News | Tour Auvergne Rhone-Alpes • June 7, 2026
Vermaerke takes fourth as Del Toro safely negotiates opening Tour Auvergne test
American climbs to solid result as UAE Team Emirates–XRG begin French stage race campaign
Kevin Vermaerke opened his Tour Auvergne – Rhone Alpes campaign with a strong fourth-place finish on the opening stage, while teammate Isaac Del Toro safely crossed the line in the favourites group to remain level on time with the race’s main general classification contenders.
The first stage of the newly rebranded Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes covered 146km from Vizille to Saint-Ismier and featured five classified climbs, providing an early test for the GC hopefuls. The day was ultimately won by French rider Alex Baudin (EF Education-EasyPost), the sole survivor of the early breakaway, who held off the peloton after attacking on the Côte de Rousset in the final kilometres.
Behind the stage winner, the race settled into a tactical battle among the favourites. Despite several accelerations on the final climbs, the main contenders largely marked one another, with Del Toro finishing safely alongside rivals including Paul Seixas, Juan Ayuso and Matteo Jorgenson without conceding any time in the overall classification.
Vermaerke was active throughout the decisive phase of the race and remained near the front as the peloton split over the closing climbs. The American produced a strong effort in the uphill sprint from the reduced group to finish fourth on the stage, continuing his consistent run of performances in support of the team’s ambitions.
Kevin Vermaerke:
“I think it was a good stage for us overall. Isaac felt good and I was feeling strong too, so we decided to try something in the final. We were in a strong position on the last climb and I took advantage of a moment where the race stalled so I jumped.
It was a good safe stage one – a nice way to get back into the racing after a break. I think maybe some people expected fireworks on the last climb but it didn’t really pan out like that. There are some pretty tough stages coming up in the week ahead and I think we’re in good shape for them. ”
Stage 1 results & GC
1. Alex Baudin (EF Education – First) 3:43:58
2.Ramses Debruyne (Alpecin – Premier Tech) +32”
3.Leo Biseiaux (Decathlon CMA CGM) s.t
4.Kevin Vermaerke (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) s.t
