Pogačar Wins Romandie Stage 1, Takes Yellow Jersey

Tadej Pogačar seized control of the 2026 Tour de Romandie on Wednesday by winning the 171.2-kilometer opening road stage from Martigny to Martigny and claiming the yellow jersey from prologue winner Dorian Godon.

The Slovenian rider for UAE Team EmiratesXRG attacked midway up the category-one climb to Ovronnaz, an 8.9-kilometer ascent averaging 9.7 percent gradient, with 39 kilometers remaining. His effort splintered the peloton and formed a decisive four-rider group featuring Florian Lipowitz of Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, Lenny Martinez of Bahrain Victorious and Jørgen Nordhagen of Visma-Lease a Bike. The leaders crested the summit with a one-minute advantage and held off a chase group despite a persistent headwind over the ensuing 23-kilometer valley descent to the finish line.

Pogačar, who had placed sixth in Tuesday's 3.2-kilometer prologue seven seconds behind Godon, outsprinted his rivals in Martigny. Lipowitz finished second on the same time of 3 hours, 56 minutes, 55 seconds, followed by Martinez in third and Nordhagen in fourth. The chase group, led by riders including Primož Roglič of Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, crossed the line 21 seconds later.