July 4, 2026. (Photo by Jeff PACHOUD \/ AFP)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zq6RmwZxCvjWWLiUxfriTS-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zq6RmwZxCvjWWLiUxfriTS-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zq6RmwZxCvjWWLiUxfriTS-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zq6RmwZxCvjWWLiUxfriTS-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zq6RmwZxCvjWWLiUxfriTS-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zq6RmwZxCvjWWLiUxfriTS-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zq6RmwZxCvjWWLiUxfriTS.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zq6RmwZxCvjWWLiUxfriTS.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T15:40:33+00:00\">2026-07-04T15:40:33.722Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-7fa53fac-ce66-4d84-8dfa-0414f7a24983\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ms2kRMfGa7na8qpfX3QsnY-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ms2kRMfGa7na8qpfX3QsnY-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ms2kRMfGa7na8qpfX3QsnY-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ms2kRMfGa7na8qpfX3QsnY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ms2kRMfGa7na8qpfX3QsnY-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ms2kRMfGa7na8qpfX3QsnY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ms2kRMfGa7na8qpfX3QsnY.jpg\" alt=\"BARCELONA, SPAIN - JULY 04: Fans attending the race at Plaza de Espanya during the 113th Tour de France 2026, Stage 1 a 19.6km team time trial stage from Barcelona to Barcelona \/ #UCIWT \/ on July 04, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ms2kRMfGa7na8qpfX3QsnY-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ms2kRMfGa7na8qpfX3QsnY-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ms2kRMfGa7na8qpfX3QsnY-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ms2kRMfGa7na8qpfX3QsnY-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ms2kRMfGa7na8qpfX3QsnY-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ms2kRMfGa7na8qpfX3QsnY-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ms2kRMfGa7na8qpfX3QsnY.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ms2kRMfGa7na8qpfX3QsnY.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T15:39:25+00:00\">2026-07-04T15:39:25.470Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-new-fastest-time-totalenergies\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-new-fastest-time-totalenergies\"><span>NEW FASTEST TIME &#8211; TOTALENERGIES<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-dbd87c65-558a-4f16-a299-94255d6466b9\">TotalEnergies have just finished, besting Caja Rural-Seguros RGA by ten seconds. They&#8217;re the new leaders at the clubhouse.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T15:37:13+00:00\">2026-07-04T15:37:13.433Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-751c86c5-9c79-411c-b362-2aa2c2eeed4a\">Another French team, Cofidis, are the latest to start. Their leader Ion Izagirre is riding his final Tour de France, and hopes to add to his two career stage wins here.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T15:35:28+00:00\">2026-07-04T15:35:28.040Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-61f559c2-1a76-49a8-b0a3-8e8bec60564d\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ThrZSdt5nQPawHYUa8kN7n-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ThrZSdt5nQPawHYUa8kN7n-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ThrZSdt5nQPawHYUa8kN7n-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ThrZSdt5nQPawHYUa8kN7n-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ThrZSdt5nQPawHYUa8kN7n-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ThrZSdt5nQPawHYUa8kN7n-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ThrZSdt5nQPawHYUa8kN7n.jpg\" alt=\"The team Caja Rural-Seguros RGA cycles next to the Venetian Towers at the Pla&amp;amp;ccedil;a d&amp;#039;Espanya during the 1st stage of the 113th edition of the Tour de France cycling race, a 19,6 km team time trial stage in and around Barcelona in northeastern Spain, on July 4, 2026. (Photo by Jeff PACHOUD \/ AFP)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ThrZSdt5nQPawHYUa8kN7n-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ThrZSdt5nQPawHYUa8kN7n-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ThrZSdt5nQPawHYUa8kN7n-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ThrZSdt5nQPawHYUa8kN7n-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ThrZSdt5nQPawHYUa8kN7n-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ThrZSdt5nQPawHYUa8kN7n-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ThrZSdt5nQPawHYUa8kN7n.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ThrZSdt5nQPawHYUa8kN7n.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T15:33:14+00:00\">2026-07-04T15:33:14.020Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9f2c85f5-d510-4f7f-abc9-1b050679d1c2\">Third place at last year&#8217;s Vuelta proved Pidcock&#8217;s credentials as a Grand Tour contender, and although his season has been disrupted by injury, did win upon his return at the Andorra MoraBanc Cl\u00e0ssica.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T15:30:49+00:00\">2026-07-04T15:30:49.212Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c7c43a10-ac28-4e28-abfd-16b7c431a5d7\">Tom Pidcock&#8217;s Tour de France has begun! He has just started the course with his Pinarello Q36.5 team, and is the first genuine GC contender to start this Tour.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T15:29:22+00:00\">2026-07-04T15:29:22.974Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-008dec8f-0548-41a5-b79e-453d090a5d6d\">Alex Molenaar reaches the line to set Caja Rural-Seguros RG&#8217;s time: 22:59.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T15:28:16+00:00\">2026-07-04T15:28:16.328Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-23d1e122-6567-4bd2-a786-d698ee3164e5\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Vr7fYPFaN5zi8oLc2TBsm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Vr7fYPFaN5zi8oLc2TBsm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Vr7fYPFaN5zi8oLc2TBsm-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Vr7fYPFaN5zi8oLc2TBsm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Vr7fYPFaN5zi8oLc2TBsm-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Vr7fYPFaN5zi8oLc2TBsm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Vr7fYPFaN5zi8oLc2TBsm.jpg\" alt=\"The team Caja Rural-Seguros RGA cycles next to the Venetian Towers at the Pla&amp;amp;ccedil;a d&amp;#039;Espanya during the 1st stage of the 113th edition of the Tour de France cycling race, a 19,6 km team time trial stage in and around Barcelona in northeastern Spain, on July 4, 2026. (Photo by Jeff PACHOUD \/ AFP)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Vr7fYPFaN5zi8oLc2TBsm-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Vr7fYPFaN5zi8oLc2TBsm-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Vr7fYPFaN5zi8oLc2TBsm-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Vr7fYPFaN5zi8oLc2TBsm-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Vr7fYPFaN5zi8oLc2TBsm-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Vr7fYPFaN5zi8oLc2TBsm-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Vr7fYPFaN5zi8oLc2TBsm.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Vr7fYPFaN5zi8oLc2TBsm.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T15:27:06+00:00\">2026-07-04T15:27:06.456Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9456f1a0-c7e2-43b9-9718-140ba0e2fec4\">Of the four teams to go through the first time check, Picnic are the fastest so far, 2 seconds up on TotalEnergies, 7 seconds on Caja Rural and 15 seconds on Tudor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T15:26:21+00:00\">2026-07-04T15:26:21.249Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f1a3328a-ac8b-4aff-a40d-3b344d584457\">One of the Tour de France stalwarts, Groupama-FDJ, are about to begin. The days where Thibaut Pinot made them yellow jersey contenders are over, but they do have French star Romain Gr\u00e9goire, who is a strong candidate for stage wins in punchy terrain.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T15:25:10+00:00\">2026-07-04T15:25:10.343Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cf936b31-5b3b-43f4-a440-4e913181857a\">Caja Rural-Seguros RGA are down to just two riders, as they approach the final 3km of the course.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T15:24:25+00:00\">2026-07-04T15:24:25.918Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1ffa7e18-e16c-4e3e-b65b-05f7c3b7881e\">A picture postcard shot of the Barcelona Grand D\u00e9part &#8211; Caja Rural-Seguros RGA riding past the city&#8217;s iconic landmark, Gaudi&#8217;s Sagrada Familia.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-86653368-a01d-4a40-804b-7bc5347c040a\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kQahzUcrtDyMRipDHsYs9D-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kQahzUcrtDyMRipDHsYs9D-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kQahzUcrtDyMRipDHsYs9D-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kQahzUcrtDyMRipDHsYs9D-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kQahzUcrtDyMRipDHsYs9D-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kQahzUcrtDyMRipDHsYs9D-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kQahzUcrtDyMRipDHsYs9D.jpg\" alt=\"Caja Rural-Seguros RGA team riders cycle past the Sagrada Familia Basilica during the 1st stage of the 113th edition of the Tour de France cycling race, a 19,6 km team time trial stage in and around Barcelona in northeastern Spain, on July 4, 2026. (Photo by Josep LAGO \/ AFP)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kQahzUcrtDyMRipDHsYs9D-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kQahzUcrtDyMRipDHsYs9D-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kQahzUcrtDyMRipDHsYs9D-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kQahzUcrtDyMRipDHsYs9D-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kQahzUcrtDyMRipDHsYs9D-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kQahzUcrtDyMRipDHsYs9D-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kQahzUcrtDyMRipDHsYs9D.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kQahzUcrtDyMRipDHsYs9D.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T15:21:37+00:00\">2026-07-04T15:21:37.972Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d8faa9b4-1ca6-4b73-b83f-716295c8107f\">Tudor Pro Cycling begin their ride, and among them is one of the biggest home stars &#8211; Julian Alaphilippe. The Frenchman is taking part in his eigth Tour de France, and though he is passed his peak years, could still be good enough to add to his 6 career stage victories.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T15:17:15+00:00\">2026-07-04T15:17:15.349Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0e5b63ae-d76a-41ee-8f79-dfb7a12c552f\">TotalEnergies are the third team to set off. Their leader, Jordan Jegat, was tenth on GC last year, and will want a solid ride today to limit his time losses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T15:16:07+00:00\">2026-07-04T15:16:07.813Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c365da57-4f64-4fce-925b-17e859c7fc59\">Warren Barguil has already been dropped by the rest of his Picnic riders. It&#8217;s unclear it that&#8217;s a leg issue or a mechanical issue.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T15:15:24+00:00\">2026-07-04T15:15:24.566Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ba5fd525-745b-4840-a276-241a4d00375c\">The Tour is of course a showcase of the very best tech at the cutting edge of the sport. Have a browse of our gallery of what\u2019s going to be on display at this year\u2019s race.<\/p>\n<p><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/cycling-tech-components\/new-helmets-from-kask-and-poc-loads-of-aero-tape-hacks-and-two-new-prototype-bikes-its-time-for-the-2026-tour-de-france-grand-depart-mega-tech-gallery\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/cycling-tech-components\/new-helmets-from-kask-and-poc-loads-of-aero-tape-hacks-and-two-new-prototype-bikes-its-time-for-the-2026-tour-de-france-grand-depart-mega-tech-gallery\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/cycling-tech-components\/new-helmets-from-kask-and-poc-loads-of-aero-tape-hacks-and-two-new-prototype-bikes-its-time-for-the-2026-tour-de-france-grand-depart-mega-tech-gallery\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">New helmets from KASK and POC, loads of aero tape hacks, and two new prototype bikes: It&#8217;s time for the 2026 Tour de France Grand D\u00e9part mega tech gallery<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T15:12:41+00:00\">2026-07-04T15:12:41.722Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-157b46bc-53a3-4726-a36b-bd4f64d2bda9\">The teams will be setting off at five minute intervals, with UAE Team Emirates-XRG last off at 18:55 local time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T15:12:04+00:00\">2026-07-04T15:12:04.457Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f5bc3896-87f5-40eb-b756-a9015763a7d1\">Team Picnic PostNL are the second team to start. They&#8217;ve endured a rough year, with only one win to their name, and have a roster featuring veterans Warren Barguil and John Degenkolb, plus sprinter Pavel Bittner, to try to change their fortunes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T15:09:20+00:00\">2026-07-04T15:09:20.605Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a65ba32a-628f-46fa-97ee-d2ebf795b234\">Caja Rural-Seguros RGA are one of the wildcard teams who have been invited to the Tour. Their main man for the race will be former stage winner Fernando Gaviria, who is still capable of competing in a bunch sprint.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T15:07:14+00:00\">2026-07-04T15:07:14.024Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-official-start\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-official-start\"><span>OFFICIAL START<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-c4bda1d7-df49-4f35-a17c-b9e951463b20\">Caja Rural-Seguros RGA roll off the start ramp, and so three weeks of the world&#8217;s biggest bike race have begun!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T15:06:24+00:00\">2026-07-04T15:06:24.902Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1e2c7627-ac16-4c8e-a53a-2d5aae083d98\">Blue skies and hot weather have greeted the Tour in sunny Barcelona. The Caja Rural riders and ready and waiting at the top of the start ramp.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T15:00:59+00:00\">2026-07-04T15:00:59.343Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-589153e8-711b-4d58-af7d-6949e29e9ded\">It\u2019s nearly time! Caja Rural-Seguros RGA will be the first team off the start ramp, at 17:05 local time.<\/p>\n<p><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/tour-de-france-2026-stage-1-ttt-start-times\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/tour-de-france-2026-stage-1-ttt-start-times\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Who will secure the first yellow jersey of the Tour de France? Stage 1 team time trial start times<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T14:58:45+00:00\">2026-07-04T14:58:45.114Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7d6db180-aafc-4a4c-be4c-2514772275ac\">Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s UAE Team Emirates XRG doing a recon of the course. They will have been planning for this day for months.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-fc095127-0213-40e7-8e99-e3cfeb62e545\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ft3PSis3uGzBM6D88wn5zb-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ft3PSis3uGzBM6D88wn5zb-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ft3PSis3uGzBM6D88wn5zb-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ft3PSis3uGzBM6D88wn5zb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ft3PSis3uGzBM6D88wn5zb-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ft3PSis3uGzBM6D88wn5zb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ft3PSis3uGzBM6D88wn5zb.jpg\" alt=\"Slovenian Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates XRG pictured during a training ahead of the first stage of the 2026 Tour de France cycling race, a team time trial of 19km with start and finish in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday 04 July 2026. The 113th edition of the Tour de France starts on Saturday 4 July in Barcelona, Spain, and will finish in Paris, France on the 26th of July. BELGA PHOTO DAVID PINTENS (Photo by DAVID PINTENS \/ BELGA MAG \/ Belga via AFP)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ft3PSis3uGzBM6D88wn5zb-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ft3PSis3uGzBM6D88wn5zb-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ft3PSis3uGzBM6D88wn5zb-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ft3PSis3uGzBM6D88wn5zb-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ft3PSis3uGzBM6D88wn5zb-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ft3PSis3uGzBM6D88wn5zb-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ft3PSis3uGzBM6D88wn5zb.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ft3PSis3uGzBM6D88wn5zb.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T14:56:23+00:00\">2026-07-04T14:56:23.318Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5cdaf797-d7e2-4b40-913a-3c585a16bba7\">Be sure to read our preview of the stage before the race kicks off in about ten minutes.<\/p>\n<p><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/tour-de-france-2026-stage-1-preview\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/tour-de-france-2026-stage-1-preview\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/tour-de-france-2026-stage-1-preview\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tour de France 2026 stage 1 preview \u2013 Poga\u010dar, Vingegaard and Evenepoel battle it out for first yellow jersey in team time trial, but can Ineos spoil the GC party?<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T14:54:32+00:00\">2026-07-04T14:54:32.710Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4426a92a-7104-4d98-b22a-6396bf9a1c7c\">While all these stars will no doubt be part of some epic individual battles in the weeks to come, today, it\u2019s all about how they perform as a collective in their respective teams, for what is the first occasion since 1971 that the Tour will begin with a team time trial.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T14:52:39+00:00\">2026-07-04T14:52:39.246Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-596d43e2-80eb-4d7b-82bb-ff89e3d3b809\">This year, that familiar duopoly could at last be threatened by a third star, Paul Seixas, the teenager who looks like he has a rare talent that can compare with Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard.<\/p>\n<p>Rarely if ever has a Tour de France debut been more anticipated, and the atmosphere in France has reached fever pitch as they hope to anoint their new star. There\u2019s no telling where his ceiling is, and how competitive he can be at the tender age of just 19, but it will be one of the stories of the Tour following how he gets on.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T14:49:39+00:00\">2026-07-04T14:49:39.725Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-78bde213-66c8-4484-b751-e882f7297571\">Thankfully for the sake of the race, Poga\u010dar isn\u2019t the only generational talent lining up at the start. As ever, he\u2019ll come up against his eternal rival Jonas Vingegaard, the man he has shared the top two spots at the top of the GC in each of the last five Tours de France. Vingegaard has enjoyed a perfect season so far, achieving his main goal of winning the Giro d\u2019Italia, to compete a flawless record having also won GC at Paris-Nice and Volta a Catalunya, and looks to be in the kind of form that saw him beat Poga\u010dar at both the 2022 and 2023 Tours.<\/p>\n<p>This will be the first time he and Poga\u010dar have raced together this year, and the prospect is mouth-watering.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T14:46:12+00:00\">2026-07-04T14:46:12.412Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e3adb74e-5d06-432a-be5d-8b1f0de3222c\">There are countless narratives and stories on the eve of the Tour de France, but let\u2019s start with the main man &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar, pictures here training before the race\u2019s start.<\/p>\n<p>The latest record the unstoppable Slovenian is seeking to earn at this Tour de France is to match the all-time highest number of yellow jersey wins, with what would be a fifth. And by the unprecedented standards he\u2019s set these past few years, it\u2019s difficult to see how he can be stopped.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-841a97b7-fa05-4968-b72d-63d63fbc3fd2\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:683px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:149.93%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TveczbuPc6CHu3JnLFqvz5-683-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TveczbuPc6CHu3JnLFqvz5-683-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TveczbuPc6CHu3JnLFqvz5-683-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TveczbuPc6CHu3JnLFqvz5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TveczbuPc6CHu3JnLFqvz5-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TveczbuPc6CHu3JnLFqvz5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TveczbuPc6CHu3JnLFqvz5.jpg\" alt=\"UAE Team Emirates - XRG&amp;#039;s Slovenian rider Tadej Pogacar cycles during a training session on the eve of the start of the 113th edition of the Tour de France cycling race, in Barcelona in northeastern Spain, on July 3, 2026. (Photo by Loic VENANCE \/ AFP)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TveczbuPc6CHu3JnLFqvz5-683-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TveczbuPc6CHu3JnLFqvz5-683-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TveczbuPc6CHu3JnLFqvz5-683-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TveczbuPc6CHu3JnLFqvz5-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TveczbuPc6CHu3JnLFqvz5-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TveczbuPc6CHu3JnLFqvz5-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TveczbuPc6CHu3JnLFqvz5.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TveczbuPc6CHu3JnLFqvz5.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T14:38:13+00:00\">2026-07-04T14:38:13.571Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ba22a316-d6bd-412e-8e68-3b23ceba6480\">This is the one we\u2019ve all been waiting for. After weeks of build-up, speculation, analysis and gossip, the biggest bike race in the world is about to begin.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-04T14:37:17+00:00\">2026-07-04T14:37:17.798Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b61260f5-7aad-4190-af3f-f71288b9dd54\">Bonjour and welcome to the Grand D\u00e9part of the 2026 Tour de France!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/tour-de-france-stage-1-live-barcelona-hosts-team-time-trial-grand-depart\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>2026-07-04T18:02:24.189Z Thanks for joining us today, for what was a triumphant return of the team time trial to the Tour de France, and a statement-making victory for Visma-Lease a Bike and Jonas Vingegaard. Vingegaard will therefore wear the yellow jersey tomorrow, however might already be in a fight to defend it, despite being so early [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":251409,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6804],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-251408","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cycling"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/251408","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=251408"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/251408\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/251409"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=251408"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=251408"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=251408"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}