Pogačar demolishes Tour de Suisse opener with 71 km solo attack

Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) laid waste to the opening stage of the Tour de Suisse 2026, attacking with an astonishing 71 km remaining to solo to a dominant victory. Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) was the only rider to finish within three minutes of the Slovenian, crossing the line 2:14 in arrears.

Andrea Bagioli (Lidl-Trek) rounded out the podium a further 15 seconds back, leading a scattered field of chasers.

The audacious long-range move immediately establishes a massive general classification lead for Pogačar. It leaves his rivals, including a struggling Primož Roglič (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe), with significant time to recoup after just one day of racing.

On the 158.6 km opening stage from Sondrio, Fredrik Dversnes (Uno-X Mobility) was the last survivor of the early breakaway. The race exploded behind him with 71.4 km to go when Tadej Pogačar launched a stunning attack from the main group. The UAE Team Emirates-XRG leader swiftly bridged to and dropped Dversnes on the Triangia climb, setting off alone.

Behind Pogačar, the race fractured. A select chase group formed containing Richard Carapaz, Primož Roglič (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe), and Andrea Bagioli. Showing his own intent, Carapaz attacked this group with just over 50 km remaining to begin a solo pursuit.

Pogačar's lead, however, was unassailable and grew with every kilometre. He crossed the line with a comfortable margin while the chasers splintered, with Carapaz holding on for second place as the group containing Roglič conceded over four minutes.

• Tadej Pogačar's 71 km solo was a statement of intent for the entire race, suggesting a level of form far superior to any of his rivals.
• UAE Team Emirates-XRG played its numerical advantage perfectly. With Felix Großschartner, Brandon McNulty, and Jhonatan Narváez policing the chase, Pogačar was free to ride his own race.
• Richard Carapaz's aggressive counter-attack was the ride of the day from the chasers. While he couldn't match Pogačar, his solo effort secured a strong second place and established him as the primary challenger.
• Primož Roglič's time loss of 4:44 is the biggest surprise among the GC contenders, putting him on the back foot immediately.
• With Pogačar in a seemingly unassailable position, the race for the other podium spots is wide open. Carapaz, Bagioli, and Ilan Van Wilder (Soudal Quick-Step) have already stolen a march on other favourites.