Alzini wins photo finish to take Pyrenees opener

Martina Alzini (Cofidis Women Team) snatched victory in a dramatic bunch sprint on stage 1 of the 2026 Tour Féminin International des Pyrénées, throwing her bike at the line to win by the narrowest of margins.

In a blanket finish in Mourenx, Alzini came from behind to overhaul Federica Venturelli (UAE Team ADQ) and Marie Le Net (FDJ United-SUEZ), who took second and third respectively. All podium finishers were credited with the same time.

The frantic finale followed a day where the WorldTour teams controlled the pace, neutralising a long-range breakaway before setting up their sprinters for the first leader's jersey of the race.

The 120 km opening stage was destined for a sprint finish. After a long solo breakaway from Eliska Kvasnickova (VIF Cycling Team) was caught, the peloton prepared for a high-speed run-in to Mourenx.

With 3.5 km to go, the major teams massed at the front, with UAE Team ADQ and FDJ United-SUEZ riding side-by-side. The high pace stretched the bunch into single file as they navigated the final roundabouts.

Inside the final kilometre, FDJ United-SUEZ took control. Franziska Koch (FDJ United-SUEZ) launched the sprint with French champion Marie Le Net on her wheel, but they were immediately challenged by Federica Venturelli. As the trio fought for the line, Martina Alzini found an opening on the outside, timing her bike throw perfectly to take the victory in a photo finish.

• Alzini's win was a masterclass in positioning and patience. While UAE Team ADQ and FDJ United-SUEZ controlled the final kilometres, she and her Cofidis team stayed sheltered before launching the winning move.
• FDJ United-SUEZ's tactic of using Koch to lead out Le Net was a strong play that nearly worked, but may have left both riders short of the top-end speed needed to counter Alzini's perfectly-timed surge.
• The WorldTour teams dominated the finale, but Cofidis proved that a perfectly executed sprint can overcome the brute force of the strongest lead-out trains.
• For Venturelli and UAE Team ADQ, second place is a disappointment but also a confirmation of form. Their train was effective and Venturelli remains a primary threat for future sprint stages.
• The flat finish gives no clues about the GC hierarchy. The contenders stayed safe, saving energy for the mountain stages where the race will be decided.