Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes 2026: Van Aert powers to triumph, Baudin still in yellow

fotobureau Cor VosThe peloton reels in the day’s break with 12 kilometres remaining, setting things up for the fast men. Wout van Aert powers to the stage win, beating Hugo Hofstetter and Phil Bauhaus, while Alex Baudin keeps hold of the leader’s jersey. (Slideshow route/profile)

Stage 5 Results – 2026 Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

1. Wout van Aert (bel) 4:31:59
2. Hugo Hofstetter (fra) s.t.
3. Phil Bauhaus (ger) s.t.
4. Vito Braet (bel) s.t.
5. Henri-François Renard-Haquin (fra) s.t.
6. Dorian Godon (fra) s.t.
7. Nadav Raisberg (isr) s.t.
8. Henri Uhlig (ger) s.t.
9. Bryan Coquard (fra) s.t.
10. Matteo Trentin (ita) s.t.

GC after stage 5

1. Alex Baudin (fra)
2. Kévin Vauquelin (fra) + 0:12
3. Oscar Onley (gbr) s.t.
4. Matteo Jorgenson (usa) + 0:15
5. Juan Ayuso (spa) + 0:47
6. Mattias Skjelmose (den) s.t.
7. Jørgen Nordhagen (nor) + 0:50
8. Carlos Rodriguez (spa) + 0:57
9. Léo Bisiaux (fra) + 0:59
10. Paul Seixas (fra) + 1:00

13. Cian Uijtdebroeks (bel) + 1:07
14. Isaac del Toro (mex) + 1:16

Race report
The attackers come out of the blocks at full speed. Pepijn Reinderink crests the first climb, Côte de la Croix-Blanche, in first place before opening up a 3-minute lead with Thibault Guernalec, Julen Arriolabengoa, Felix Engelhardt, Hugo Houle and Robbe Dhondt.

There is no time for them to settle into their position out front, as the peloton doesn't sit back. The gap is reduced to less than half a minute, prompting several riders to attempt the bridge across, but none succeed. The advantage of the six then starts to grow again.

Their lead then fluctuates for dozens of kilometres between 2 and 3 minutes, before they are caught with 12 kilometres remaining.

Wout van Aert wins the sprint in commanding fashion, with Hugo Hofstetter and Phil Bauhaus finishing second and third. Alex Baudin retains the yellow jersey.

Another interesting read:route 5th stage 2026 Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.