Piganzoli dominates Pyrenean queen stage with 35 km solo attack

Davide Piganzoli (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) cemented his overall lead at the Route d'Occitanie 2026 with a stunning solo victory on the stage 3 queen stage. The Italian attacked from 35 kilometres out and held off all chasers to win in Loudenvielle.

Already in the leader's jersey, Piganzoli crossed the line with a margin of 1 minute and 42 seconds. Behind him, Ibon Ruiz (Equipo Kern Pharma) won the sprint for second place ahead of Ion Izagirre (Cofidis).

The stage through the high Pyrenees was the first major mountain test of the race. Piganzoli's long-range move proved decisive, effectively sealing his grip on the general classification.

On the 167 km queen stage, race leader Davide Piganzoli launched an audacious solo attack with 35 kilometres remaining. He distanced all his rivals long before the final climb to Loudenvielle, quickly building a significant lead.

As Piganzoli's gap grew to over a minute, the chase behind struggled to organise. His teammate Tijmen Graat (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) attacked the chasing group to disrupt any rhythm, leaving a duo of Ibon Ruiz and Ion Izagirre to form a committed but ultimately futile pursuit.

Piganzoli was a picture of composure on the final ascent and the technical descent that followed. He crested the last categorised climb with his lead intact and crossed the line 1 minute and 42 seconds clear, with Ruiz winning the sprint for second ahead of Izagirre.

• Piganzoli's long-range attack was a crushing display that has all but secured his overall title. Attacking from so far out while in the leader's jersey shows a rare level of confidence and strength.
• Team Visma | Lease a Bike's tactics were flawless. Using Tijmen Graat to disrupt the chase was a textbook move that isolated Piganzoli's rivals and guaranteed his solo effort would succeed.
• The battle for second between Ibon Ruiz and Ion Izagirre provided late drama. Ruiz's sprint victory is a significant result for Equipo Kern Pharma and likely secures him second place overall.
• The large time gaps underline the severity of the Pyrenean stage. Many GC contenders were left scattered, unable to follow the pace set by Piganzoli.