Pogacar sweeps away all his rivals with a 70-kilometer solo breakaway to kick off the 2026 Tour de Suisse

Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) has started the 2026 Tour de Switzerland in the same way he finished much of his recent races: winning with absolute authority. The reigning world champion claimed the first stage, contested over 144 kilometers with a start and finish in Sondrio, after an impressive solo ride of nearly 70 kilometers that sealed the general classification from the very first day.

Tadej Pogacar dominates the debut of the 2026 Tour de Switzerland with a 70-kilometer solo exhibition

The stage, held entirely in Italian territory despite being part of the Swiss round, featured a short but very demanding route, with several explosive climbs and a final ascent located just five kilometers from the finish. On paper, it seemed like favorable terrain for the general classification contenders, but few could have imagined that Pogacar would launch his offensive with 70 kilometers still to go.

Pogacar attacked with 70 kilometers to go

The Slovenian broke the race on the climb to Triangia. After catching the last survivor of the breakaway, Frederik Dversnes (Uno-X Mobility), he accelerated violently and immediately opened a gap over the favorites' group.

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In just a few kilometers, he had built a lead of over 30 seconds. Behind him, a small chasing group formed with names like Primoz Roglic, Richard Carapaz, Mathias Vacek, Brandon McNulty, Andrea Bagioli, and Jhonatan Narváez, but the lack of collaboration made the mission of the UAE Team Emirates-XRG leader even easier.

As Pogacar extended his lead, the pursuers began to watch each other. This situation further favored the world champion, who reached a margin of more than four minutes over the main group.

Carapaz tried to react

The only rider who attempted to respond decisively was Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost). The Ecuadorian attacked from the chasing group and embarked on a long solo pursuit.

Although he never really got close to the Slovenian, he did manage to secure second place in the stage and partially minimize his losses in the general classification.

Behind, Andrea Bagioli (Lidl-Trek) also took advantage of the passivity of his breakaway companions to ride solo and secure third place.

A victory that already marks differences in the general classification

Pogacar crossed the finish line after 3 hours, 28 minutes, and 51 seconds of competition, culminating one of the most impressive exhibitions of the season. Carapaz arrived 2:14 behind, and Bagioli lost 2:29.

Even more significant was the difference with the rest of the contenders for the final victory. Ilan Van Wilder, Mathias Vacek, Brandon McNulty, and Wilco Kelderman lost more than four minutes, while riders like Mathieu van der Poel never entered the fight for the win.

With this demonstration, Pogacar also becomes the first leader of the 2026 Tour de Switzerland and sends a strong message less than three weeks before the start of the Tour de France.

Top 10 Stage 1 Tour de Switzerland 2026

1. Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) – 3:28:51
2. Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) – at 2:14
3. Andrea Bagioli (Lidl-Trek) – at 2:29
4. Ilan Van Wilder (Soudal Quick-Step) – at 4:02
5. Mathias Vacek (Lidl-Trek) – at 4:02
6. Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) – at 4:02
7. Wilco Kelderman (Visma | Lease a Bike) – at 4:02
8. Felix Großschartner (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) – at 4:05
9. AJ August (INEOS Grenadiers) – at 4:30
10. Jhonatan Narváez (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) – at 4:30