{"id":2031409,"date":"2026-07-07T10:23:59","date_gmt":"2026-07-07T07:23:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2031409"},"modified":"2026-07-07T10:23:59","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T07:23:59","slug":"as-it-happened-former-world-champion-wins-tour-de-france-stage-4-as-new-race-leader-takes-over-from-tadej-pogacar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2031409","title":{"rendered":"As it happened: former World Champion wins Tour de France stage 4 as new race leader takes over from Tadej Poga\u010dar"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCHyrfLhfcAJ3Us2NHus77-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZVqXU4hAqBekSiepQALPvJ.jpg\" alt=\"LES ANGLES, FRANCE - JULY 06: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates - XRG celebrates at finish line as stage winner during 113th Tour de France 2026, Stage 3 a 195.9km stage from Granollers to Les Angles 1801m \/ #UCIWT \/ on July 06, 2026 in Les Angles, France. (Photo by  Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] w-20 h-20 object-cover flex-none rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                                    <span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span>\n                                <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: World champion grabs yellow by the smallest margins with Tour de France stage 3 uphill sprint\n                                <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q4cph26DeapJ8mNDeU9zEQ.jpg\" alt=\"Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe team&amp;#039;s Belgian rider Remco Evenepoel (L), UAE Team Emirates - XRG&amp;#039;s Slovenian rider Tadej Pogacar wearing the climber&amp;#039;s dotted jersey (2nd L), Team Visma | Lease a Bike&amp;#039;s Danish rider Jonas Vingegaard wearing the overall leader&amp;#039;s yellow jersey (C), UAE Team Emirates - XRG&amp;#039;s US rider Brandon McNulty (center R) and riders emerge from yellow smoke as they cycle in the ascent of Montjuic Palace in the final kilometers of the 2nd stage of the 113th edition of the Tour de France cycling race, 168,5 km between Tarragona and Barcelona in northeastern Spain, on July 5, 2026. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT \/ AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] w-20 h-20 object-cover flex-none rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                                    <span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span>\n                                <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: UAE Team Emirates-XRG show their muscle on Montju\u00efc circuit on Tour de France stage 2\n                                <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA.jpg\" alt=\"Team Visma | Lease a Bike riders cycle past the Sagrada Familia Basilica during the 1st stage of the 113th edition of the Tour de France cycling race, a 19,6 km team time trial stage in and around Barcelona in northeastern Spain, on July 4, 2026. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT \/ AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] w-20 h-20 object-cover flex-none rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                                    <span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span>\n                                <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    How it unfolded: Huge fight among the big GC teams for victory at Barcelona team time trial Grand D\u00e9part\n                                <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nlive-article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero hero-live news-article widget-hero widget-hero-fter-review\">\n<div class=\"clear-both widget-header\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\" class=\"news-article\">\n<div class=\"header-container\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<header>\n<div class=\"header-sub-container\">\n<h1 class=\"review-title-long live-report\">As it happened: former World Champion wins Tour de France stage 4 as new race leader takes over from Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/h1>\n<h2>Stage 4 crosses the Cathar Country before tackling some of the less challenging climbs in the Ari\u00e8ge, and it seems destined to be one for a move to make it to the line<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Live-reports<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\">\n<span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"inline-block h-3 my-auto border-l border-solid vds-simple-byline__divider max-sm:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\">\n<span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nLast updated<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T16:18:30Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n7 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><br \/>\n<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<nav class=\"socialite-widget box less-space \" data-contexturl=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/tour-de-france-stage-4-live-will-tuesdays-heatblasted-trek-through-the-foothills-of-the-pyrenees-favour-a-breakaway-or-another-gc-day\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"socialite\">\n<ul class=\"socialite-widget-ul\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-facebook\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-twitter\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-pinterest\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-email\">\n<p><i class=\"icon icon-envelope-solid\"><\/i><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>    <span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)]\"><span>5<\/span> <span class=\"visible hidden sm:inline-block\">Comments<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n    <span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)] hidden visible sm:inline-block\">Join the conversation<\/span><\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<figure>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCHyrfLhfcAJ3Us2NHus77.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France stage 4: Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) takes the win\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block-image-ads hero-image w-full\" data-component-name=\"Image\"><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"> <span class=\"caption-text\">2026 Tour de France stage 4: Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) takes the win<\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: \u00a9 Getty Images)<\/span><br \/>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[var(--site-header-height,60px)] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\">\n<span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump To:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-(--jumpto-underline-color) border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Results<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Have your say<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Rankings<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>181.9 kilometres to go<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>An early break?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>170 kilometres to go<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Who&#8217;s in the break?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>146 kilometres to go<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Mountains classification<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Still to come<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Mountain sprint<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>115 kilometres to go<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>91 kilometres to go &#8211; gap is rising<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Sprint<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Summit<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>69 kilometres to go<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>42 kilometres to go: counter-attackers close in<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Break caught<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Summit<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>The stage leaders<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>16.5 kilometres to go<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Nine kilometres to go<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Five kilometres to go<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Stage winner<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Winner&#8217;s words:<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"pinned-content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-pinned-content widget-contentparsed-pinned-content widget-pinned news-article widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-default widget-content-parsed-live-feed \">\n<div class=\" article-body \">\n<div class>\n<a id=\"elk-3c02b9f6-79fe-11f1-96a4-b935e2463304\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02ba5a-79fe-11f1-9eab-07fdfa80b54b\"><strong>2026 Tour de France &#8211; Everything you need to know<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>2026 Tour de France &#8211; Route<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02ba5a-79fe-11f1-9eab-07fdfa80b54b-2\"><strong><\/strong><strong>2026 Tour de France &#8211; Contenders<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><\/strong><strong>2026 Tour de France stage 4 &#8211; Preview<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>How to Watch the 2026 Tour de France<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02babe-79fe-11f1-bcf3-0bb378cdf92d\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"kiosq-main-layer kiosq-button-layer\"><strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"kiosq-main-layer-container\">\n<div class=\"kiosq-login-button rowCenter\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-results\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-results\"><span>Results<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a id=\"elk-3c02bbf4-79fe-11f1-8d06-0524ef1b762f\"><\/a><a id=\"elk-have-your-say\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-have-your-say\"><span>Have your say<\/span><\/h3>\n<div id=\"elk-3c02bcda-79fe-11f1-b506-ff3a17fb17bc\">\n<div class=\"kwizly-quiz kwizly-ePad8W\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"live-feed-multipage\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-live-feed-multipage widget-contentparsed-live-feed-multipage news-article widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-default multipage widget-content-parsed-live-feed \">\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\" article-body \">\n<div id=\"ad-unit-1\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:LiveReportUpdater\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T16:20:46+00:00\">2026-07-07T16:20:46.332Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e8f9e7f8-7a1f-11f1-b095-53491ab2a4c0\">After four days of climbing, summit finishes and<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T16:18:30+00:00\">2026-07-07T16:18:30.200Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-96aefe66-7a1f-11f1-a1be-af9a5d0281d7\">Another change in leaders too, is for Mathias Vacek (Lidl-Trek), now heading the Best Young Riders classification, while Lidl-Trek are now leading the teams ranking.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T16:16:27+00:00\">2026-07-07T16:16:27.291Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4d455bb2-7a1f-11f1-ae37-65e0794965bf\">And here&#8217;s what he had to say about it all:<br \/>&#8220;It&#8217;s quite hard for me to understand how big this is, but you can see from the faces of my old coach and soigneur how special it is. Like you don&#8217;t really understand what&#8217;s going on, maybe in a couple of days it sinks in, but for now I&#8217;ll just have to enjoy it.&#8221;<br \/>&#8220;I saw the guys [teammates] from the podium, you can see how happy they are, it&#8217;s always emotional.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T16:12:05+00:00\">2026-07-07T16:12:05.163Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b0fe3d6e-7a1e-11f1-b09a-f7239c176897\">And here&#8217;s a shot of Tr\u00e6en in his yellow jersey: a historic moment for his team.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b0fe3e04-7a1e-11f1-bc58-eb865956ecb3\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BhdVPC3E4JRcdcg2gafBLY.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France stage 4: Torsten Tr&amp;amp;aelig;en (Uno-X Mobility) is the new race leader\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T16:07:55+00:00\">2026-07-07T16:07:55.884Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-winner-s-words\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-winner-s-words\"><span>Winner&#8217;s words:<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-1c6b6500-7a1e-11f1-bfc5-09c409de66d4\"><em>Some words from the stage winner, Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek):<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This was a masterpiece in teamwork, maybe not in climbing, I was suffering a lot on the last climb there. But with Quinn [Simmons] and [Mathias] Vacek there, it was an incredible day, they did incredible for me, making sure we didn&#8217;t lose too much time over the top&#8221; &#8211; of the final climb, where Pedersen was a handful of seconds back &#8211; &#8220;and then they were just machines there, to the finish line. What a team win and a team effort today.&#8221;<br \/>&#8220;I had a good talk with Luca [Guercilena, soon to leave the squad &#8211; Ed], our team manager before the race and he said, please win me a stage and we thought this was a good one. So this stage is for Luca and all the good years we had together, I&#8217;m really thankful for all he did for me.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T16:03:52+00:00\">2026-07-07T16:03:52.531Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8b58799a-7a1d-11f1-806f-e504b31f6401\">Some major changes on the GC, with Tr\u00e6en leading, Sean Quinn (EF Education-EasyPost) at 28 seconds, Mathias Vacek (Lidl-Trek) at 3:50 and Poga\u010dar dropping to 7:53. That&#8217;s a very significant gap, so barring major disasters, it could see Tr\u00e6en in the lead deep into the second week, perhaps as far as the Vosges.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T16:00:26+00:00\">2026-07-07T16:00:26.387Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-10b9cf68-7a1d-11f1-8993-1dccfb6f5470\">Here&#8217;s our full results and report from a day when the maillot jaune moved on for a third time in four days.<\/p>\n<p><strong><\/strong><strong>Tour de France: Mads Pedersen scorches stage 4 sprint with Quinn Simmons closing for Lidl-Trek one-two as yellow jersey changes hands<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-10b9cfcc-7a1d-11f1-af90-e744ed245890\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uKbEWeJLUudfs7gvcggmo.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France: Mads Pedersen claims stage 4\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:56:02+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:56:02.726Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-73553e4c-7a1c-11f1-b40a-f3e01c33acf5\">Pedersen has also moved into the lead of the points competition by 48 points, which was one of his big goals for the 2026 Tour as well.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:54:15+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:54:15.072Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-332ce810-7a1c-11f1-a556-51857fb897c7\">The main peloton finish thirteen minutes down<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:53:58+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:53:58.464Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-29412f1e-7a1c-11f1-95be-498ff71d83b9\">And the confirmation is through: after four days leading the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a last year, Torsten Tr\u00e6en is now in the maillot jaune.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:50:35+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:50:35.964Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b10a00ca-7a1b-11f1-8f0e-bb0f7d33a32f\">A tense wait for Uno-X Mobility staff at the finish, as they wait for the minutes to tick by and Torsten Tr\u00e6en to be confirmed as their first ever leader &#8211; and by some margin &#8211; in the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:47:20+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:47:20.837Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c521f9c-7a1b-11f1-b115-fbdd063f1030\">A first shot of the winner, as Pedersen takes his first win since stage 15 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a back in 2025.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3c522014-7a1b-11f1-8806-4100a3e746b5\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCHyrfLhfcAJ3Us2NHus77.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France stage 4: Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) takes the win\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:42:02+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:42:02.071Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7e49b29e-7a1a-11f1-adf6-95b6c3ca1632\">Second was Quinn Simmons, making a great day even better for Lidl-Trek with a 1-2 on the line, with Ra\u00fal Garc\u00eda Pierna (Movistar) in third.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:40:34+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:40:34.501Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4cce7740-7a1a-11f1-9415-a37df65a953f\">Vauquelin attempted to surprise Lidl-Trek in the final corner, but really it was no competition. This is Pedersen&#8217;s third stage at the Tour, his first win this season, and a big handful of points for green as well.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:39:38+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:39:38.627Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-stage-winner\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-stage-winner\"><span>Stage winner<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-28c5081e-7a1a-11f1-8edd-a1d56f484ff0\"><strong>Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) wins stage 4 of the Tour de France from Carcassonne to Foix<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:38:44+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:38:44.450Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0877eff4-7a1a-11f1-8c33-816970b01647\">Pedersen is unstoppable. He takes the stage by three bike lengths or more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:38:18+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:38:18.177Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fadddfde-7a19-11f1-a76d-73188c6d4d18\">Pedersen in second as they go into the final corner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:37:56+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:37:56.885Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ec27daee-7a19-11f1-8bbb-7502b8c558e9\">A fast, sweeping downhill through Foix and then a short uphill and they&#8217;re there.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:37:34+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:37:34.009Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-deb2c91e-7a19-11f1-a0fc-e91a8929b86d\">Castrillo goes for his umpteenth attack and still not working. The stage is Lidl&#8217;s to lose.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:36:59+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:36:59.128Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-c9bb59b8-7a19-11f1-8bbb-756fc1e6d578\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"two-kilometres-to-go-2\">Two kilometres to go<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-c9bb5a1c-7a19-11f1-bfc3-d57cb867948b\">Still the ten are together. Small bunch sprint ahoy?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:36:18+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:36:18.384Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b16ca2cc-7a19-11f1-a481-f794e7767d06\">One final (?) attack by Castrillo and that move was more symbolic than real<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:35:29+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:35:29.229Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-942ef98a-7a19-11f1-9a6d-a1c85f84df78\">Three kilometres to go and still Lidl are controlling this just as they want.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:34:35+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:34:35.666Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7433caf2-7a19-11f1-895d-17410908d46b\">Riders now jettisoning extra weight like bidons to try and maximize their chances in the finale.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:32:59+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:32:59.107Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-five-kilometres-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-five-kilometres-to-go\"><span>Five kilometres to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-3a9a3e2a-7a19-11f1-8a11-476d15f418b3\">Still the ten riders ahead for the stage win: Ramses Debruyne (Alpecin-Premier Tech), Torstein Traeen (Uno-X Mobility), Marco Frigo (NSN), Pablo Castrillo and Ra\u00fal Garc\u00eda Pierna (bth Movistar); Mads Pedersen, Quinn Simmons, Mathias Vacek (all Lidl-Trek), Sean Quinn (EF Education-EasyPost) and K\u00e9vin Vauquelin (Netcompany Ineos)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:31:59+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:31:59.058Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-17024a52-7a19-11f1-bbdb-d18c6d8fb44a\">Keep an eye on Vauquelin, mind, he&#8217;s been sitting on the back and not taking a single turn, clearly waiting for that one chance rather than Movistar&#8217;s scattergun tactics.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:30:56+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:30:56.422Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f18eb670-7a18-11f1-bb06-3d8fb593c45a\">Yet another attack by Castrillo, with Vacek following and then coming through. Frigo, though, shuts it down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:29:50+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:29:50.114Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-nine-kilometres-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-nine-kilometres-to-go\"><span>Nine kilometres to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-c9f54d40-7a18-11f1-a168-5db29765c942\">And as the kilometres tick down, the pendulum&#8217;s swinging more and more in Pedersen&#8217;s favour. Garc\u00eda Pierna tries his best though, opening up a gap of some 50 metres before Simmons brings him back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:27:19+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:27:19.687Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-705e3d14-7a18-11f1-8764-b58dea559807\">There will be no change in the Tour&#8217;s mountains classification leadership, by the way, despite all of Caja Rural racer Alex Molenaar&#8217;s best efforts, and Alex Baudin (EF Education-First) will remain in top spot for a second straight day<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:25:23+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:25:23.360Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2b498d1e-7a18-11f1-bd30-976b5f29759a\">Tr\u00e6en, meantime, comes through to lay down a much more controlled pace on the fornt, given all he wants is as much time as possible, and Garc\u00eda Pierna then makes a second attack for Movistar. No good though.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:23:58+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:23:58.793Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f8d39cb2-7a17-11f1-9b02-fbf1032dcc05\">Castrillo launches an attack for a third time, but Pedersen shuts it down in person.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:21:55+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:21:55.411Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-af09c8e0-7a17-11f1-bcd3-a37238772bf4\">A more concerted pace behind from UAE in the bunch, but most likely it&#8217;s basically to stop any late challenges rather than to regain time on the break.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:19:43+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:19:43.152Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-16-5-kilometres-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-16-5-kilometres-to-go\"><span>16.5 kilometres to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-603d7df6-7a17-11f1-9a4b-7bd7e625053b\">And the ten now have an advantage of a minute. Surely if anybody wants to get the better of Pedersen, with that kind of gap on what&#8217;s mostly downhill, the attacks should likely start soon.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:18:34+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:18:34.072Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-36fe5b2c-7a17-11f1-838c-b187269451a7\">Meanwhile in the bunch, an untimely mechanical for Tom Pidcock (Q36.5-Pinarello). It&#8217;s a quick fix, though, and he should be able to get back on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:17:49+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:17:49.165Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1d6e4226-7a17-11f1-960b-f12843a59a4a\">Some of course, like Tr\u00e6en, already have gained a major prize, a spell in the yellow jersey and with a large lead over the other favourites all but in the bag.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:16:23+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:16:23.196Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e9122998-7a16-11f1-be61-4144d2d012b6\">Full collaboration from almost everybody in the break of 10, suggesting nobody wants to risk the chasers getting back and diluting their chances of an increasingly hard-to-get transition stage win.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:12:04+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:12:04.292Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4ef9ddce-7a16-11f1-94f2-c51d15c61b05\">Of the leaders, Pedersen and Vauquelin are the only two previous stage winners in the Tour.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:10:23+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:10:23.910Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-12d2b3d4-7a16-11f1-be07-a9b65f2fd256\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"24-kilometres-to-go-2\">24 kilometres to go<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-12d2b460-7a16-11f1-9fc1-e553c463ce70\">50 seconds the gap for the 10 leaders. On paper and barring major changes, the stage win should be for one of them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:09:31+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:09:31.668Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f3dae15e-7a15-11f1-a2ef-dfc5a271fa82\">That&#8217;s very much advantage Lidl-Trek, then, with three riders in the 10, but Movistar, looking for their first Tour stage win since Nairo Quintana in 2019, will doubtless not go down without a struggle.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:07:30+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:07:30.531Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-the-stage-leaders\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-the-stage-leaders\"><span>The stage leaders<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-ab9faab4-7a15-11f1-ade6-256f0a57f9f6\">The ten leaders:<\/p>\n<p>Ramses Debruyne (Alpecin-Premier Tech), Torstein Traeen (Uno-X Mobility), Marco Frigo (NSN), Pablo Castrillo and Ra\u00fal Garc\u00eda Pierna (bth Movistar); Mads Pedersen, Quinn Simmons, Mathias Vacek (all Lidl-Trek), Sean Quinn (EF Education-EasyPost) and K\u00e9vin Vauquelin (Netcompany Ineos)<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:03:18+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:03:18.793Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-164a2caa-7a15-11f1-b7cb-69d1bd071722\">It&#8217;s a broad, fast descent down to Foix, where the Tour will finish for a sixth time and the first since 2022.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:02:47+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:02:47.949Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0324a970-7a15-11f1-8122-2f6c30ac489e\">The two groups of race leaders fuse to form a front break of 10 and have an advantage of 40 seconds on the Matthews-led chasers, with the bunch at nearly 10 minutes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:01:33+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:01:33.549Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d6e37742-7a14-11f1-a403-7d74efdbe588\">First over the top are Castrillo, Garcia Pierna, Debruyne, and Tr\u00e6en, with Simmons, Vacek, Pedersen, Vauquelin, and Quinn just a handful of seconds behind.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:00:48+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:00:48.247Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-summit\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-summit\"><span>Summit <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-bbd2b544-7a14-11f1-ab1e-b57d7b22518c\">At the summit of the Col de Monts\u00e9gur, Marco Frigo (NSN) takes maximum points with four other stage leaders. But Lidl-Trek&#8217;s Vacek and Pedersen are close behind.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:58:27+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:58:27.698Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-67fbf912-7a14-11f1-a7c9-efff402cfbac\">Yet another grinding acceleration by Castrillo 700 metres from the top. Of the sprinters originally in the break, Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) is the biggest name remaining in the front group.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:57:00+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:57:00.743Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-34196788-7a14-11f1-aa47-a5bb157a1a94\">As the road steepens to 11% near the top, there&#8217;s barely 10 riders in the front group. Edward Planckaert (Alpecin-Premier Tech) leads the way, with Simmons in hot pursuit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:55:43+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:55:43.015Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-05d4f7fc-7a14-11f1-ae00-b100a62b0a0d\">Two kilometres from the top, Pablo Castrillo (Movistar) tries to make a move but it&#8217;s pulled back by the remnants of the break, where Simmons (Lid-Trek) is very active. And as soon as Castrillo is caught, Movistar teammate Raul Garc\u00eda Pierna goes for it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:53:53+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:53:53.591Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c4903f7c-7a13-11f1-99d8-f9ab4cd1ea8c\">For all EF are trying to shed Tr\u00e6en to give Sean Quinn a chance of yellow, for now it&#8217;s not working.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:52:41+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:52:41.895Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-99ef8c14-7a13-11f1-b6f7-910b48d5a845\">Former National Champion Romain Gr\u00e9goire (Groupama-FDJ) also out the back amongst multiple dropped riders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:52:02+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:52:02.262Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8272f418-7a13-11f1-9519-fbd79b105a00\">Valgren&#8217;s efforts combined with the intense heat see riders of the calibre of former German National Champion Georg Zimmerman (Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9) out the back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:49:17+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:49:17.375Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1ff83b90-7a13-11f1-afdd-bd0750beed3c\">EF, thanks to Michael Valgren, are setting down a searing pace in the break<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:48:49+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:48:49.998Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-break-caught\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-break-caught\"><span>Break caught<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-0f9e7804-7a13-11f1-8120-91c65e6b1b83\">Five kilometres from the top of the Monts\u00e9gur, Tratnik and Vacek are caught.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:47:59+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:47:59.204Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f14de5ec-7a12-11f1-afed-475ad5482c98\">The bunch is trundling along at 8:00, meaning Tr\u00e6en is likely to add a Tour de France lead to the Vuelta lead he already enjoyed for four days last year.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:44:41+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:44:41.186Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7b561dd2-7a12-11f1-b8b5-1f1b6f396237\">Kirsch throws in the towel, leaving Tratnik and Vacek out in front. But for how long?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:43:50+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:43:50.700Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-42-kilometres-to-go-counter-attackers-close-in\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-42-kilometres-to-go-counter-attackers-close-in\"><span>42 kilometres to go: counter-attackers close in<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-5d58e8d2-7a12-11f1-add4-d5b0d2aab56a\">The trio of stage leaders are hanging off the front by the bare minimum<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:40:53+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:40:53.065Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f3575e50-7a11-11f1-8a7d-cf8d1f3c0c57\">EF also driving hard to bring back Kirsch, Tratnik and Vacek<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:40:22+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:40:22.924Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e176c7ac-7a11-11f1-b100-95842f6519f2\">We&#8217;re on the lower, unofficial (as it they don&#8217;t count in the total length of the climb) slopes of the final Cat.2 ascent of the day, the Col de Monts\u00e9gur (6.9m at 6.1%). The three leaders advantage is already shrinking very fast.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:37:05+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:37:05.407Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6bd13730-7a11-11f1-a6b1-175987eec7ba\"><strong>Enjoying our live race coverage? Subscribe to Cyclingnews for an all-access pass to our unrivalled reporting of WorldTour racing, bike tech and exclusive in-depth features. Plus, access to the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on-the-go!<\/strong><br \/><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"kiosq-main-layer kiosq-button-layer\"><strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"kiosq-main-layer-container\">\n<div class=\"kiosq-login-button rowCenter\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:35:56+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:35:56.035Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4273dad2-7a11-11f1-9171-f1a587e26f8d\">Movistar are making a more notable effort in the chase group, where they have three riders, to bring back the trio of stage leaders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:35:01+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:35:01.334Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-21c23f5e-7a11-11f1-8b42-5fb2e547e4a9\">This is the second difficult day for De Kleijn, who was the very last rider across the line on Monday.<\/p>\n<p><strong>&#8216;This suffering is nothing compared to what I saw&#8217; \u2013 With late father as inspiration, Arvid De Kleijn just beats time cut at Tour de France<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-21c24012-7a11-11f1-ad96-b9995a34ac8e\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mPpL4p6jJQWSX4cQVnnb87.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France stage 3: Arvid De Kleijn reaches the finish line.\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:30:53+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:30:53.864Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8e417e16-7a10-11f1-817b-dda20f2a5a12\">Five dropped riders from the bunch according to the race website: Arvid De Kleijn, Matteo Trentin and Marco Haller (all Tudor), Kelland O&#8217; Brien and Pascal Ackermann (Jayco-AlUla).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:26:57+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:26:57.650Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-017ada36-7a10-11f1-8171-83047e008445\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"55-kilometres-to-go-2\">55 kilometres to go<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-017ada9a-7a10-11f1-bdb6-073d409cb68a\">The gap is now up to 54 seconds for the three leaders. Vacek continues to sit on, but Tratnik and Kirsch are working well.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:18:06+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:18:06.269Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c4b63f60-7a0e-11f1-80d1-7d2e6c29a7a6\">Tratnik and Vacek in &#8216;the break from the break.&#8217;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c4b63fc4-7a0e-11f1-a4bb-e175fa754865\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pKnCuhqmjjSksL2BLLUYGc.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France stage 4: Jan Tratnik and Mathias Vacek on the front\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:14:55+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:14:55.096Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-52bb9a7c-7a0e-11f1-87f5-eb0288a5e90d\">Florian Vermeersch, riding his first Tour for UAE, has now taken over from Nils Politt as the team workhorse at the front of the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:14:10+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:14:10.607Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-38295b22-7a0e-11f1-afd2-017a9addfac2\">Girmay and Philipsen are finally caught by the peloton, another sign &#8211; given how long it is since they were dropped &#8211; that the bunch was taking things gently for much of the climb, although they&#8217;ve now begun to speed up.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:13:02+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:13:02.941Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0fd4e8c6-7a0e-11f1-a72a-bf8908618d94\">Kirsch joins Tratnik and Vacek on the front, making it three at the head of stage 4 of the Tour.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:11:57+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:11:57.946Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-69-kilometres-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-69-kilometres-to-go\"><span>69 kilometres to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e9144a42-7a0d-11f1-ba77-15889ba79c7f\">The peloton is now a whopping 7:24 behind, meaning Tr\u00e6en, running at 5:06 down on GC on yellow jersey Poga\u010dar, is now race leader on the road by more than a minute.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:09:33+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:09:33.244Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-92d280d6-7a0d-11f1-b6e4-e7c600f37ae1\">Pedersen&#8217;s counter-charge didn&#8217;t work out, but Alex Kirsch (Cofidis) is now trying to bridge across to Tratnik and Vacek.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:08:29+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:08:29.754Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6d02daae-7a0d-11f1-ab63-8537480ff912\">Stewart received some emergency medical treatment for his chin from that uphill crash, the race organisation reports, but is able to return to racing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:03:32+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:03:32.843Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bc0326be-7a0c-11f1-b963-59950398d69f\">Meanwhile in the break, Molenaar has picked up yet more points in third place over the top of the Coudons, and Mads Pedersen is trying to bridge across to teammate Vacek.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:02:24+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:02:24.734Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-936fd8aa-7a0c-11f1-828f-55f16c092005\">Small crash in the rear of the peloton. Jake Stewart (NSN), and Simone Velasco (XDS-Astana) and an unidentified Alpecin rider go down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:59:30+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:59:30.788Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-summit\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-summit\"><span>Summit<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-2bccd3d8-7a0c-11f1-9ea6-39d18d7488e4\">Tratnk powers through the top of the Col de Coudons (10.9 km at 5.5%) with zero opposition from Vacek in his bid to get maximum points. The break is now a minute back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:58:15+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:58:15.651Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-feeedd3e-7a0b-11f1-b478-a5fd93a92d1a\">It has to be said that Tratnik was the last man from the Slovenian National Team when teammate Poga\u010dar blasted off at around this distance for a solo win in the Worlds in 2024, but it seems unlikely he&#8217;s trying to &#8216;pull a Pog&#8217; here. Maybe he just wants to pick up some mountain points.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:55:26+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:55:26.286Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9a0c6db4-7a0b-11f1-ab3b-ef8d5a3ac0a0\">Who saw this coming? Tratnik and Vacek open their gap to 40 seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:49:13+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:49:13.385Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-bbb94c1c-7a0a-11f1-a428-515ea21de682\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"vacek-and-tratnik-lead-the-way-2\">Vacek and Tratnik lead the way<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-bbb94cb2-7a0a-11f1-a14e-c71bf4cd2738\">Vacek and Tratnik are holding an advantage of around 20 seconds on their 30-odd chasers in the break as they move into the final five kilometres of the very long but not excpetionally hard Col de Coudons.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:45:43+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:45:43.604Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3eb99366-7a0a-11f1-8f2f-5dff8f13957a\">Nils Politt is on a solo rinse-and-repeat of stage 3, doing lots of the work on the front for UAE, with no less than five Lidl-Trek riders breathing down his neck in the line just behind him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:44:23+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:44:23.063Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0eb8e842-7a0a-11f1-8e08-3b803197b97c\">And having just written that, Slovenian veteran Jan Tratnik is trying his best to push on, seven kilometres from the top, with Vacek shadowing him closely.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:42:27+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:42:27.481Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c9c3bf6e-7a09-11f1-89b3-a1bcfea4cecc\">The break is taking a steady but not notably crazy pace on the climb, which makes sense if they don&#8217;t want to lose too many elements to work on the flatter terrain to follow.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:40:28+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:40:28.664Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-82f6e0ca-7a09-11f1-a261-352373f1946c\">The gap for the break has now opened up to nearly five minutes, probably the strongest evidence that UAE are not interested in a third straight stage in as many days. Given it&#8217;s a flat stage on Wednesday and they don&#8217;t have a sprinter, they&#8217;re likely going to take things easy until the mountains on Thursday.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:36:11+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:36:11.591Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e9b998d0-7a08-11f1-bd1f-7bedc0adf5a9\">Girmay, for one, has already sat up, likewise Philipsen. Clearly the sprint points were their target of the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:35:36+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:35:36.007Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d4824fe8-7a08-11f1-8600-07a26f0c31a7\">Immediately after the sprint, the first of the day&#8217;s two Cat.2 climbs, the biggest challenges of the day, is underway: <em>Cat 2: Col de Coudons (10.9 km at 5.5%).<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:34:21+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:34:21.278Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-sprint\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-sprint\"><span>Sprint<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-a81191a8-7a08-11f1-a98f-0507b94fc1e5\">A cagy build-up amongst the 34 and finally Girmay narrowly gets it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:32:32+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:32:32.941Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-67700b02-7a08-11f1-a661-b39132153d01\">A nice shot of the peloton descending on stage 4<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-67700b66-7a08-11f1-a313-4181be71f98e\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QfDtAJkehvPB7AYAcc2uXJ.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France stage 4: the peloton on a descent\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:30:29+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:30:29.392Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1dc5410c-7a08-11f1-8153-f3b33648bb60\">35 degrees out there, by the way so maybe not quite as hot as feared, but still pretty baking whichever way you look at it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:29:55+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:29:55.485Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-91-kilometres-to-go-gap-is-rising\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-91-kilometres-to-go-gap-is-rising\"><span>91 kilometres to go &#8211; gap is rising<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-099eabdc-7a08-11f1-8a4f-cbac240c14e1\">And the gap has risen to over 4 minutes for the first time, to 4:13.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:28:54+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:28:54.008Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e5203cbc-7a07-11f1-a7cb-0dbeca4f12e9\">The stage&#8217;s one intermediate sprint at Quilian is less than five kilometres away. Pedersen has already made it clear that he&#8217;ll be going for the green jersey this year, as is Philipsen, so on paper you can count on both of them to be up there. The one slight questionmark is over Girmay, like Philipsen a former green jersey winner, and whether he&#8217;ll want to challenge them as well.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:18:04+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:18:04.837Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-61f35aaa-7a06-11f1-8d4b-8ffd62dc1e9a\">The five missing, for the record, are Visma, UAE, Decathlon, XDS-Astana and Tudor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:17:15+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:17:15.675Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-44b4188a-7a06-11f1-8e16-17855b4848da\">A reminder of the 34 members of the bunch. As LeTour&#8217;s website pointed out earlier on, only five teams not represented:<br \/>Nico Denz and Jan Tratnik (both Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe); Mads Pedersen, Mathias Vacek, Quinn Simmons (all Lidl-Trek), Sean Quinn, Michael Valgren and Georg Steinhauser (all EF Education-EasyPost); Robert Stannard and Vlad Van Mechelen (both Bahrain Victorious); K\u00e9vin Vauquelin (Netcompany Ineos); Pascal Eenkhorn and Jasper Stuyven (both Soudal-QuickStep); Ramses Debruyne, Edward Planckaert and Jasper Philipsen (all Alpecin-Premier Tech); Michael Matthews (Jayco-AlUla); Torsten Tr\u00e6en (Uno-X Mobility); Biniam Girmay and Marco Frigo (both NSN); Pablo Castrillo, Raul Garc\u00eda Pierna and Nelson Oliveira (all Movistar); Georg Zimmerman (Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9); Ion Izagirre and Alex Kirsch (both Cofidis); Quentin Hermans and Brent Van Moer (both Q36.5-Pinarello); Romain Gr\u00e9goire and Ewan Costiou (both Groupama-FDJ United); Alexandre Delettre (TotalEnergies); Frank Van den Broek (Picnic PostNL); Alex Molenaar and Joel Nicolau (both Caja Rural-Seguros RGA).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:15:20+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:15:20.507Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fffd8d98-7a05-11f1-be70-190cc557e034\">For almost the first time this stage, there are some images of race leader Tadej Poga\u010dar. He&#8217;s back at the UAE team car, picking up bidons and talking a fair bit to the sports director. Given UAE apparently only decided to go for the win on Monday mid-stage, you can&#8217;t help wondering if they&#8217;re discussing their strategy for the remainder of the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:12:24+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:12:24.617Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9779cd90-7a05-11f1-939e-3599d773727c\">A useful stat from the race organisers <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\"><em>letour.fr<\/em><\/a> about who in the break has won Tour stages in the past: Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech) has won no less than 10, most recently in 2025 on stage 1, while Michael Matthews (Jayco AlUla) has 4 and Biniam Girmay (NSN) 3. Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) and Ion Izagirre (Cofidis) have two apiece, and K\u00e9vin Vauquelin (Netcompany Ineos) has won one.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:06:40+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:06:40.992Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ca66fb66-7a04-11f1-97c7-8b07ab9de0ea\">It&#8217;s hot out there&#8230;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ca66fbd4-7a04-11f1-8b68-310099f1202c\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eab8CgMQe4p4zRDa6juHJd.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France stage 4: the peloton during a quiet moment of the race\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:01:50+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:01:50.200Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-115-kilometres-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-115-kilometres-to-go\"><span>115 kilometres to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-1d01c640-7a04-11f1-8638-0f48805c53f3\">3:03 the gap<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:01:14+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:01:14.859Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-mountain-sprint\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-mountain-sprint\"><span>Mountain sprint<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-07fc959a-7a04-11f1-acbb-b7230cfb2b05\">An uphill sprint ensues for the top of the Col du Paradis (5.6km at 4.3%), taken again by Molenaar, despite EF&#8217;s best efforts to stop him eating into Alex Baudin&#8217;s lead.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:59:38+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:59:38.646Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cea22396-7a03-11f1-82b1-1bc02ea3968a\">UAE are seemingly content with controlling the break rather than chasing it down, as somewhat controversially happened yesterday. We say &#8216;somewhat&#8217; because as Patrick Fletcher writes, there were grumblings in French media over the UAE strategy yesterday. <br \/><strong>We have to question the common sense of that&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar and UAE&#8217;s breakaway-killing tactics criticised in French TV debate<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-cea223fa-7a03-11f1-89d4-af04aaf0b855\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Gh4F8PFEdqRkPSVo8fAxd.jpg\" alt=\"UAE during stage 3 of the Tour de France\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:51:09+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:51:09.334Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9f2cc02c-7a02-11f1-9d66-7b513a4df8e4\">Riders are now on the second classified climb of the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:50:25+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:50:25.681Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-still-to-come\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-still-to-come\"><span>Still to come<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-85012f76-7a02-11f1-b903-7d148193b567\"><strong>Km 65: <\/strong> <em>Climb:<\/em> Cat. 3: Col du Paradis (5.6km at 4.3%)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Km 93.4: <\/strong><em>Sprint:<\/em> Quilan<\/p>\n<p><strong>Km 105:<\/strong> <em>Climb: <\/em>Cat 2: Col de Coudons (10.9 km at 5.5%)<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-85012f76-7a02-11f1-b903-7d148193b567-2\"><strong>Km 147:<\/strong> <em>Climb:<\/em> Cat 2: Col de Monts\u00e9gur (6.9m at 6.1%)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Km 182.2: <\/strong><em>Finish: <\/em>Foix<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:47:59+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:47:59.868Z<\/time><\/p>\n<div class=\"see-more see-more--clipped\" id=\"elk-2074475378047959244\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet hawk-ignore\" data-lang=\"en\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">\ud83d\udd0e 34 riders and 18 teams are in the breakaway! Only 5 teams have no man in the break :\ud83d\udd0e 34 coureurs et 18 \u00e9quipes sont repr\u00e9sent\u00e9es dans l&#8217;\u00e9chapp\u00e9e. Seules 5 \u00e9quipes n&#8217;ont aucun homme \u00e0 l&#8217;avant :\ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddf1 @vismaleaseabike \ud83c\uddeb\ud83c\uddf7 @decathloncmacgm \ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddea @TeamEmiratesUAE \ud83c\uddf0\ud83c\uddff\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/ZFsVeuxhkCJuly 7, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"see-more__filter\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:39:39+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:39:39.443Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-03d367ee-7a01-11f1-a27c-8b70ffbca131\">Gap still hovering at around 3:20-:3:30 mark<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:38:59+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:38:59.424Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ebf2b436-7a00-11f1-a23f-6fd3856d7609\">Everybody likes a Tour de France stage&#8230;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ebf2b49a-7a00-11f1-a063-fb2a7ea95788\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fjc6zcUYEh3k6v7uB5W5Bj.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France stage 4: spectators lining the route\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:34:56+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:34:56.293Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-mountains-classification\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-mountains-classification\"><span>Mountains classification<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-5b11a7f6-7a00-11f1-a403-fd989e4ccdec\">Alex Molenaar, already briefly a leader in the 2026 mountains classification after stage 2, grabs the one point on offer at the summit of the Col des Bedos (3.4km at 4.4%).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:31:11+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:31:11.740Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d52ef5da-79ff-11f1-a236-89a424b76eb3\">EF, Soudal, Groupama and Movistar doing a lot of work on the front, all teams with multiple riders in the move.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:29:33+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:29:33.861Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9ae79918-79ff-11f1-8ef6-59b0afa0085c\">The break is now on the first classified climb of the day, the Cat. 4 Col des Bedos (3.4km at 4.4%).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:26:53+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:26:53.442Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3b41daf0-79ff-11f1-9636-0ff4cd1d054e\"><strong>Enjoying our live race coverage? Subscribe to Cyclingnews for an all-access pass to our unrivalled reporting of WorldTour racing, bike tech and exclusive in-depth features. Plus, access to the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on-the-go!<\/strong><br \/><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"kiosq-main-layer kiosq-button-layer\"><strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"kiosq-main-layer-container\">\n<div class=\"kiosq-login-button rowCenter\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:25:43+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:25:43.423Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-11888a42-79ff-11f1-bef1-eb8f22066235\">Some repeat offenders from earlier breaks in this year&#8217;s Tour, too, including Molenaar, already the mountains leader early on, Pedersen, Garc\u00eda Pierna, Van Mechelen and Van den Broek.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:19:43+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:19:43.275Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02e368-79fe-11f1-92ab-13b1c29ae49c\">There are so many riders ahead you can break them down into different categories, but there&#8217;s a notable number of sprinters, including Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek), Biniam Girmay (NSN) and Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:12:42+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:12:42.542Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-146-kilometres-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-146-kilometres-to-go\"><span>146 kilometres to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02e246-79fe-11f1-bffa-e59f3d2cb2a9\">And the gap is hovering at around 3:40<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:11:37+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:11:37.766Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02e106-79fe-11f1-97f8-71442d7d47c6\">The most dangerous rider on GC of the 34 is Tr\u00e6en at 5:06. So they can certainly gain a bit more time before the four classified climbs of the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:09:39+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:09:39.231Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02e034-79fe-11f1-909e-3b69f4847f45\">UAE keeping nominal control on the bunch and the break&#8217;s gap is now up to 3:47.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:09:15+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:09:15.236Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-who-s-in-the-break\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-who-s-in-the-break\"><span>Who&#8217;s in the break?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02df08-79fe-11f1-ace1-5b3d86dcda61\">34 riders, not 40 as originally reported. And the names are as follows&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>Nico Denz and Jan Tratnik (both Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe); Mads Pedersen, Mathias Vacek, Quinn Simmons (all Lidl-Trek), Sean Quinn, Michael Valgren and Georg Steinhauser (all EF Education-EasyPost); Robert Stannard and Vlad Van Mechelen (both Bahrain Victorious); K\u00e9vin Vauquelin (Netcompany Ineos); Pascal Eenkhorn and Jasper Stuyven (both Soudal-QuickStep); Ramses Debruyne, Edward Planckaert and Jasper Philipsen (all Alpecin-Premier Tech); Michael Matthews (Jayco-AlUla); Torsten Tr\u00e6en (Uno-X Mobility); Biniam Girmay and Marco Frigo (both NSN); Pablo Castrillo, Raul Garc\u00eda Pierna and Nelson Oliveira (all Movistar); Georg Zimmerman (Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9); Ion Izagirre and Alex Kirsch (both Cofidis); Quentin Hermans and Brent Van Moer (both Q36.5-Pinarello); Romain Gr\u00e9goire and Ewan Costiou (both Groupama-FDJ United); Alexandre Delettre (TotalEnergies); Frank Van den Broek (Picnic PostNL); Alex Molenaar and Joel Nicolau (both Caja Rural-Seguros RGA).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:59:55+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:59:55.601Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02dcf6-79fe-11f1-9fa3-7d96d883bfe0\">Here&#8217;s a first shot of the break beginning to form. Full list of names yet to come.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3c02dd64-79fe-11f1-8661-19143c81feb6\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ve7ruRUnxZJbExvRduWLWN.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France stage 4: the break of the day?\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:57:56+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:57:56.705Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02dbde-79fe-11f1-8124-1fde9b3f1548\">Gap is now up to 2:14. This is definitely happening.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:51:19+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:51:19.096Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02d9f4-79fe-11f1-bc5f-81f7aed203ca\">Gap is up to 40 seconds on the peloton for the 40 ahead, and a further group of eight riders, including mountains leader Alex Baudin (EF Education-First) tries and fails to make it across.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:49:44+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:49:44.755Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02d922-79fe-11f1-93c2-75cfbc55972f\">Current front group is around 40 strong. That&#8217;s very large for the opening stages of the Tour, but bear in mind there&#8217;s been a lot of GC action already so gaps are already very large overall.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:47:08+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:47:08.963Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02d800-79fe-11f1-af5d-2768a773a097\">TV motorbike dashboard showing a temperature of 40 degrees out there right now.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:46:41+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:46:41.011Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02d6f2-79fe-11f1-b487-871d19143663\">Not yet clear if this is going to work out because this is a huge group off the front and yet more riders trying to go clear.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:44:53+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:44:53.039Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02d62a-79fe-11f1-b343-0dc0b5efafac\">A much bigger group has now formed on the front and it would appear the bunch are sitting up. Could be we&#8217;ve got the break of the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:43:33+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:43:33.346Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-170-kilometres-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-170-kilometres-to-go\"><span>170 kilometres to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02d558-79fe-11f1-9ee0-cbe2c22ce008\">More riders are trying to bridge the gap from a fully lined-out peloton. There&#8217;s never a quiet day at the Tour de France&#8230;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:41:41+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:41:41.065Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02d38c-79fe-11f1-997e-d3fc24070bc7\">The move is struggling to get clear, just seven seconds now as break and peloton blast along a flat, treelined country road at full speed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:37:56+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:37:56.845Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-an-early-break\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-an-early-break\"><span>An early break?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02d2c4-79fe-11f1-ad7c-21065ab445ed\">Break alert, around 15 riders go clear including Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek), already on the hunt yesterday in a big mid-stage move for points. More names soon, assuming it stays away.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:36:30+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:36:30.506Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02d0c6-79fe-11f1-b556-2fe15225739a\">Simmons tried and failed to get clear yesterday mid-stage, too, and James Moultrie has done a long interview with Simmons about his chances of success in taking a stage this year and more:<\/p>\n<p><strong>&#8216;I don&#8217;t want to say I&#8217;ve stopped caring but I&#8217;ve learned to stop beating myself up&#8217; \u2013 Quinn Simmons takes new mindset into pursuit of career-defining Tour de France stage win<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3c02d17a-79fe-11f1-94de-7fb9d6ccdfa1\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kqASNUerq3vkqhzaHPY5z9.jpg\" alt=\"Quinn Simmons during the 2026 Tour\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:32:58+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:32:58.573Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02cfc2-79fe-11f1-a532-5dd64ca16f5f\">There have been a flurry of early moves and Alex Kirsch (Cofidis) and Quinn Simmons (Lidl-Trek) already trying to go clear. So far, nothing&#8217;s sticking.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:31:38+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:31:38.016Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-3c02ce96-79fe-11f1-8c21-35d4e4cdf9dc\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"on-today-s-menu-2\">On today&#8217;s menu:<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02cefa-79fe-11f1-98c5-578694fe3c49\"><strong>Km 48.2:<\/strong> <em>Climb<\/em>: Cat. 3. Col des Bedos (3.4km at 4.4%)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Km 65: <\/strong> <em>Climb<\/em>. Cat. 3 Col du Paradis (5.6km at 4.3%)<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02cefa-79fe-11f1-98c5-578694fe3c49-2\"><strong>Km 93.4: <\/strong><em>Sprint:<\/em> Quilan<\/p>\n<p><strong>Km 105.: <\/strong><em>Climb.<\/em> Cat 2: Col de Coudons (10.9 km at 5.5%)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Km 147:<\/strong> <em>Climb.<\/em> Cat 2: Col de Monts\u00e9gur (6.9m at 6.1%)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Km 182.2: <\/strong><em>Finish: <\/em>Foix<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:29:46+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:29:46.598Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02cd7e-79fe-11f1-b2bd-11979aec33a2\">Much pre-race debate involving what will happen today, whether we&#8217;ll get a breakaway or a GC day, given the very undulating course. What&#8217;s clear is that while the Tour is back in France for its first full stage on home soil, the risks of forest fires and extreme heat has not gone away.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:27:54+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:27:54.120Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-181-9-kilometres-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-181-9-kilometres-to-go\"><span>181.9 kilometres to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02cc52-79fe-11f1-8e0f-bd15b1e75f5f\">And they&#8217;re off. Racing of stage 4 of the 2026 Tour is now underway.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:18:00+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:18:00.260Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02cab8-79fe-11f1-a405-19e23d6f68c1\">A brief reminder of the GC standings courtesy of FirstCycling<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3c02cb1c-79fe-11f1-abc3-75c3013c7ad1\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b8kKg9rxDwZwWafBsm26zU.png\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France: GC after stage 3\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: FirstCycling)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:12:14+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:12:14.462Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02c978-79fe-11f1-9f34-e1948ac4186e\">And thee riders are now moving along the neutralised section, a fairly hefty 8.8 kilometres long before racing proper gets underway.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:09:32+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:09:32.679Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02c81a-79fe-11f1-90ab-f5b27e929564\">The show is about to begin&#8230;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3c02c888-79fe-11f1-a2a0-39356e70efdd\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdYWVfJVVvq2LKmcUScLwT.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France: Tadej Poga&amp;amp;#269;ar before stage 4\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:06:36+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:06:36.690Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02c748-79fe-11f1-bd9d-6317b152ac42\">This is the 2026 Tour&#8217;s first full stage in France this year, incidentally, and the 14th time the race has either started or finished in Carcassonne. Last year, there was a stage won here by Tim Wellens from a 43 kilometre solo break.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:03:37+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:03:37.398Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02c61c-79fe-11f1-bd88-c1ea4a17c32c\">Just six minutes to the <em>d\u00e9part fictif, <\/em>and the riders will start rolling through the streets of Carcassonne<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T10:56:56+00:00\">2026-07-07T10:56:56.180Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02c4b4-79fe-11f1-8d6e-7f3f8e6b6b26\">In case you had forgotten who won on Monday, here&#8217;s our full report of how a complete unknown (not counting his previous 21 stage Tour wins and four overall victories, that is) gave the top contenders a run for their money.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tour de France: Tadej Poga\u010dar blasts away from Jonas Vingegaard on final section of Les Angles ascent for stage 3 victory and yellow jersey<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3c02c518-79fe-11f1-8c56-d75b0c539e2b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hCTJEwtHmDobxjoKHfZttV.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France: Tadej Poga&amp;amp;#269;ar wins stage 3\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T10:45:04+00:00\">2026-07-07T10:45:04.900Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02c374-79fe-11f1-920c-e9fd644e3e2f\">This message on social media from the organisers a reminder of what the public should be doing to protect themselves on these days of intense heat.<\/p>\n<div class=\"see-more see-more--clipped\" id=\"elk-2074435825241137461\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet hawk-ignore\" data-lang=\"en\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">The #TDF2026 goes by, but the heat remains. Protect yourself.Before the riders pass through, during the stage, and after the finish:\u26f1\ufe0f seek shade whenever possible,\ud83e\udde2 wear a bucket hat or a hat,\ud83d\udca7 drink water regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty,\ud83d\udc76\ud83d\udc75 and keep an eye on\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/E203MRuwJZJuly 7, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"see-more__filter\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T10:42:06+00:00\">2026-07-07T10:42:06.342Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02c1b2-79fe-11f1-9c7e-3d3f2cad1576\">First prediction for today? It&#8217;s going to be hot&#8230; here&#8217;s a shot of Damien Howson (Q36.5-Pinarello) wearing an ice vest at the stage 4 start in Carcassonne and he&#8217;s far from being the only one.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3c02c220-79fe-11f1-bd02-8164dc3a02dd\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utoSodRkxBiyPhzvVCYJQQ.jpg\" alt=\"Tour de France 2026: Damien Howson before the start\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T10:37:46+00:00\">2026-07-07T10:37:46.713Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-rankings\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-rankings\"><span>Rankings<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02c0e0-79fe-11f1-9f48-0737f37ba01d\">A reminder of who&#8217;s in charge of what in the overall classifications after three days of very tough racing, all of which have featured some GC action.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Overall: <\/strong>Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Points: <\/strong>Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02c0e0-79fe-11f1-9f48-0737f37ba01d-2\"><strong>Mountains:<\/strong> Alex Baudin (EF Education First-EasyPost)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Best Young Rider:<\/strong> Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Teams:<\/strong> UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T10:29:35+00:00\">2026-07-07T10:29:35.043Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02bf82-79fe-11f1-9cf5-25b236239968\">Racing in what looks to be a very undulating transition stage is set to get underway at 1310 local time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<p id=\"elk-3c02be24-79fe-11f1-83e7-11fe9d84001d\">Hello and welcome to our live coverage of stage 4 of the 2026 Tour de France.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"viafoura-comments\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; 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(Photo by Jeff PACHOUD \/ AFP)\" class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Tour de France: Mads Pedersen scorches stage 4 sprint with Quinn Simmons closing for Lidl-Trek one-two as yellow jersey changes hands<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Early access: Cyclingnews subscribers get first eyes on our Cannondale SuperSix Evo video review<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Jonas Vingegaard rides to stage start under police escort as Visma-Lease a Bike&#8217;s team bus suffers air-con failure in Tour de France heatwave<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Winning stages can help you win the Tour de France&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates justify early race dominance<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;We have to question the common sense of that&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar and UAE&#8217;s breakaway-killing tactics criticised in French TV debate<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar-popular-bottom\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar-popular-bottom widget-empty-sidebar-popular-bottom ad-unit widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero hero-live news-article widget-hero widget-hero-fter-review\">\n<div class=\"clear-both widget-header\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\" class=\"news-article\">\n<div class=\"header-container\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<header>\n<div class=\"header-sub-container\">\n<h1 class=\"review-title-long live-report\">As it happened: former World Champion wins Tour de France stage 4 as new race leader takes over from Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/h1>\n<h2>Stage 4 crosses the Cathar Country before tackling some of the less challenging climbs in the Ari\u00e8ge, and it seems destined to be one for a move to make it to the line<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Live-reports<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\">\n<span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"inline-block h-3 my-auto border-l border-solid vds-simple-byline__divider max-sm:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\">\n<span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nLast updated<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T16:18:30Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n7 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><br \/>\n<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<nav class=\"socialite-widget box less-space \" data-contexturl=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/tour-de-france-stage-4-live-will-tuesdays-heatblasted-trek-through-the-foothills-of-the-pyrenees-favour-a-breakaway-or-another-gc-day\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"socialite\">\n<ul class=\"socialite-widget-ul\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-facebook\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-twitter\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-pinterest\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-email\">\n<p><i class=\"icon icon-envelope-solid\"><\/i><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>    <span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)]\"><span>5<\/span> <span class=\"visible hidden sm:inline-block\">Comments<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n    <span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)] hidden visible sm:inline-block\">Join the conversation<\/span><\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<figure>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCHyrfLhfcAJ3Us2NHus77.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France stage 4: Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) takes the win\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block-image-ads hero-image w-full\" data-component-name=\"Image\"><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"> <span class=\"caption-text\">2026 Tour de France stage 4: Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) takes the win<\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: \u00a9 Getty Images)<\/span><br \/>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\" class=\"news-article\">\n<div class=\"header-container\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<header>\n<div class=\"header-sub-container\">\n<h1 class=\"review-title-long live-report\">As it happened: former World Champion wins Tour de France stage 4 as new race leader takes over from Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/h1>\n<h2>Stage 4 crosses the Cathar Country before tackling some of the less challenging climbs in the Ari\u00e8ge, and it seems destined to be one for a move to make it to the line<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Live-reports<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\">\n<span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"inline-block h-3 my-auto border-l border-solid vds-simple-byline__divider max-sm:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\">\n<span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nLast updated<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T16:18:30Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n7 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><br \/>\n<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<nav class=\"socialite-widget box less-space \" data-contexturl=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/tour-de-france-stage-4-live-will-tuesdays-heatblasted-trek-through-the-foothills-of-the-pyrenees-favour-a-breakaway-or-another-gc-day\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"socialite\">\n<ul class=\"socialite-widget-ul\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-facebook\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-twitter\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-pinterest\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-email\">\n<p><i class=\"icon icon-envelope-solid\"><\/i><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>    <span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)]\"><span>5<\/span> <span class=\"visible hidden sm:inline-block\">Comments<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n    <span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)] hidden visible sm:inline-block\">Join the conversation<\/span><\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<figure>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCHyrfLhfcAJ3Us2NHus77.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France stage 4: Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) takes the win\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block-image-ads hero-image w-full\" data-component-name=\"Image\"><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"> <span class=\"caption-text\">2026 Tour de France stage 4: Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) takes the win<\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: \u00a9 Getty Images)<\/span><br \/>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"pinned-content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-pinned-content widget-contentparsed-pinned-content widget-pinned news-article widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-default widget-content-parsed-live-feed \">\n<div class=\" article-body \">\n<div class>\n<a id=\"elk-3c02b9f6-79fe-11f1-96a4-b935e2463304\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02ba5a-79fe-11f1-9eab-07fdfa80b54b\"><strong>2026 Tour de France &#8211; Everything you need to know<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>2026 Tour de France &#8211; Route<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02ba5a-79fe-11f1-9eab-07fdfa80b54b-2\"><strong><\/strong><strong>2026 Tour de France &#8211; Contenders<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><\/strong><strong>2026 Tour de France stage 4 &#8211; Preview<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>How to Watch the 2026 Tour de France<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02babe-79fe-11f1-bcf3-0bb378cdf92d\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"kiosq-main-layer kiosq-button-layer\"><strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"kiosq-main-layer-container\">\n<div class=\"kiosq-login-button rowCenter\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-results\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-results\"><span>Results<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a id=\"elk-3c02bbf4-79fe-11f1-8d06-0524ef1b762f\"><\/a><a id=\"elk-have-your-say\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-have-your-say\"><span>Have your say<\/span><\/h3>\n<div id=\"elk-3c02bcda-79fe-11f1-b506-ff3a17fb17bc\">\n<div class=\"kwizly-quiz kwizly-ePad8W\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"live-feed-multipage\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-live-feed-multipage widget-contentparsed-live-feed-multipage news-article widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-default multipage widget-content-parsed-live-feed \">\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\" article-body \">\n<div id=\"ad-unit-1\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:LiveReportUpdater\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T16:20:46+00:00\">2026-07-07T16:20:46.332Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e8f9e7f8-7a1f-11f1-b095-53491ab2a4c0\">After four days of climbing, summit finishes and<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T16:18:30+00:00\">2026-07-07T16:18:30.200Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-96aefe66-7a1f-11f1-a1be-af9a5d0281d7\">Another change in leaders too, is for Mathias Vacek (Lidl-Trek), now heading the Best Young Riders classification, while Lidl-Trek are now leading the teams ranking.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T16:16:27+00:00\">2026-07-07T16:16:27.291Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4d455bb2-7a1f-11f1-ae37-65e0794965bf\">And here&#8217;s what he had to say about it all:<br \/>&#8220;It&#8217;s quite hard for me to understand how big this is, but you can see from the faces of my old coach and soigneur how special it is. Like you don&#8217;t really understand what&#8217;s going on, maybe in a couple of days it sinks in, but for now I&#8217;ll just have to enjoy it.&#8221;<br \/>&#8220;I saw the guys [teammates] from the podium, you can see how happy they are, it&#8217;s always emotional.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T16:12:05+00:00\">2026-07-07T16:12:05.163Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b0fe3d6e-7a1e-11f1-b09a-f7239c176897\">And here&#8217;s a shot of Tr\u00e6en in his yellow jersey: a historic moment for his team.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b0fe3e04-7a1e-11f1-bc58-eb865956ecb3\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BhdVPC3E4JRcdcg2gafBLY.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France stage 4: Torsten Tr&amp;amp;aelig;en (Uno-X Mobility) is the new race leader\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T16:07:55+00:00\">2026-07-07T16:07:55.884Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-winner-s-words\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-winner-s-words\"><span>Winner&#8217;s words:<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-1c6b6500-7a1e-11f1-bfc5-09c409de66d4\"><em>Some words from the stage winner, Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek):<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This was a masterpiece in teamwork, maybe not in climbing, I was suffering a lot on the last climb there. But with Quinn [Simmons] and [Mathias] Vacek there, it was an incredible day, they did incredible for me, making sure we didn&#8217;t lose too much time over the top&#8221; &#8211; of the final climb, where Pedersen was a handful of seconds back &#8211; &#8220;and then they were just machines there, to the finish line. What a team win and a team effort today.&#8221;<br \/>&#8220;I had a good talk with Luca [Guercilena, soon to leave the squad &#8211; Ed], our team manager before the race and he said, please win me a stage and we thought this was a good one. So this stage is for Luca and all the good years we had together, I&#8217;m really thankful for all he did for me.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T16:03:52+00:00\">2026-07-07T16:03:52.531Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8b58799a-7a1d-11f1-806f-e504b31f6401\">Some major changes on the GC, with Tr\u00e6en leading, Sean Quinn (EF Education-EasyPost) at 28 seconds, Mathias Vacek (Lidl-Trek) at 3:50 and Poga\u010dar dropping to 7:53. That&#8217;s a very significant gap, so barring major disasters, it could see Tr\u00e6en in the lead deep into the second week, perhaps as far as the Vosges.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T16:00:26+00:00\">2026-07-07T16:00:26.387Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-10b9cf68-7a1d-11f1-8993-1dccfb6f5470\">Here&#8217;s our full results and report from a day when the maillot jaune moved on for a third time in four days.<\/p>\n<p><strong><\/strong><strong>Tour de France: Mads Pedersen scorches stage 4 sprint with Quinn Simmons closing for Lidl-Trek one-two as yellow jersey changes hands<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-10b9cfcc-7a1d-11f1-af90-e744ed245890\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uKbEWeJLUudfs7gvcggmo.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France: Mads Pedersen claims stage 4\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:56:02+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:56:02.726Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-73553e4c-7a1c-11f1-b40a-f3e01c33acf5\">Pedersen has also moved into the lead of the points competition by 48 points, which was one of his big goals for the 2026 Tour as well.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:54:15+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:54:15.072Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-332ce810-7a1c-11f1-a556-51857fb897c7\">The main peloton finish thirteen minutes down<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:53:58+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:53:58.464Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-29412f1e-7a1c-11f1-95be-498ff71d83b9\">And the confirmation is through: after four days leading the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a last year, Torsten Tr\u00e6en is now in the maillot jaune.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:50:35+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:50:35.964Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b10a00ca-7a1b-11f1-8f0e-bb0f7d33a32f\">A tense wait for Uno-X Mobility staff at the finish, as they wait for the minutes to tick by and Torsten Tr\u00e6en to be confirmed as their first ever leader &#8211; and by some margin &#8211; in the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:47:20+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:47:20.837Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c521f9c-7a1b-11f1-b115-fbdd063f1030\">A first shot of the winner, as Pedersen takes his first win since stage 15 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a back in 2025.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3c522014-7a1b-11f1-8806-4100a3e746b5\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCHyrfLhfcAJ3Us2NHus77.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France stage 4: Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) takes the win\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:42:02+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:42:02.071Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7e49b29e-7a1a-11f1-adf6-95b6c3ca1632\">Second was Quinn Simmons, making a great day even better for Lidl-Trek with a 1-2 on the line, with Ra\u00fal Garc\u00eda Pierna (Movistar) in third.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:40:34+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:40:34.501Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4cce7740-7a1a-11f1-9415-a37df65a953f\">Vauquelin attempted to surprise Lidl-Trek in the final corner, but really it was no competition. This is Pedersen&#8217;s third stage at the Tour, his first win this season, and a big handful of points for green as well.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:39:38+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:39:38.627Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-stage-winner\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-stage-winner\"><span>Stage winner<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-28c5081e-7a1a-11f1-8edd-a1d56f484ff0\"><strong>Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) wins stage 4 of the Tour de France from Carcassonne to Foix<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:38:44+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:38:44.450Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0877eff4-7a1a-11f1-8c33-816970b01647\">Pedersen is unstoppable. He takes the stage by three bike lengths or more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:38:18+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:38:18.177Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fadddfde-7a19-11f1-a76d-73188c6d4d18\">Pedersen in second as they go into the final corner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:37:56+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:37:56.885Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ec27daee-7a19-11f1-8bbb-7502b8c558e9\">A fast, sweeping downhill through Foix and then a short uphill and they&#8217;re there.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:37:34+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:37:34.009Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-deb2c91e-7a19-11f1-a0fc-e91a8929b86d\">Castrillo goes for his umpteenth attack and still not working. The stage is Lidl&#8217;s to lose.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:36:59+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:36:59.128Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-c9bb59b8-7a19-11f1-8bbb-756fc1e6d578\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"two-kilometres-to-go-2\">Two kilometres to go<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-c9bb5a1c-7a19-11f1-bfc3-d57cb867948b\">Still the ten are together. Small bunch sprint ahoy?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:36:18+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:36:18.384Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b16ca2cc-7a19-11f1-a481-f794e7767d06\">One final (?) attack by Castrillo and that move was more symbolic than real<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:35:29+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:35:29.229Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-942ef98a-7a19-11f1-9a6d-a1c85f84df78\">Three kilometres to go and still Lidl are controlling this just as they want.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:34:35+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:34:35.666Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7433caf2-7a19-11f1-895d-17410908d46b\">Riders now jettisoning extra weight like bidons to try and maximize their chances in the finale.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:32:59+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:32:59.107Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-five-kilometres-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-five-kilometres-to-go\"><span>Five kilometres to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-3a9a3e2a-7a19-11f1-8a11-476d15f418b3\">Still the ten riders ahead for the stage win: Ramses Debruyne (Alpecin-Premier Tech), Torstein Traeen (Uno-X Mobility), Marco Frigo (NSN), Pablo Castrillo and Ra\u00fal Garc\u00eda Pierna (bth Movistar); Mads Pedersen, Quinn Simmons, Mathias Vacek (all Lidl-Trek), Sean Quinn (EF Education-EasyPost) and K\u00e9vin Vauquelin (Netcompany Ineos)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:31:59+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:31:59.058Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-17024a52-7a19-11f1-bbdb-d18c6d8fb44a\">Keep an eye on Vauquelin, mind, he&#8217;s been sitting on the back and not taking a single turn, clearly waiting for that one chance rather than Movistar&#8217;s scattergun tactics.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:30:56+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:30:56.422Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f18eb670-7a18-11f1-bb06-3d8fb593c45a\">Yet another attack by Castrillo, with Vacek following and then coming through. Frigo, though, shuts it down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:29:50+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:29:50.114Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-nine-kilometres-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-nine-kilometres-to-go\"><span>Nine kilometres to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-c9f54d40-7a18-11f1-a168-5db29765c942\">And as the kilometres tick down, the pendulum&#8217;s swinging more and more in Pedersen&#8217;s favour. Garc\u00eda Pierna tries his best though, opening up a gap of some 50 metres before Simmons brings him back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:27:19+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:27:19.687Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-705e3d14-7a18-11f1-8764-b58dea559807\">There will be no change in the Tour&#8217;s mountains classification leadership, by the way, despite all of Caja Rural racer Alex Molenaar&#8217;s best efforts, and Alex Baudin (EF Education-First) will remain in top spot for a second straight day<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:25:23+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:25:23.360Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2b498d1e-7a18-11f1-bd30-976b5f29759a\">Tr\u00e6en, meantime, comes through to lay down a much more controlled pace on the fornt, given all he wants is as much time as possible, and Garc\u00eda Pierna then makes a second attack for Movistar. No good though.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:23:58+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:23:58.793Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f8d39cb2-7a17-11f1-9b02-fbf1032dcc05\">Castrillo launches an attack for a third time, but Pedersen shuts it down in person.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:21:55+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:21:55.411Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-af09c8e0-7a17-11f1-bcd3-a37238772bf4\">A more concerted pace behind from UAE in the bunch, but most likely it&#8217;s basically to stop any late challenges rather than to regain time on the break.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:19:43+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:19:43.152Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-16-5-kilometres-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-16-5-kilometres-to-go\"><span>16.5 kilometres to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-603d7df6-7a17-11f1-9a4b-7bd7e625053b\">And the ten now have an advantage of a minute. Surely if anybody wants to get the better of Pedersen, with that kind of gap on what&#8217;s mostly downhill, the attacks should likely start soon.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:18:34+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:18:34.072Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-36fe5b2c-7a17-11f1-838c-b187269451a7\">Meanwhile in the bunch, an untimely mechanical for Tom Pidcock (Q36.5-Pinarello). It&#8217;s a quick fix, though, and he should be able to get back on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:17:49+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:17:49.165Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1d6e4226-7a17-11f1-960b-f12843a59a4a\">Some of course, like Tr\u00e6en, already have gained a major prize, a spell in the yellow jersey and with a large lead over the other favourites all but in the bag.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:16:23+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:16:23.196Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e9122998-7a16-11f1-be61-4144d2d012b6\">Full collaboration from almost everybody in the break of 10, suggesting nobody wants to risk the chasers getting back and diluting their chances of an increasingly hard-to-get transition stage win.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:12:04+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:12:04.292Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4ef9ddce-7a16-11f1-94f2-c51d15c61b05\">Of the leaders, Pedersen and Vauquelin are the only two previous stage winners in the Tour.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:10:23+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:10:23.910Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-12d2b3d4-7a16-11f1-be07-a9b65f2fd256\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"24-kilometres-to-go-2\">24 kilometres to go<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-12d2b460-7a16-11f1-9fc1-e553c463ce70\">50 seconds the gap for the 10 leaders. On paper and barring major changes, the stage win should be for one of them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:09:31+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:09:31.668Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f3dae15e-7a15-11f1-a2ef-dfc5a271fa82\">That&#8217;s very much advantage Lidl-Trek, then, with three riders in the 10, but Movistar, looking for their first Tour stage win since Nairo Quintana in 2019, will doubtless not go down without a struggle.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:07:30+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:07:30.531Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-the-stage-leaders\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-the-stage-leaders\"><span>The stage leaders<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-ab9faab4-7a15-11f1-ade6-256f0a57f9f6\">The ten leaders:<\/p>\n<p>Ramses Debruyne (Alpecin-Premier Tech), Torstein Traeen (Uno-X Mobility), Marco Frigo (NSN), Pablo Castrillo and Ra\u00fal Garc\u00eda Pierna (bth Movistar); Mads Pedersen, Quinn Simmons, Mathias Vacek (all Lidl-Trek), Sean Quinn (EF Education-EasyPost) and K\u00e9vin Vauquelin (Netcompany Ineos)<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:03:18+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:03:18.793Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-164a2caa-7a15-11f1-b7cb-69d1bd071722\">It&#8217;s a broad, fast descent down to Foix, where the Tour will finish for a sixth time and the first since 2022.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:02:47+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:02:47.949Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0324a970-7a15-11f1-8122-2f6c30ac489e\">The two groups of race leaders fuse to form a front break of 10 and have an advantage of 40 seconds on the Matthews-led chasers, with the bunch at nearly 10 minutes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:01:33+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:01:33.549Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d6e37742-7a14-11f1-a403-7d74efdbe588\">First over the top are Castrillo, Garcia Pierna, Debruyne, and Tr\u00e6en, with Simmons, Vacek, Pedersen, Vauquelin, and Quinn just a handful of seconds behind.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:00:48+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:00:48.247Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-summit\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-summit\"><span>Summit <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-bbd2b544-7a14-11f1-ab1e-b57d7b22518c\">At the summit of the Col de Monts\u00e9gur, Marco Frigo (NSN) takes maximum points with four other stage leaders. But Lidl-Trek&#8217;s Vacek and Pedersen are close behind.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:58:27+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:58:27.698Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-67fbf912-7a14-11f1-a7c9-efff402cfbac\">Yet another grinding acceleration by Castrillo 700 metres from the top. Of the sprinters originally in the break, Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) is the biggest name remaining in the front group.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:57:00+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:57:00.743Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-34196788-7a14-11f1-aa47-a5bb157a1a94\">As the road steepens to 11% near the top, there&#8217;s barely 10 riders in the front group. Edward Planckaert (Alpecin-Premier Tech) leads the way, with Simmons in hot pursuit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:55:43+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:55:43.015Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-05d4f7fc-7a14-11f1-ae00-b100a62b0a0d\">Two kilometres from the top, Pablo Castrillo (Movistar) tries to make a move but it&#8217;s pulled back by the remnants of the break, where Simmons (Lid-Trek) is very active. And as soon as Castrillo is caught, Movistar teammate Raul Garc\u00eda Pierna goes for it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:53:53+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:53:53.591Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c4903f7c-7a13-11f1-99d8-f9ab4cd1ea8c\">For all EF are trying to shed Tr\u00e6en to give Sean Quinn a chance of yellow, for now it&#8217;s not working.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:52:41+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:52:41.895Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-99ef8c14-7a13-11f1-b6f7-910b48d5a845\">Former National Champion Romain Gr\u00e9goire (Groupama-FDJ) also out the back amongst multiple dropped riders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:52:02+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:52:02.262Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8272f418-7a13-11f1-9519-fbd79b105a00\">Valgren&#8217;s efforts combined with the intense heat see riders of the calibre of former German National Champion Georg Zimmerman (Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9) out the back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:49:17+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:49:17.375Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1ff83b90-7a13-11f1-afdd-bd0750beed3c\">EF, thanks to Michael Valgren, are setting down a searing pace in the break<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:48:49+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:48:49.998Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-break-caught\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-break-caught\"><span>Break caught<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-0f9e7804-7a13-11f1-8120-91c65e6b1b83\">Five kilometres from the top of the Monts\u00e9gur, Tratnik and Vacek are caught.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:47:59+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:47:59.204Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f14de5ec-7a12-11f1-afed-475ad5482c98\">The bunch is trundling along at 8:00, meaning Tr\u00e6en is likely to add a Tour de France lead to the Vuelta lead he already enjoyed for four days last year.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:44:41+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:44:41.186Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7b561dd2-7a12-11f1-b8b5-1f1b6f396237\">Kirsch throws in the towel, leaving Tratnik and Vacek out in front. But for how long?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:43:50+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:43:50.700Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-42-kilometres-to-go-counter-attackers-close-in\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-42-kilometres-to-go-counter-attackers-close-in\"><span>42 kilometres to go: counter-attackers close in<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-5d58e8d2-7a12-11f1-add4-d5b0d2aab56a\">The trio of stage leaders are hanging off the front by the bare minimum<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:40:53+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:40:53.065Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f3575e50-7a11-11f1-8a7d-cf8d1f3c0c57\">EF also driving hard to bring back Kirsch, Tratnik and Vacek<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:40:22+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:40:22.924Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e176c7ac-7a11-11f1-b100-95842f6519f2\">We&#8217;re on the lower, unofficial (as it they don&#8217;t count in the total length of the climb) slopes of the final Cat.2 ascent of the day, the Col de Monts\u00e9gur (6.9m at 6.1%). The three leaders advantage is already shrinking very fast.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:37:05+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:37:05.407Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6bd13730-7a11-11f1-a6b1-175987eec7ba\"><strong>Enjoying our live race coverage? Subscribe to Cyclingnews for an all-access pass to our unrivalled reporting of WorldTour racing, bike tech and exclusive in-depth features. Plus, access to the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on-the-go!<\/strong><br \/><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"kiosq-main-layer kiosq-button-layer\"><strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"kiosq-main-layer-container\">\n<div class=\"kiosq-login-button rowCenter\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:35:56+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:35:56.035Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4273dad2-7a11-11f1-9171-f1a587e26f8d\">Movistar are making a more notable effort in the chase group, where they have three riders, to bring back the trio of stage leaders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:35:01+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:35:01.334Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-21c23f5e-7a11-11f1-8b42-5fb2e547e4a9\">This is the second difficult day for De Kleijn, who was the very last rider across the line on Monday.<\/p>\n<p><strong>&#8216;This suffering is nothing compared to what I saw&#8217; \u2013 With late father as inspiration, Arvid De Kleijn just beats time cut at Tour de France<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-21c24012-7a11-11f1-ad96-b9995a34ac8e\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mPpL4p6jJQWSX4cQVnnb87.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France stage 3: Arvid De Kleijn reaches the finish line.\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:30:53+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:30:53.864Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8e417e16-7a10-11f1-817b-dda20f2a5a12\">Five dropped riders from the bunch according to the race website: Arvid De Kleijn, Matteo Trentin and Marco Haller (all Tudor), Kelland O&#8217; Brien and Pascal Ackermann (Jayco-AlUla).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:26:57+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:26:57.650Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-017ada36-7a10-11f1-8171-83047e008445\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"55-kilometres-to-go-2\">55 kilometres to go<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-017ada9a-7a10-11f1-bdb6-073d409cb68a\">The gap is now up to 54 seconds for the three leaders. Vacek continues to sit on, but Tratnik and Kirsch are working well.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:18:06+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:18:06.269Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c4b63f60-7a0e-11f1-80d1-7d2e6c29a7a6\">Tratnik and Vacek in &#8216;the break from the break.&#8217;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c4b63fc4-7a0e-11f1-a4bb-e175fa754865\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pKnCuhqmjjSksL2BLLUYGc.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France stage 4: Jan Tratnik and Mathias Vacek on the front\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:14:55+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:14:55.096Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-52bb9a7c-7a0e-11f1-87f5-eb0288a5e90d\">Florian Vermeersch, riding his first Tour for UAE, has now taken over from Nils Politt as the team workhorse at the front of the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:14:10+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:14:10.607Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-38295b22-7a0e-11f1-afd2-017a9addfac2\">Girmay and Philipsen are finally caught by the peloton, another sign &#8211; given how long it is since they were dropped &#8211; that the bunch was taking things gently for much of the climb, although they&#8217;ve now begun to speed up.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:13:02+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:13:02.941Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0fd4e8c6-7a0e-11f1-a72a-bf8908618d94\">Kirsch joins Tratnik and Vacek on the front, making it three at the head of stage 4 of the Tour.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:11:57+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:11:57.946Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-69-kilometres-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-69-kilometres-to-go\"><span>69 kilometres to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e9144a42-7a0d-11f1-ba77-15889ba79c7f\">The peloton is now a whopping 7:24 behind, meaning Tr\u00e6en, running at 5:06 down on GC on yellow jersey Poga\u010dar, is now race leader on the road by more than a minute.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:09:33+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:09:33.244Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-92d280d6-7a0d-11f1-b6e4-e7c600f37ae1\">Pedersen&#8217;s counter-charge didn&#8217;t work out, but Alex Kirsch (Cofidis) is now trying to bridge across to Tratnik and Vacek.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:08:29+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:08:29.754Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6d02daae-7a0d-11f1-ab63-8537480ff912\">Stewart received some emergency medical treatment for his chin from that uphill crash, the race organisation reports, but is able to return to racing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:03:32+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:03:32.843Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bc0326be-7a0c-11f1-b963-59950398d69f\">Meanwhile in the break, Molenaar has picked up yet more points in third place over the top of the Coudons, and Mads Pedersen is trying to bridge across to teammate Vacek.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:02:24+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:02:24.734Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-936fd8aa-7a0c-11f1-828f-55f16c092005\">Small crash in the rear of the peloton. Jake Stewart (NSN), and Simone Velasco (XDS-Astana) and an unidentified Alpecin rider go down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:59:30+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:59:30.788Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-summit\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-summit\"><span>Summit<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-2bccd3d8-7a0c-11f1-9ea6-39d18d7488e4\">Tratnk powers through the top of the Col de Coudons (10.9 km at 5.5%) with zero opposition from Vacek in his bid to get maximum points. The break is now a minute back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:58:15+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:58:15.651Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-feeedd3e-7a0b-11f1-b478-a5fd93a92d1a\">It has to be said that Tratnik was the last man from the Slovenian National Team when teammate Poga\u010dar blasted off at around this distance for a solo win in the Worlds in 2024, but it seems unlikely he&#8217;s trying to &#8216;pull a Pog&#8217; here. Maybe he just wants to pick up some mountain points.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:55:26+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:55:26.286Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9a0c6db4-7a0b-11f1-ab3b-ef8d5a3ac0a0\">Who saw this coming? Tratnik and Vacek open their gap to 40 seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:49:13+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:49:13.385Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-bbb94c1c-7a0a-11f1-a428-515ea21de682\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"vacek-and-tratnik-lead-the-way-2\">Vacek and Tratnik lead the way<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-bbb94cb2-7a0a-11f1-a14e-c71bf4cd2738\">Vacek and Tratnik are holding an advantage of around 20 seconds on their 30-odd chasers in the break as they move into the final five kilometres of the very long but not excpetionally hard Col de Coudons.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:45:43+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:45:43.604Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3eb99366-7a0a-11f1-8f2f-5dff8f13957a\">Nils Politt is on a solo rinse-and-repeat of stage 3, doing lots of the work on the front for UAE, with no less than five Lidl-Trek riders breathing down his neck in the line just behind him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:44:23+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:44:23.063Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0eb8e842-7a0a-11f1-8e08-3b803197b97c\">And having just written that, Slovenian veteran Jan Tratnik is trying his best to push on, seven kilometres from the top, with Vacek shadowing him closely.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:42:27+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:42:27.481Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c9c3bf6e-7a09-11f1-89b3-a1bcfea4cecc\">The break is taking a steady but not notably crazy pace on the climb, which makes sense if they don&#8217;t want to lose too many elements to work on the flatter terrain to follow.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:40:28+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:40:28.664Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-82f6e0ca-7a09-11f1-a261-352373f1946c\">The gap for the break has now opened up to nearly five minutes, probably the strongest evidence that UAE are not interested in a third straight stage in as many days. Given it&#8217;s a flat stage on Wednesday and they don&#8217;t have a sprinter, they&#8217;re likely going to take things easy until the mountains on Thursday.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:36:11+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:36:11.591Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e9b998d0-7a08-11f1-bd1f-7bedc0adf5a9\">Girmay, for one, has already sat up, likewise Philipsen. Clearly the sprint points were their target of the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:35:36+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:35:36.007Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d4824fe8-7a08-11f1-8600-07a26f0c31a7\">Immediately after the sprint, the first of the day&#8217;s two Cat.2 climbs, the biggest challenges of the day, is underway: <em>Cat 2: Col de Coudons (10.9 km at 5.5%).<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:34:21+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:34:21.278Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-sprint\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-sprint\"><span>Sprint<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-a81191a8-7a08-11f1-a98f-0507b94fc1e5\">A cagy build-up amongst the 34 and finally Girmay narrowly gets it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:32:32+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:32:32.941Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-67700b02-7a08-11f1-a661-b39132153d01\">A nice shot of the peloton descending on stage 4<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-67700b66-7a08-11f1-a313-4181be71f98e\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QfDtAJkehvPB7AYAcc2uXJ.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France stage 4: the peloton on a descent\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:30:29+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:30:29.392Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1dc5410c-7a08-11f1-8153-f3b33648bb60\">35 degrees out there, by the way so maybe not quite as hot as feared, but still pretty baking whichever way you look at it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:29:55+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:29:55.485Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-91-kilometres-to-go-gap-is-rising\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-91-kilometres-to-go-gap-is-rising\"><span>91 kilometres to go &#8211; gap is rising<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-099eabdc-7a08-11f1-8a4f-cbac240c14e1\">And the gap has risen to over 4 minutes for the first time, to 4:13.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:28:54+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:28:54.008Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e5203cbc-7a07-11f1-a7cb-0dbeca4f12e9\">The stage&#8217;s one intermediate sprint at Quilian is less than five kilometres away. Pedersen has already made it clear that he&#8217;ll be going for the green jersey this year, as is Philipsen, so on paper you can count on both of them to be up there. The one slight questionmark is over Girmay, like Philipsen a former green jersey winner, and whether he&#8217;ll want to challenge them as well.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:18:04+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:18:04.837Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-61f35aaa-7a06-11f1-8d4b-8ffd62dc1e9a\">The five missing, for the record, are Visma, UAE, Decathlon, XDS-Astana and Tudor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:17:15+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:17:15.675Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-44b4188a-7a06-11f1-8e16-17855b4848da\">A reminder of the 34 members of the bunch. As LeTour&#8217;s website pointed out earlier on, only five teams not represented:<br \/>Nico Denz and Jan Tratnik (both Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe); Mads Pedersen, Mathias Vacek, Quinn Simmons (all Lidl-Trek), Sean Quinn, Michael Valgren and Georg Steinhauser (all EF Education-EasyPost); Robert Stannard and Vlad Van Mechelen (both Bahrain Victorious); K\u00e9vin Vauquelin (Netcompany Ineos); Pascal Eenkhorn and Jasper Stuyven (both Soudal-QuickStep); Ramses Debruyne, Edward Planckaert and Jasper Philipsen (all Alpecin-Premier Tech); Michael Matthews (Jayco-AlUla); Torsten Tr\u00e6en (Uno-X Mobility); Biniam Girmay and Marco Frigo (both NSN); Pablo Castrillo, Raul Garc\u00eda Pierna and Nelson Oliveira (all Movistar); Georg Zimmerman (Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9); Ion Izagirre and Alex Kirsch (both Cofidis); Quentin Hermans and Brent Van Moer (both Q36.5-Pinarello); Romain Gr\u00e9goire and Ewan Costiou (both Groupama-FDJ United); Alexandre Delettre (TotalEnergies); Frank Van den Broek (Picnic PostNL); Alex Molenaar and Joel Nicolau (both Caja Rural-Seguros RGA).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:15:20+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:15:20.507Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fffd8d98-7a05-11f1-be70-190cc557e034\">For almost the first time this stage, there are some images of race leader Tadej Poga\u010dar. He&#8217;s back at the UAE team car, picking up bidons and talking a fair bit to the sports director. Given UAE apparently only decided to go for the win on Monday mid-stage, you can&#8217;t help wondering if they&#8217;re discussing their strategy for the remainder of the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:12:24+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:12:24.617Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9779cd90-7a05-11f1-939e-3599d773727c\">A useful stat from the race organisers <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\"><em>letour.fr<\/em><\/a> about who in the break has won Tour stages in the past: Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech) has won no less than 10, most recently in 2025 on stage 1, while Michael Matthews (Jayco AlUla) has 4 and Biniam Girmay (NSN) 3. Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) and Ion Izagirre (Cofidis) have two apiece, and K\u00e9vin Vauquelin (Netcompany Ineos) has won one.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:06:40+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:06:40.992Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ca66fb66-7a04-11f1-97c7-8b07ab9de0ea\">It&#8217;s hot out there&#8230;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ca66fbd4-7a04-11f1-8b68-310099f1202c\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eab8CgMQe4p4zRDa6juHJd.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France stage 4: the peloton during a quiet moment of the race\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:01:50+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:01:50.200Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-115-kilometres-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-115-kilometres-to-go\"><span>115 kilometres to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-1d01c640-7a04-11f1-8638-0f48805c53f3\">3:03 the gap<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:01:14+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:01:14.859Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-mountain-sprint\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-mountain-sprint\"><span>Mountain sprint<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-07fc959a-7a04-11f1-acbb-b7230cfb2b05\">An uphill sprint ensues for the top of the Col du Paradis (5.6km at 4.3%), taken again by Molenaar, despite EF&#8217;s best efforts to stop him eating into Alex Baudin&#8217;s lead.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:59:38+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:59:38.646Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cea22396-7a03-11f1-82b1-1bc02ea3968a\">UAE are seemingly content with controlling the break rather than chasing it down, as somewhat controversially happened yesterday. We say &#8216;somewhat&#8217; because as Patrick Fletcher writes, there were grumblings in French media over the UAE strategy yesterday. <br \/><strong>We have to question the common sense of that&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar and UAE&#8217;s breakaway-killing tactics criticised in French TV debate<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-cea223fa-7a03-11f1-89d4-af04aaf0b855\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Gh4F8PFEdqRkPSVo8fAxd.jpg\" alt=\"UAE during stage 3 of the Tour de France\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:51:09+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:51:09.334Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9f2cc02c-7a02-11f1-9d66-7b513a4df8e4\">Riders are now on the second classified climb of the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:50:25+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:50:25.681Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-still-to-come\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-still-to-come\"><span>Still to come<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-85012f76-7a02-11f1-b903-7d148193b567\"><strong>Km 65: <\/strong> <em>Climb:<\/em> Cat. 3: Col du Paradis (5.6km at 4.3%)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Km 93.4: <\/strong><em>Sprint:<\/em> Quilan<\/p>\n<p><strong>Km 105:<\/strong> <em>Climb: <\/em>Cat 2: Col de Coudons (10.9 km at 5.5%)<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-85012f76-7a02-11f1-b903-7d148193b567-2\"><strong>Km 147:<\/strong> <em>Climb:<\/em> Cat 2: Col de Monts\u00e9gur (6.9m at 6.1%)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Km 182.2: <\/strong><em>Finish: <\/em>Foix<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:47:59+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:47:59.868Z<\/time><\/p>\n<div class=\"see-more see-more--clipped\" id=\"elk-2074475378047959244\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet hawk-ignore\" data-lang=\"en\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">\ud83d\udd0e 34 riders and 18 teams are in the breakaway! Only 5 teams have no man in the break :\ud83d\udd0e 34 coureurs et 18 \u00e9quipes sont repr\u00e9sent\u00e9es dans l&#8217;\u00e9chapp\u00e9e. Seules 5 \u00e9quipes n&#8217;ont aucun homme \u00e0 l&#8217;avant :\ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddf1 @vismaleaseabike \ud83c\uddeb\ud83c\uddf7 @decathloncmacgm \ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddea @TeamEmiratesUAE \ud83c\uddf0\ud83c\uddff\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/ZFsVeuxhkCJuly 7, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"see-more__filter\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:39:39+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:39:39.443Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-03d367ee-7a01-11f1-a27c-8b70ffbca131\">Gap still hovering at around 3:20-:3:30 mark<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:38:59+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:38:59.424Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ebf2b436-7a00-11f1-a23f-6fd3856d7609\">Everybody likes a Tour de France stage&#8230;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ebf2b49a-7a00-11f1-a063-fb2a7ea95788\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fjc6zcUYEh3k6v7uB5W5Bj.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France stage 4: spectators lining the route\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:34:56+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:34:56.293Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-mountains-classification\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-mountains-classification\"><span>Mountains classification<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-5b11a7f6-7a00-11f1-a403-fd989e4ccdec\">Alex Molenaar, already briefly a leader in the 2026 mountains classification after stage 2, grabs the one point on offer at the summit of the Col des Bedos (3.4km at 4.4%).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:31:11+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:31:11.740Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d52ef5da-79ff-11f1-a236-89a424b76eb3\">EF, Soudal, Groupama and Movistar doing a lot of work on the front, all teams with multiple riders in the move.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:29:33+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:29:33.861Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9ae79918-79ff-11f1-8ef6-59b0afa0085c\">The break is now on the first classified climb of the day, the Cat. 4 Col des Bedos (3.4km at 4.4%).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:26:53+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:26:53.442Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3b41daf0-79ff-11f1-9636-0ff4cd1d054e\"><strong>Enjoying our live race coverage? Subscribe to Cyclingnews for an all-access pass to our unrivalled reporting of WorldTour racing, bike tech and exclusive in-depth features. Plus, access to the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on-the-go!<\/strong><br \/><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"kiosq-main-layer kiosq-button-layer\"><strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"kiosq-main-layer-container\">\n<div class=\"kiosq-login-button rowCenter\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:25:43+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:25:43.423Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-11888a42-79ff-11f1-bef1-eb8f22066235\">Some repeat offenders from earlier breaks in this year&#8217;s Tour, too, including Molenaar, already the mountains leader early on, Pedersen, Garc\u00eda Pierna, Van Mechelen and Van den Broek.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:19:43+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:19:43.275Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02e368-79fe-11f1-92ab-13b1c29ae49c\">There are so many riders ahead you can break them down into different categories, but there&#8217;s a notable number of sprinters, including Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek), Biniam Girmay (NSN) and Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:12:42+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:12:42.542Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-146-kilometres-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-146-kilometres-to-go\"><span>146 kilometres to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02e246-79fe-11f1-bffa-e59f3d2cb2a9\">And the gap is hovering at around 3:40<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:11:37+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:11:37.766Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02e106-79fe-11f1-97f8-71442d7d47c6\">The most dangerous rider on GC of the 34 is Tr\u00e6en at 5:06. So they can certainly gain a bit more time before the four classified climbs of the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:09:39+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:09:39.231Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02e034-79fe-11f1-909e-3b69f4847f45\">UAE keeping nominal control on the bunch and the break&#8217;s gap is now up to 3:47.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:09:15+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:09:15.236Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-who-s-in-the-break\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-who-s-in-the-break\"><span>Who&#8217;s in the break?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02df08-79fe-11f1-ace1-5b3d86dcda61\">34 riders, not 40 as originally reported. And the names are as follows&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>Nico Denz and Jan Tratnik (both Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe); Mads Pedersen, Mathias Vacek, Quinn Simmons (all Lidl-Trek), Sean Quinn, Michael Valgren and Georg Steinhauser (all EF Education-EasyPost); Robert Stannard and Vlad Van Mechelen (both Bahrain Victorious); K\u00e9vin Vauquelin (Netcompany Ineos); Pascal Eenkhorn and Jasper Stuyven (both Soudal-QuickStep); Ramses Debruyne, Edward Planckaert and Jasper Philipsen (all Alpecin-Premier Tech); Michael Matthews (Jayco-AlUla); Torsten Tr\u00e6en (Uno-X Mobility); Biniam Girmay and Marco Frigo (both NSN); Pablo Castrillo, Raul Garc\u00eda Pierna and Nelson Oliveira (all Movistar); Georg Zimmerman (Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9); Ion Izagirre and Alex Kirsch (both Cofidis); Quentin Hermans and Brent Van Moer (both Q36.5-Pinarello); Romain Gr\u00e9goire and Ewan Costiou (both Groupama-FDJ United); Alexandre Delettre (TotalEnergies); Frank Van den Broek (Picnic PostNL); Alex Molenaar and Joel Nicolau (both Caja Rural-Seguros RGA).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:59:55+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:59:55.601Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02dcf6-79fe-11f1-9fa3-7d96d883bfe0\">Here&#8217;s a first shot of the break beginning to form. Full list of names yet to come.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3c02dd64-79fe-11f1-8661-19143c81feb6\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ve7ruRUnxZJbExvRduWLWN.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France stage 4: the break of the day?\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:57:56+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:57:56.705Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02dbde-79fe-11f1-8124-1fde9b3f1548\">Gap is now up to 2:14. This is definitely happening.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:51:19+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:51:19.096Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02d9f4-79fe-11f1-bc5f-81f7aed203ca\">Gap is up to 40 seconds on the peloton for the 40 ahead, and a further group of eight riders, including mountains leader Alex Baudin (EF Education-First) tries and fails to make it across.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:49:44+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:49:44.755Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02d922-79fe-11f1-93c2-75cfbc55972f\">Current front group is around 40 strong. That&#8217;s very large for the opening stages of the Tour, but bear in mind there&#8217;s been a lot of GC action already so gaps are already very large overall.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:47:08+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:47:08.963Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02d800-79fe-11f1-af5d-2768a773a097\">TV motorbike dashboard showing a temperature of 40 degrees out there right now.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:46:41+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:46:41.011Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02d6f2-79fe-11f1-b487-871d19143663\">Not yet clear if this is going to work out because this is a huge group off the front and yet more riders trying to go clear.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:44:53+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:44:53.039Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02d62a-79fe-11f1-b343-0dc0b5efafac\">A much bigger group has now formed on the front and it would appear the bunch are sitting up. Could be we&#8217;ve got the break of the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:43:33+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:43:33.346Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-170-kilometres-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-170-kilometres-to-go\"><span>170 kilometres to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02d558-79fe-11f1-9ee0-cbe2c22ce008\">More riders are trying to bridge the gap from a fully lined-out peloton. There&#8217;s never a quiet day at the Tour de France&#8230;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:41:41+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:41:41.065Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02d38c-79fe-11f1-997e-d3fc24070bc7\">The move is struggling to get clear, just seven seconds now as break and peloton blast along a flat, treelined country road at full speed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:37:56+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:37:56.845Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-an-early-break\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-an-early-break\"><span>An early break?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02d2c4-79fe-11f1-ad7c-21065ab445ed\">Break alert, around 15 riders go clear including Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek), already on the hunt yesterday in a big mid-stage move for points. More names soon, assuming it stays away.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:36:30+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:36:30.506Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02d0c6-79fe-11f1-b556-2fe15225739a\">Simmons tried and failed to get clear yesterday mid-stage, too, and James Moultrie has done a long interview with Simmons about his chances of success in taking a stage this year and more:<\/p>\n<p><strong>&#8216;I don&#8217;t want to say I&#8217;ve stopped caring but I&#8217;ve learned to stop beating myself up&#8217; \u2013 Quinn Simmons takes new mindset into pursuit of career-defining Tour de France stage win<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3c02d17a-79fe-11f1-94de-7fb9d6ccdfa1\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kqASNUerq3vkqhzaHPY5z9.jpg\" alt=\"Quinn Simmons during the 2026 Tour\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:32:58+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:32:58.573Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02cfc2-79fe-11f1-a532-5dd64ca16f5f\">There have been a flurry of early moves and Alex Kirsch (Cofidis) and Quinn Simmons (Lidl-Trek) already trying to go clear. So far, nothing&#8217;s sticking.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:31:38+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:31:38.016Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-3c02ce96-79fe-11f1-8c21-35d4e4cdf9dc\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"on-today-s-menu-2\">On today&#8217;s menu:<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02cefa-79fe-11f1-98c5-578694fe3c49\"><strong>Km 48.2:<\/strong> <em>Climb<\/em>: Cat. 3. Col des Bedos (3.4km at 4.4%)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Km 65: <\/strong> <em>Climb<\/em>. Cat. 3 Col du Paradis (5.6km at 4.3%)<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02cefa-79fe-11f1-98c5-578694fe3c49-2\"><strong>Km 93.4: <\/strong><em>Sprint:<\/em> Quilan<\/p>\n<p><strong>Km 105.: <\/strong><em>Climb.<\/em> Cat 2: Col de Coudons (10.9 km at 5.5%)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Km 147:<\/strong> <em>Climb.<\/em> Cat 2: Col de Monts\u00e9gur (6.9m at 6.1%)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Km 182.2: <\/strong><em>Finish: <\/em>Foix<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:29:46+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:29:46.598Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02cd7e-79fe-11f1-b2bd-11979aec33a2\">Much pre-race debate involving what will happen today, whether we&#8217;ll get a breakaway or a GC day, given the very undulating course. What&#8217;s clear is that while the Tour is back in France for its first full stage on home soil, the risks of forest fires and extreme heat has not gone away.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:27:54+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:27:54.120Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-181-9-kilometres-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-181-9-kilometres-to-go\"><span>181.9 kilometres to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02cc52-79fe-11f1-8e0f-bd15b1e75f5f\">And they&#8217;re off. Racing of stage 4 of the 2026 Tour is now underway.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:18:00+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:18:00.260Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02cab8-79fe-11f1-a405-19e23d6f68c1\">A brief reminder of the GC standings courtesy of FirstCycling<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3c02cb1c-79fe-11f1-abc3-75c3013c7ad1\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b8kKg9rxDwZwWafBsm26zU.png\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France: GC after stage 3\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: FirstCycling)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:12:14+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:12:14.462Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02c978-79fe-11f1-9f34-e1948ac4186e\">And thee riders are now moving along the neutralised section, a fairly hefty 8.8 kilometres long before racing proper gets underway.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:09:32+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:09:32.679Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02c81a-79fe-11f1-90ab-f5b27e929564\">The show is about to begin&#8230;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3c02c888-79fe-11f1-a2a0-39356e70efdd\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdYWVfJVVvq2LKmcUScLwT.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France: Tadej Poga&amp;amp;#269;ar before stage 4\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:06:36+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:06:36.690Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02c748-79fe-11f1-bd9d-6317b152ac42\">This is the 2026 Tour&#8217;s first full stage in France this year, incidentally, and the 14th time the race has either started or finished in Carcassonne. Last year, there was a stage won here by Tim Wellens from a 43 kilometre solo break.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:03:37+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:03:37.398Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02c61c-79fe-11f1-bd88-c1ea4a17c32c\">Just six minutes to the <em>d\u00e9part fictif, <\/em>and the riders will start rolling through the streets of Carcassonne<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T10:56:56+00:00\">2026-07-07T10:56:56.180Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02c4b4-79fe-11f1-8d6e-7f3f8e6b6b26\">In case you had forgotten who won on Monday, here&#8217;s our full report of how a complete unknown (not counting his previous 21 stage Tour wins and four overall victories, that is) gave the top contenders a run for their money.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tour de France: Tadej Poga\u010dar blasts away from Jonas Vingegaard on final section of Les Angles ascent for stage 3 victory and yellow jersey<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3c02c518-79fe-11f1-8c56-d75b0c539e2b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hCTJEwtHmDobxjoKHfZttV.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France: Tadej Poga&amp;amp;#269;ar wins stage 3\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T10:45:04+00:00\">2026-07-07T10:45:04.900Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02c374-79fe-11f1-920c-e9fd644e3e2f\">This message on social media from the organisers a reminder of what the public should be doing to protect themselves on these days of intense heat.<\/p>\n<div class=\"see-more see-more--clipped\" id=\"elk-2074435825241137461\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet hawk-ignore\" data-lang=\"en\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">The #TDF2026 goes by, but the heat remains. Protect yourself.Before the riders pass through, during the stage, and after the finish:\u26f1\ufe0f seek shade whenever possible,\ud83e\udde2 wear a bucket hat or a hat,\ud83d\udca7 drink water regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty,\ud83d\udc76\ud83d\udc75 and keep an eye on\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/E203MRuwJZJuly 7, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"see-more__filter\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T10:42:06+00:00\">2026-07-07T10:42:06.342Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02c1b2-79fe-11f1-9c7e-3d3f2cad1576\">First prediction for today? It&#8217;s going to be hot&#8230; here&#8217;s a shot of Damien Howson (Q36.5-Pinarello) wearing an ice vest at the stage 4 start in Carcassonne and he&#8217;s far from being the only one.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3c02c220-79fe-11f1-bd02-8164dc3a02dd\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utoSodRkxBiyPhzvVCYJQQ.jpg\" alt=\"Tour de France 2026: Damien Howson before the start\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T10:37:46+00:00\">2026-07-07T10:37:46.713Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-rankings\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-rankings\"><span>Rankings<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02c0e0-79fe-11f1-9f48-0737f37ba01d\">A reminder of who&#8217;s in charge of what in the overall classifications after three days of very tough racing, all of which have featured some GC action.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Overall: <\/strong>Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Points: <\/strong>Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02c0e0-79fe-11f1-9f48-0737f37ba01d-2\"><strong>Mountains:<\/strong> Alex Baudin (EF Education First-EasyPost)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Best Young Rider:<\/strong> Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Teams:<\/strong> UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T10:29:35+00:00\">2026-07-07T10:29:35.043Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02bf82-79fe-11f1-9cf5-25b236239968\">Racing in what looks to be a very undulating transition stage is set to get underway at 1310 local time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<p id=\"elk-3c02be24-79fe-11f1-83e7-11fe9d84001d\">Hello and welcome to our live coverage of stage 4 of the 2026 Tour de France.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"viafoura-comments\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"relative h-(--truncate-height) sm:h-(--truncate-desktop-height) overflow-hidden transition-[height] duration-150\" data-test-id=\"container\" data-component-name=\"Util:Truncate\" id=\"viafoura-comments-container\">\n<div class=\"relative z-10 viafoura rounded-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\" id=\"viafoura-comment-wrapper\" data-test-id=\"content\">\n<div class=\"viafoura\">\n<div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"absolute bg-gradient-to-t from-[var(--truncate-gradient-color,white)] from-50% h-28 z-20 w-full bottom-0 flex items-end justify-center px-0 rounded-none\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"related-articles-block\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\" article-body \">\n<div id=\"ad-unit-1\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:LiveReportUpdater\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T16:20:46+00:00\">2026-07-07T16:20:46.332Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e8f9e7f8-7a1f-11f1-b095-53491ab2a4c0\">After four days of climbing, summit finishes and<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T16:18:30+00:00\">2026-07-07T16:18:30.200Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-96aefe66-7a1f-11f1-a1be-af9a5d0281d7\">Another change in leaders too, is for Mathias Vacek (Lidl-Trek), now heading the Best Young Riders classification, while Lidl-Trek are now leading the teams ranking.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T16:16:27+00:00\">2026-07-07T16:16:27.291Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4d455bb2-7a1f-11f1-ae37-65e0794965bf\">And here&#8217;s what he had to say about it all:<br \/>&#8220;It&#8217;s quite hard for me to understand how big this is, but you can see from the faces of my old coach and soigneur how special it is. Like you don&#8217;t really understand what&#8217;s going on, maybe in a couple of days it sinks in, but for now I&#8217;ll just have to enjoy it.&#8221;<br \/>&#8220;I saw the guys [teammates] from the podium, you can see how happy they are, it&#8217;s always emotional.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T16:12:05+00:00\">2026-07-07T16:12:05.163Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b0fe3d6e-7a1e-11f1-b09a-f7239c176897\">And here&#8217;s a shot of Tr\u00e6en in his yellow jersey: a historic moment for his team.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b0fe3e04-7a1e-11f1-bc58-eb865956ecb3\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BhdVPC3E4JRcdcg2gafBLY.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France stage 4: Torsten Tr&amp;amp;aelig;en (Uno-X Mobility) is the new race leader\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T16:07:55+00:00\">2026-07-07T16:07:55.884Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-winner-s-words\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-winner-s-words\"><span>Winner&#8217;s words:<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-1c6b6500-7a1e-11f1-bfc5-09c409de66d4\"><em>Some words from the stage winner, Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek):<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This was a masterpiece in teamwork, maybe not in climbing, I was suffering a lot on the last climb there. But with Quinn [Simmons] and [Mathias] Vacek there, it was an incredible day, they did incredible for me, making sure we didn&#8217;t lose too much time over the top&#8221; &#8211; of the final climb, where Pedersen was a handful of seconds back &#8211; &#8220;and then they were just machines there, to the finish line. What a team win and a team effort today.&#8221;<br \/>&#8220;I had a good talk with Luca [Guercilena, soon to leave the squad &#8211; Ed], our team manager before the race and he said, please win me a stage and we thought this was a good one. So this stage is for Luca and all the good years we had together, I&#8217;m really thankful for all he did for me.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T16:03:52+00:00\">2026-07-07T16:03:52.531Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8b58799a-7a1d-11f1-806f-e504b31f6401\">Some major changes on the GC, with Tr\u00e6en leading, Sean Quinn (EF Education-EasyPost) at 28 seconds, Mathias Vacek (Lidl-Trek) at 3:50 and Poga\u010dar dropping to 7:53. That&#8217;s a very significant gap, so barring major disasters, it could see Tr\u00e6en in the lead deep into the second week, perhaps as far as the Vosges.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T16:00:26+00:00\">2026-07-07T16:00:26.387Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-10b9cf68-7a1d-11f1-8993-1dccfb6f5470\">Here&#8217;s our full results and report from a day when the maillot jaune moved on for a third time in four days.<\/p>\n<p><strong><\/strong><strong>Tour de France: Mads Pedersen scorches stage 4 sprint with Quinn Simmons closing for Lidl-Trek one-two as yellow jersey changes hands<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-10b9cfcc-7a1d-11f1-af90-e744ed245890\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uKbEWeJLUudfs7gvcggmo.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France: Mads Pedersen claims stage 4\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:56:02+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:56:02.726Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-73553e4c-7a1c-11f1-b40a-f3e01c33acf5\">Pedersen has also moved into the lead of the points competition by 48 points, which was one of his big goals for the 2026 Tour as well.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:54:15+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:54:15.072Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-332ce810-7a1c-11f1-a556-51857fb897c7\">The main peloton finish thirteen minutes down<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:53:58+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:53:58.464Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-29412f1e-7a1c-11f1-95be-498ff71d83b9\">And the confirmation is through: after four days leading the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a last year, Torsten Tr\u00e6en is now in the maillot jaune.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:50:35+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:50:35.964Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b10a00ca-7a1b-11f1-8f0e-bb0f7d33a32f\">A tense wait for Uno-X Mobility staff at the finish, as they wait for the minutes to tick by and Torsten Tr\u00e6en to be confirmed as their first ever leader &#8211; and by some margin &#8211; in the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:47:20+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:47:20.837Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c521f9c-7a1b-11f1-b115-fbdd063f1030\">A first shot of the winner, as Pedersen takes his first win since stage 15 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a back in 2025.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3c522014-7a1b-11f1-8806-4100a3e746b5\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCHyrfLhfcAJ3Us2NHus77.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France stage 4: Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) takes the win\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:42:02+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:42:02.071Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7e49b29e-7a1a-11f1-adf6-95b6c3ca1632\">Second was Quinn Simmons, making a great day even better for Lidl-Trek with a 1-2 on the line, with Ra\u00fal Garc\u00eda Pierna (Movistar) in third.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:40:34+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:40:34.501Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4cce7740-7a1a-11f1-9415-a37df65a953f\">Vauquelin attempted to surprise Lidl-Trek in the final corner, but really it was no competition. This is Pedersen&#8217;s third stage at the Tour, his first win this season, and a big handful of points for green as well.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:39:38+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:39:38.627Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-stage-winner\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-stage-winner\"><span>Stage winner<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-28c5081e-7a1a-11f1-8edd-a1d56f484ff0\"><strong>Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) wins stage 4 of the Tour de France from Carcassonne to Foix<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:38:44+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:38:44.450Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0877eff4-7a1a-11f1-8c33-816970b01647\">Pedersen is unstoppable. He takes the stage by three bike lengths or more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:38:18+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:38:18.177Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fadddfde-7a19-11f1-a76d-73188c6d4d18\">Pedersen in second as they go into the final corner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:37:56+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:37:56.885Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ec27daee-7a19-11f1-8bbb-7502b8c558e9\">A fast, sweeping downhill through Foix and then a short uphill and they&#8217;re there.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:37:34+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:37:34.009Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-deb2c91e-7a19-11f1-a0fc-e91a8929b86d\">Castrillo goes for his umpteenth attack and still not working. The stage is Lidl&#8217;s to lose.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:36:59+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:36:59.128Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-c9bb59b8-7a19-11f1-8bbb-756fc1e6d578\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"two-kilometres-to-go-2\">Two kilometres to go<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-c9bb5a1c-7a19-11f1-bfc3-d57cb867948b\">Still the ten are together. Small bunch sprint ahoy?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:36:18+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:36:18.384Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b16ca2cc-7a19-11f1-a481-f794e7767d06\">One final (?) attack by Castrillo and that move was more symbolic than real<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:35:29+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:35:29.229Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-942ef98a-7a19-11f1-9a6d-a1c85f84df78\">Three kilometres to go and still Lidl are controlling this just as they want.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:34:35+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:34:35.666Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7433caf2-7a19-11f1-895d-17410908d46b\">Riders now jettisoning extra weight like bidons to try and maximize their chances in the finale.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:32:59+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:32:59.107Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-five-kilometres-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-five-kilometres-to-go\"><span>Five kilometres to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-3a9a3e2a-7a19-11f1-8a11-476d15f418b3\">Still the ten riders ahead for the stage win: Ramses Debruyne (Alpecin-Premier Tech), Torstein Traeen (Uno-X Mobility), Marco Frigo (NSN), Pablo Castrillo and Ra\u00fal Garc\u00eda Pierna (bth Movistar); Mads Pedersen, Quinn Simmons, Mathias Vacek (all Lidl-Trek), Sean Quinn (EF Education-EasyPost) and K\u00e9vin Vauquelin (Netcompany Ineos)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:31:59+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:31:59.058Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-17024a52-7a19-11f1-bbdb-d18c6d8fb44a\">Keep an eye on Vauquelin, mind, he&#8217;s been sitting on the back and not taking a single turn, clearly waiting for that one chance rather than Movistar&#8217;s scattergun tactics.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:30:56+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:30:56.422Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f18eb670-7a18-11f1-bb06-3d8fb593c45a\">Yet another attack by Castrillo, with Vacek following and then coming through. Frigo, though, shuts it down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:29:50+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:29:50.114Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-nine-kilometres-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-nine-kilometres-to-go\"><span>Nine kilometres to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-c9f54d40-7a18-11f1-a168-5db29765c942\">And as the kilometres tick down, the pendulum&#8217;s swinging more and more in Pedersen&#8217;s favour. Garc\u00eda Pierna tries his best though, opening up a gap of some 50 metres before Simmons brings him back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:27:19+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:27:19.687Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-705e3d14-7a18-11f1-8764-b58dea559807\">There will be no change in the Tour&#8217;s mountains classification leadership, by the way, despite all of Caja Rural racer Alex Molenaar&#8217;s best efforts, and Alex Baudin (EF Education-First) will remain in top spot for a second straight day<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:25:23+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:25:23.360Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2b498d1e-7a18-11f1-bd30-976b5f29759a\">Tr\u00e6en, meantime, comes through to lay down a much more controlled pace on the fornt, given all he wants is as much time as possible, and Garc\u00eda Pierna then makes a second attack for Movistar. No good though.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:23:58+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:23:58.793Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f8d39cb2-7a17-11f1-9b02-fbf1032dcc05\">Castrillo launches an attack for a third time, but Pedersen shuts it down in person.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:21:55+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:21:55.411Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-af09c8e0-7a17-11f1-bcd3-a37238772bf4\">A more concerted pace behind from UAE in the bunch, but most likely it&#8217;s basically to stop any late challenges rather than to regain time on the break.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:19:43+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:19:43.152Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-16-5-kilometres-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-16-5-kilometres-to-go\"><span>16.5 kilometres to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-603d7df6-7a17-11f1-9a4b-7bd7e625053b\">And the ten now have an advantage of a minute. Surely if anybody wants to get the better of Pedersen, with that kind of gap on what&#8217;s mostly downhill, the attacks should likely start soon.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:18:34+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:18:34.072Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-36fe5b2c-7a17-11f1-838c-b187269451a7\">Meanwhile in the bunch, an untimely mechanical for Tom Pidcock (Q36.5-Pinarello). It&#8217;s a quick fix, though, and he should be able to get back on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:17:49+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:17:49.165Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1d6e4226-7a17-11f1-960b-f12843a59a4a\">Some of course, like Tr\u00e6en, already have gained a major prize, a spell in the yellow jersey and with a large lead over the other favourites all but in the bag.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:16:23+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:16:23.196Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e9122998-7a16-11f1-be61-4144d2d012b6\">Full collaboration from almost everybody in the break of 10, suggesting nobody wants to risk the chasers getting back and diluting their chances of an increasingly hard-to-get transition stage win.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:12:04+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:12:04.292Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4ef9ddce-7a16-11f1-94f2-c51d15c61b05\">Of the leaders, Pedersen and Vauquelin are the only two previous stage winners in the Tour.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:10:23+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:10:23.910Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-12d2b3d4-7a16-11f1-be07-a9b65f2fd256\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"24-kilometres-to-go-2\">24 kilometres to go<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-12d2b460-7a16-11f1-9fc1-e553c463ce70\">50 seconds the gap for the 10 leaders. On paper and barring major changes, the stage win should be for one of them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:09:31+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:09:31.668Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f3dae15e-7a15-11f1-a2ef-dfc5a271fa82\">That&#8217;s very much advantage Lidl-Trek, then, with three riders in the 10, but Movistar, looking for their first Tour stage win since Nairo Quintana in 2019, will doubtless not go down without a struggle.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:07:30+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:07:30.531Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-the-stage-leaders\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-the-stage-leaders\"><span>The stage leaders<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-ab9faab4-7a15-11f1-ade6-256f0a57f9f6\">The ten leaders:<\/p>\n<p>Ramses Debruyne (Alpecin-Premier Tech), Torstein Traeen (Uno-X Mobility), Marco Frigo (NSN), Pablo Castrillo and Ra\u00fal Garc\u00eda Pierna (bth Movistar); Mads Pedersen, Quinn Simmons, Mathias Vacek (all Lidl-Trek), Sean Quinn (EF Education-EasyPost) and K\u00e9vin Vauquelin (Netcompany Ineos)<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:03:18+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:03:18.793Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-164a2caa-7a15-11f1-b7cb-69d1bd071722\">It&#8217;s a broad, fast descent down to Foix, where the Tour will finish for a sixth time and the first since 2022.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:02:47+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:02:47.949Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0324a970-7a15-11f1-8122-2f6c30ac489e\">The two groups of race leaders fuse to form a front break of 10 and have an advantage of 40 seconds on the Matthews-led chasers, with the bunch at nearly 10 minutes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:01:33+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:01:33.549Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d6e37742-7a14-11f1-a403-7d74efdbe588\">First over the top are Castrillo, Garcia Pierna, Debruyne, and Tr\u00e6en, with Simmons, Vacek, Pedersen, Vauquelin, and Quinn just a handful of seconds behind.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:00:48+00:00\">2026-07-07T15:00:48.247Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-summit\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-summit\"><span>Summit <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-bbd2b544-7a14-11f1-ab1e-b57d7b22518c\">At the summit of the Col de Monts\u00e9gur, Marco Frigo (NSN) takes maximum points with four other stage leaders. But Lidl-Trek&#8217;s Vacek and Pedersen are close behind.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:58:27+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:58:27.698Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-67fbf912-7a14-11f1-a7c9-efff402cfbac\">Yet another grinding acceleration by Castrillo 700 metres from the top. Of the sprinters originally in the break, Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) is the biggest name remaining in the front group.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:57:00+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:57:00.743Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-34196788-7a14-11f1-aa47-a5bb157a1a94\">As the road steepens to 11% near the top, there&#8217;s barely 10 riders in the front group. Edward Planckaert (Alpecin-Premier Tech) leads the way, with Simmons in hot pursuit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:55:43+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:55:43.015Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-05d4f7fc-7a14-11f1-ae00-b100a62b0a0d\">Two kilometres from the top, Pablo Castrillo (Movistar) tries to make a move but it&#8217;s pulled back by the remnants of the break, where Simmons (Lid-Trek) is very active. And as soon as Castrillo is caught, Movistar teammate Raul Garc\u00eda Pierna goes for it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:53:53+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:53:53.591Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c4903f7c-7a13-11f1-99d8-f9ab4cd1ea8c\">For all EF are trying to shed Tr\u00e6en to give Sean Quinn a chance of yellow, for now it&#8217;s not working.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:52:41+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:52:41.895Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-99ef8c14-7a13-11f1-b6f7-910b48d5a845\">Former National Champion Romain Gr\u00e9goire (Groupama-FDJ) also out the back amongst multiple dropped riders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:52:02+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:52:02.262Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8272f418-7a13-11f1-9519-fbd79b105a00\">Valgren&#8217;s efforts combined with the intense heat see riders of the calibre of former German National Champion Georg Zimmerman (Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9) out the back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:49:17+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:49:17.375Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1ff83b90-7a13-11f1-afdd-bd0750beed3c\">EF, thanks to Michael Valgren, are setting down a searing pace in the break<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:48:49+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:48:49.998Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-break-caught\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-break-caught\"><span>Break caught<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-0f9e7804-7a13-11f1-8120-91c65e6b1b83\">Five kilometres from the top of the Monts\u00e9gur, Tratnik and Vacek are caught.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:47:59+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:47:59.204Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f14de5ec-7a12-11f1-afed-475ad5482c98\">The bunch is trundling along at 8:00, meaning Tr\u00e6en is likely to add a Tour de France lead to the Vuelta lead he already enjoyed for four days last year.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:44:41+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:44:41.186Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7b561dd2-7a12-11f1-b8b5-1f1b6f396237\">Kirsch throws in the towel, leaving Tratnik and Vacek out in front. But for how long?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:43:50+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:43:50.700Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-42-kilometres-to-go-counter-attackers-close-in\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-42-kilometres-to-go-counter-attackers-close-in\"><span>42 kilometres to go: counter-attackers close in<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-5d58e8d2-7a12-11f1-add4-d5b0d2aab56a\">The trio of stage leaders are hanging off the front by the bare minimum<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:40:53+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:40:53.065Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f3575e50-7a11-11f1-8a7d-cf8d1f3c0c57\">EF also driving hard to bring back Kirsch, Tratnik and Vacek<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:40:22+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:40:22.924Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e176c7ac-7a11-11f1-b100-95842f6519f2\">We&#8217;re on the lower, unofficial (as it they don&#8217;t count in the total length of the climb) slopes of the final Cat.2 ascent of the day, the Col de Monts\u00e9gur (6.9m at 6.1%). The three leaders advantage is already shrinking very fast.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:37:05+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:37:05.407Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6bd13730-7a11-11f1-a6b1-175987eec7ba\"><strong>Enjoying our live race coverage? Subscribe to Cyclingnews for an all-access pass to our unrivalled reporting of WorldTour racing, bike tech and exclusive in-depth features. Plus, access to the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on-the-go!<\/strong><br \/><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"kiosq-main-layer kiosq-button-layer\"><strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"kiosq-main-layer-container\">\n<div class=\"kiosq-login-button rowCenter\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:35:56+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:35:56.035Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4273dad2-7a11-11f1-9171-f1a587e26f8d\">Movistar are making a more notable effort in the chase group, where they have three riders, to bring back the trio of stage leaders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:35:01+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:35:01.334Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-21c23f5e-7a11-11f1-8b42-5fb2e547e4a9\">This is the second difficult day for De Kleijn, who was the very last rider across the line on Monday.<\/p>\n<p><strong>&#8216;This suffering is nothing compared to what I saw&#8217; \u2013 With late father as inspiration, Arvid De Kleijn just beats time cut at Tour de France<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-21c24012-7a11-11f1-ad96-b9995a34ac8e\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mPpL4p6jJQWSX4cQVnnb87.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France stage 3: Arvid De Kleijn reaches the finish line.\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:30:53+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:30:53.864Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8e417e16-7a10-11f1-817b-dda20f2a5a12\">Five dropped riders from the bunch according to the race website: Arvid De Kleijn, Matteo Trentin and Marco Haller (all Tudor), Kelland O&#8217; Brien and Pascal Ackermann (Jayco-AlUla).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:26:57+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:26:57.650Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-017ada36-7a10-11f1-8171-83047e008445\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"55-kilometres-to-go-2\">55 kilometres to go<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-017ada9a-7a10-11f1-bdb6-073d409cb68a\">The gap is now up to 54 seconds for the three leaders. Vacek continues to sit on, but Tratnik and Kirsch are working well.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:18:06+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:18:06.269Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c4b63f60-7a0e-11f1-80d1-7d2e6c29a7a6\">Tratnik and Vacek in &#8216;the break from the break.&#8217;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c4b63fc4-7a0e-11f1-a4bb-e175fa754865\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pKnCuhqmjjSksL2BLLUYGc.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France stage 4: Jan Tratnik and Mathias Vacek on the front\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:14:55+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:14:55.096Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-52bb9a7c-7a0e-11f1-87f5-eb0288a5e90d\">Florian Vermeersch, riding his first Tour for UAE, has now taken over from Nils Politt as the team workhorse at the front of the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:14:10+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:14:10.607Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-38295b22-7a0e-11f1-afd2-017a9addfac2\">Girmay and Philipsen are finally caught by the peloton, another sign &#8211; given how long it is since they were dropped &#8211; that the bunch was taking things gently for much of the climb, although they&#8217;ve now begun to speed up.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:13:02+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:13:02.941Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0fd4e8c6-7a0e-11f1-a72a-bf8908618d94\">Kirsch joins Tratnik and Vacek on the front, making it three at the head of stage 4 of the Tour.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:11:57+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:11:57.946Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-69-kilometres-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-69-kilometres-to-go\"><span>69 kilometres to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e9144a42-7a0d-11f1-ba77-15889ba79c7f\">The peloton is now a whopping 7:24 behind, meaning Tr\u00e6en, running at 5:06 down on GC on yellow jersey Poga\u010dar, is now race leader on the road by more than a minute.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:09:33+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:09:33.244Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-92d280d6-7a0d-11f1-b6e4-e7c600f37ae1\">Pedersen&#8217;s counter-charge didn&#8217;t work out, but Alex Kirsch (Cofidis) is now trying to bridge across to Tratnik and Vacek.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:08:29+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:08:29.754Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6d02daae-7a0d-11f1-ab63-8537480ff912\">Stewart received some emergency medical treatment for his chin from that uphill crash, the race organisation reports, but is able to return to racing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:03:32+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:03:32.843Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bc0326be-7a0c-11f1-b963-59950398d69f\">Meanwhile in the break, Molenaar has picked up yet more points in third place over the top of the Coudons, and Mads Pedersen is trying to bridge across to teammate Vacek.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T14:02:24+00:00\">2026-07-07T14:02:24.734Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-936fd8aa-7a0c-11f1-828f-55f16c092005\">Small crash in the rear of the peloton. Jake Stewart (NSN), and Simone Velasco (XDS-Astana) and an unidentified Alpecin rider go down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:59:30+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:59:30.788Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-summit\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-summit\"><span>Summit<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-2bccd3d8-7a0c-11f1-9ea6-39d18d7488e4\">Tratnk powers through the top of the Col de Coudons (10.9 km at 5.5%) with zero opposition from Vacek in his bid to get maximum points. The break is now a minute back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:58:15+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:58:15.651Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-feeedd3e-7a0b-11f1-b478-a5fd93a92d1a\">It has to be said that Tratnik was the last man from the Slovenian National Team when teammate Poga\u010dar blasted off at around this distance for a solo win in the Worlds in 2024, but it seems unlikely he&#8217;s trying to &#8216;pull a Pog&#8217; here. Maybe he just wants to pick up some mountain points.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:55:26+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:55:26.286Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9a0c6db4-7a0b-11f1-ab3b-ef8d5a3ac0a0\">Who saw this coming? Tratnik and Vacek open their gap to 40 seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:49:13+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:49:13.385Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-bbb94c1c-7a0a-11f1-a428-515ea21de682\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"vacek-and-tratnik-lead-the-way-2\">Vacek and Tratnik lead the way<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-bbb94cb2-7a0a-11f1-a14e-c71bf4cd2738\">Vacek and Tratnik are holding an advantage of around 20 seconds on their 30-odd chasers in the break as they move into the final five kilometres of the very long but not excpetionally hard Col de Coudons.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:45:43+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:45:43.604Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3eb99366-7a0a-11f1-8f2f-5dff8f13957a\">Nils Politt is on a solo rinse-and-repeat of stage 3, doing lots of the work on the front for UAE, with no less than five Lidl-Trek riders breathing down his neck in the line just behind him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:44:23+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:44:23.063Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0eb8e842-7a0a-11f1-8e08-3b803197b97c\">And having just written that, Slovenian veteran Jan Tratnik is trying his best to push on, seven kilometres from the top, with Vacek shadowing him closely.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:42:27+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:42:27.481Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c9c3bf6e-7a09-11f1-89b3-a1bcfea4cecc\">The break is taking a steady but not notably crazy pace on the climb, which makes sense if they don&#8217;t want to lose too many elements to work on the flatter terrain to follow.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:40:28+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:40:28.664Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-82f6e0ca-7a09-11f1-a261-352373f1946c\">The gap for the break has now opened up to nearly five minutes, probably the strongest evidence that UAE are not interested in a third straight stage in as many days. Given it&#8217;s a flat stage on Wednesday and they don&#8217;t have a sprinter, they&#8217;re likely going to take things easy until the mountains on Thursday.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:36:11+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:36:11.591Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e9b998d0-7a08-11f1-bd1f-7bedc0adf5a9\">Girmay, for one, has already sat up, likewise Philipsen. Clearly the sprint points were their target of the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:35:36+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:35:36.007Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d4824fe8-7a08-11f1-8600-07a26f0c31a7\">Immediately after the sprint, the first of the day&#8217;s two Cat.2 climbs, the biggest challenges of the day, is underway: <em>Cat 2: Col de Coudons (10.9 km at 5.5%).<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:34:21+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:34:21.278Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-sprint\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-sprint\"><span>Sprint<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-a81191a8-7a08-11f1-a98f-0507b94fc1e5\">A cagy build-up amongst the 34 and finally Girmay narrowly gets it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:32:32+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:32:32.941Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-67700b02-7a08-11f1-a661-b39132153d01\">A nice shot of the peloton descending on stage 4<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-67700b66-7a08-11f1-a313-4181be71f98e\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QfDtAJkehvPB7AYAcc2uXJ.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France stage 4: the peloton on a descent\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:30:29+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:30:29.392Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1dc5410c-7a08-11f1-8153-f3b33648bb60\">35 degrees out there, by the way so maybe not quite as hot as feared, but still pretty baking whichever way you look at it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:29:55+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:29:55.485Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-91-kilometres-to-go-gap-is-rising\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-91-kilometres-to-go-gap-is-rising\"><span>91 kilometres to go &#8211; gap is rising<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-099eabdc-7a08-11f1-8a4f-cbac240c14e1\">And the gap has risen to over 4 minutes for the first time, to 4:13.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:28:54+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:28:54.008Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e5203cbc-7a07-11f1-a7cb-0dbeca4f12e9\">The stage&#8217;s one intermediate sprint at Quilian is less than five kilometres away. Pedersen has already made it clear that he&#8217;ll be going for the green jersey this year, as is Philipsen, so on paper you can count on both of them to be up there. The one slight questionmark is over Girmay, like Philipsen a former green jersey winner, and whether he&#8217;ll want to challenge them as well.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:18:04+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:18:04.837Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-61f35aaa-7a06-11f1-8d4b-8ffd62dc1e9a\">The five missing, for the record, are Visma, UAE, Decathlon, XDS-Astana and Tudor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:17:15+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:17:15.675Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-44b4188a-7a06-11f1-8e16-17855b4848da\">A reminder of the 34 members of the bunch. As LeTour&#8217;s website pointed out earlier on, only five teams not represented:<br \/>Nico Denz and Jan Tratnik (both Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe); Mads Pedersen, Mathias Vacek, Quinn Simmons (all Lidl-Trek), Sean Quinn, Michael Valgren and Georg Steinhauser (all EF Education-EasyPost); Robert Stannard and Vlad Van Mechelen (both Bahrain Victorious); K\u00e9vin Vauquelin (Netcompany Ineos); Pascal Eenkhorn and Jasper Stuyven (both Soudal-QuickStep); Ramses Debruyne, Edward Planckaert and Jasper Philipsen (all Alpecin-Premier Tech); Michael Matthews (Jayco-AlUla); Torsten Tr\u00e6en (Uno-X Mobility); Biniam Girmay and Marco Frigo (both NSN); Pablo Castrillo, Raul Garc\u00eda Pierna and Nelson Oliveira (all Movistar); Georg Zimmerman (Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9); Ion Izagirre and Alex Kirsch (both Cofidis); Quentin Hermans and Brent Van Moer (both Q36.5-Pinarello); Romain Gr\u00e9goire and Ewan Costiou (both Groupama-FDJ United); Alexandre Delettre (TotalEnergies); Frank Van den Broek (Picnic PostNL); Alex Molenaar and Joel Nicolau (both Caja Rural-Seguros RGA).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:15:20+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:15:20.507Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fffd8d98-7a05-11f1-be70-190cc557e034\">For almost the first time this stage, there are some images of race leader Tadej Poga\u010dar. He&#8217;s back at the UAE team car, picking up bidons and talking a fair bit to the sports director. Given UAE apparently only decided to go for the win on Monday mid-stage, you can&#8217;t help wondering if they&#8217;re discussing their strategy for the remainder of the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:12:24+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:12:24.617Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9779cd90-7a05-11f1-939e-3599d773727c\">A useful stat from the race organisers <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\"><em>letour.fr<\/em><\/a> about who in the break has won Tour stages in the past: Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech) has won no less than 10, most recently in 2025 on stage 1, while Michael Matthews (Jayco AlUla) has 4 and Biniam Girmay (NSN) 3. Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) and Ion Izagirre (Cofidis) have two apiece, and K\u00e9vin Vauquelin (Netcompany Ineos) has won one.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:06:40+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:06:40.992Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ca66fb66-7a04-11f1-97c7-8b07ab9de0ea\">It&#8217;s hot out there&#8230;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ca66fbd4-7a04-11f1-8b68-310099f1202c\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eab8CgMQe4p4zRDa6juHJd.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France stage 4: the peloton during a quiet moment of the race\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:01:50+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:01:50.200Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-115-kilometres-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-115-kilometres-to-go\"><span>115 kilometres to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-1d01c640-7a04-11f1-8638-0f48805c53f3\">3:03 the gap<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T13:01:14+00:00\">2026-07-07T13:01:14.859Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-mountain-sprint\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-mountain-sprint\"><span>Mountain sprint<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-07fc959a-7a04-11f1-acbb-b7230cfb2b05\">An uphill sprint ensues for the top of the Col du Paradis (5.6km at 4.3%), taken again by Molenaar, despite EF&#8217;s best efforts to stop him eating into Alex Baudin&#8217;s lead.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:59:38+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:59:38.646Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cea22396-7a03-11f1-82b1-1bc02ea3968a\">UAE are seemingly content with controlling the break rather than chasing it down, as somewhat controversially happened yesterday. We say &#8216;somewhat&#8217; because as Patrick Fletcher writes, there were grumblings in French media over the UAE strategy yesterday. <br \/><strong>We have to question the common sense of that&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar and UAE&#8217;s breakaway-killing tactics criticised in French TV debate<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-cea223fa-7a03-11f1-89d4-af04aaf0b855\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Gh4F8PFEdqRkPSVo8fAxd.jpg\" alt=\"UAE during stage 3 of the Tour de France\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:51:09+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:51:09.334Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9f2cc02c-7a02-11f1-9d66-7b513a4df8e4\">Riders are now on the second classified climb of the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:50:25+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:50:25.681Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-still-to-come\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-still-to-come\"><span>Still to come<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-85012f76-7a02-11f1-b903-7d148193b567\"><strong>Km 65: <\/strong> <em>Climb:<\/em> Cat. 3: Col du Paradis (5.6km at 4.3%)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Km 93.4: <\/strong><em>Sprint:<\/em> Quilan<\/p>\n<p><strong>Km 105:<\/strong> <em>Climb: <\/em>Cat 2: Col de Coudons (10.9 km at 5.5%)<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-85012f76-7a02-11f1-b903-7d148193b567-2\"><strong>Km 147:<\/strong> <em>Climb:<\/em> Cat 2: Col de Monts\u00e9gur (6.9m at 6.1%)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Km 182.2: <\/strong><em>Finish: <\/em>Foix<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:47:59+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:47:59.868Z<\/time><\/p>\n<div class=\"see-more see-more--clipped\" id=\"elk-2074475378047959244\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet hawk-ignore\" data-lang=\"en\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">\ud83d\udd0e 34 riders and 18 teams are in the breakaway! Only 5 teams have no man in the break :\ud83d\udd0e 34 coureurs et 18 \u00e9quipes sont repr\u00e9sent\u00e9es dans l&#8217;\u00e9chapp\u00e9e. Seules 5 \u00e9quipes n&#8217;ont aucun homme \u00e0 l&#8217;avant :\ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddf1 @vismaleaseabike \ud83c\uddeb\ud83c\uddf7 @decathloncmacgm \ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddea @TeamEmiratesUAE \ud83c\uddf0\ud83c\uddff\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/ZFsVeuxhkCJuly 7, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"see-more__filter\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:39:39+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:39:39.443Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-03d367ee-7a01-11f1-a27c-8b70ffbca131\">Gap still hovering at around 3:20-:3:30 mark<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:38:59+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:38:59.424Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ebf2b436-7a00-11f1-a23f-6fd3856d7609\">Everybody likes a Tour de France stage&#8230;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ebf2b49a-7a00-11f1-a063-fb2a7ea95788\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fjc6zcUYEh3k6v7uB5W5Bj.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France stage 4: spectators lining the route\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:34:56+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:34:56.293Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-mountains-classification\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-mountains-classification\"><span>Mountains classification<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-5b11a7f6-7a00-11f1-a403-fd989e4ccdec\">Alex Molenaar, already briefly a leader in the 2026 mountains classification after stage 2, grabs the one point on offer at the summit of the Col des Bedos (3.4km at 4.4%).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:31:11+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:31:11.740Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d52ef5da-79ff-11f1-a236-89a424b76eb3\">EF, Soudal, Groupama and Movistar doing a lot of work on the front, all teams with multiple riders in the move.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:29:33+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:29:33.861Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9ae79918-79ff-11f1-8ef6-59b0afa0085c\">The break is now on the first classified climb of the day, the Cat. 4 Col des Bedos (3.4km at 4.4%).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:26:53+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:26:53.442Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3b41daf0-79ff-11f1-9636-0ff4cd1d054e\"><strong>Enjoying our live race coverage? Subscribe to Cyclingnews for an all-access pass to our unrivalled reporting of WorldTour racing, bike tech and exclusive in-depth features. Plus, access to the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on-the-go!<\/strong><br \/><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"kiosq-main-layer kiosq-button-layer\"><strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"kiosq-main-layer-container\">\n<div class=\"kiosq-login-button rowCenter\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:25:43+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:25:43.423Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-11888a42-79ff-11f1-bef1-eb8f22066235\">Some repeat offenders from earlier breaks in this year&#8217;s Tour, too, including Molenaar, already the mountains leader early on, Pedersen, Garc\u00eda Pierna, Van Mechelen and Van den Broek.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:19:43+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:19:43.275Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02e368-79fe-11f1-92ab-13b1c29ae49c\">There are so many riders ahead you can break them down into different categories, but there&#8217;s a notable number of sprinters, including Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek), Biniam Girmay (NSN) and Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:12:42+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:12:42.542Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-146-kilometres-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-146-kilometres-to-go\"><span>146 kilometres to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02e246-79fe-11f1-bffa-e59f3d2cb2a9\">And the gap is hovering at around 3:40<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:11:37+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:11:37.766Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02e106-79fe-11f1-97f8-71442d7d47c6\">The most dangerous rider on GC of the 34 is Tr\u00e6en at 5:06. So they can certainly gain a bit more time before the four classified climbs of the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:09:39+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:09:39.231Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02e034-79fe-11f1-909e-3b69f4847f45\">UAE keeping nominal control on the bunch and the break&#8217;s gap is now up to 3:47.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T12:09:15+00:00\">2026-07-07T12:09:15.236Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-who-s-in-the-break\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-who-s-in-the-break\"><span>Who&#8217;s in the break?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02df08-79fe-11f1-ace1-5b3d86dcda61\">34 riders, not 40 as originally reported. And the names are as follows&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>Nico Denz and Jan Tratnik (both Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe); Mads Pedersen, Mathias Vacek, Quinn Simmons (all Lidl-Trek), Sean Quinn, Michael Valgren and Georg Steinhauser (all EF Education-EasyPost); Robert Stannard and Vlad Van Mechelen (both Bahrain Victorious); K\u00e9vin Vauquelin (Netcompany Ineos); Pascal Eenkhorn and Jasper Stuyven (both Soudal-QuickStep); Ramses Debruyne, Edward Planckaert and Jasper Philipsen (all Alpecin-Premier Tech); Michael Matthews (Jayco-AlUla); Torsten Tr\u00e6en (Uno-X Mobility); Biniam Girmay and Marco Frigo (both NSN); Pablo Castrillo, Raul Garc\u00eda Pierna and Nelson Oliveira (all Movistar); Georg Zimmerman (Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9); Ion Izagirre and Alex Kirsch (both Cofidis); Quentin Hermans and Brent Van Moer (both Q36.5-Pinarello); Romain Gr\u00e9goire and Ewan Costiou (both Groupama-FDJ United); Alexandre Delettre (TotalEnergies); Frank Van den Broek (Picnic PostNL); Alex Molenaar and Joel Nicolau (both Caja Rural-Seguros RGA).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:59:55+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:59:55.601Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02dcf6-79fe-11f1-9fa3-7d96d883bfe0\">Here&#8217;s a first shot of the break beginning to form. Full list of names yet to come.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3c02dd64-79fe-11f1-8661-19143c81feb6\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ve7ruRUnxZJbExvRduWLWN.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France stage 4: the break of the day?\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:57:56+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:57:56.705Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02dbde-79fe-11f1-8124-1fde9b3f1548\">Gap is now up to 2:14. This is definitely happening.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:51:19+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:51:19.096Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02d9f4-79fe-11f1-bc5f-81f7aed203ca\">Gap is up to 40 seconds on the peloton for the 40 ahead, and a further group of eight riders, including mountains leader Alex Baudin (EF Education-First) tries and fails to make it across.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:49:44+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:49:44.755Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02d922-79fe-11f1-93c2-75cfbc55972f\">Current front group is around 40 strong. That&#8217;s very large for the opening stages of the Tour, but bear in mind there&#8217;s been a lot of GC action already so gaps are already very large overall.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:47:08+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:47:08.963Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02d800-79fe-11f1-af5d-2768a773a097\">TV motorbike dashboard showing a temperature of 40 degrees out there right now.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:46:41+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:46:41.011Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02d6f2-79fe-11f1-b487-871d19143663\">Not yet clear if this is going to work out because this is a huge group off the front and yet more riders trying to go clear.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:44:53+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:44:53.039Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02d62a-79fe-11f1-b343-0dc0b5efafac\">A much bigger group has now formed on the front and it would appear the bunch are sitting up. Could be we&#8217;ve got the break of the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:43:33+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:43:33.346Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-170-kilometres-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-170-kilometres-to-go\"><span>170 kilometres to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02d558-79fe-11f1-9ee0-cbe2c22ce008\">More riders are trying to bridge the gap from a fully lined-out peloton. There&#8217;s never a quiet day at the Tour de France&#8230;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:41:41+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:41:41.065Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02d38c-79fe-11f1-997e-d3fc24070bc7\">The move is struggling to get clear, just seven seconds now as break and peloton blast along a flat, treelined country road at full speed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:37:56+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:37:56.845Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-an-early-break\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-an-early-break\"><span>An early break?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02d2c4-79fe-11f1-ad7c-21065ab445ed\">Break alert, around 15 riders go clear including Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek), already on the hunt yesterday in a big mid-stage move for points. More names soon, assuming it stays away.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:36:30+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:36:30.506Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02d0c6-79fe-11f1-b556-2fe15225739a\">Simmons tried and failed to get clear yesterday mid-stage, too, and James Moultrie has done a long interview with Simmons about his chances of success in taking a stage this year and more:<\/p>\n<p><strong>&#8216;I don&#8217;t want to say I&#8217;ve stopped caring but I&#8217;ve learned to stop beating myself up&#8217; \u2013 Quinn Simmons takes new mindset into pursuit of career-defining Tour de France stage win<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3c02d17a-79fe-11f1-94de-7fb9d6ccdfa1\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kqASNUerq3vkqhzaHPY5z9.jpg\" alt=\"Quinn Simmons during the 2026 Tour\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:32:58+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:32:58.573Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02cfc2-79fe-11f1-a532-5dd64ca16f5f\">There have been a flurry of early moves and Alex Kirsch (Cofidis) and Quinn Simmons (Lidl-Trek) already trying to go clear. So far, nothing&#8217;s sticking.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:31:38+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:31:38.016Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-3c02ce96-79fe-11f1-8c21-35d4e4cdf9dc\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"on-today-s-menu-2\">On today&#8217;s menu:<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02cefa-79fe-11f1-98c5-578694fe3c49\"><strong>Km 48.2:<\/strong> <em>Climb<\/em>: Cat. 3. Col des Bedos (3.4km at 4.4%)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Km 65: <\/strong> <em>Climb<\/em>. Cat. 3 Col du Paradis (5.6km at 4.3%)<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02cefa-79fe-11f1-98c5-578694fe3c49-2\"><strong>Km 93.4: <\/strong><em>Sprint:<\/em> Quilan<\/p>\n<p><strong>Km 105.: <\/strong><em>Climb.<\/em> Cat 2: Col de Coudons (10.9 km at 5.5%)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Km 147:<\/strong> <em>Climb.<\/em> Cat 2: Col de Monts\u00e9gur (6.9m at 6.1%)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Km 182.2: <\/strong><em>Finish: <\/em>Foix<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:29:46+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:29:46.598Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02cd7e-79fe-11f1-b2bd-11979aec33a2\">Much pre-race debate involving what will happen today, whether we&#8217;ll get a breakaway or a GC day, given the very undulating course. What&#8217;s clear is that while the Tour is back in France for its first full stage on home soil, the risks of forest fires and extreme heat has not gone away.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:27:54+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:27:54.120Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-181-9-kilometres-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-181-9-kilometres-to-go\"><span>181.9 kilometres to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02cc52-79fe-11f1-8e0f-bd15b1e75f5f\">And they&#8217;re off. Racing of stage 4 of the 2026 Tour is now underway.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:18:00+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:18:00.260Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02cab8-79fe-11f1-a405-19e23d6f68c1\">A brief reminder of the GC standings courtesy of FirstCycling<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3c02cb1c-79fe-11f1-abc3-75c3013c7ad1\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b8kKg9rxDwZwWafBsm26zU.png\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France: GC after stage 3\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: FirstCycling)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:12:14+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:12:14.462Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02c978-79fe-11f1-9f34-e1948ac4186e\">And thee riders are now moving along the neutralised section, a fairly hefty 8.8 kilometres long before racing proper gets underway.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:09:32+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:09:32.679Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02c81a-79fe-11f1-90ab-f5b27e929564\">The show is about to begin&#8230;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3c02c888-79fe-11f1-a2a0-39356e70efdd\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdYWVfJVVvq2LKmcUScLwT.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France: Tadej Poga&amp;amp;#269;ar before stage 4\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:06:36+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:06:36.690Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02c748-79fe-11f1-bd9d-6317b152ac42\">This is the 2026 Tour&#8217;s first full stage in France this year, incidentally, and the 14th time the race has either started or finished in Carcassonne. Last year, there was a stage won here by Tim Wellens from a 43 kilometre solo break.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T11:03:37+00:00\">2026-07-07T11:03:37.398Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02c61c-79fe-11f1-bd88-c1ea4a17c32c\">Just six minutes to the <em>d\u00e9part fictif, <\/em>and the riders will start rolling through the streets of Carcassonne<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T10:56:56+00:00\">2026-07-07T10:56:56.180Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02c4b4-79fe-11f1-8d6e-7f3f8e6b6b26\">In case you had forgotten who won on Monday, here&#8217;s our full report of how a complete unknown (not counting his previous 21 stage Tour wins and four overall victories, that is) gave the top contenders a run for their money.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tour de France: Tadej Poga\u010dar blasts away from Jonas Vingegaard on final section of Les Angles ascent for stage 3 victory and yellow jersey<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3c02c518-79fe-11f1-8c56-d75b0c539e2b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hCTJEwtHmDobxjoKHfZttV.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de France: Tadej Poga&amp;amp;#269;ar wins stage 3\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T10:45:04+00:00\">2026-07-07T10:45:04.900Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02c374-79fe-11f1-920c-e9fd644e3e2f\">This message on social media from the organisers a reminder of what the public should be doing to protect themselves on these days of intense heat.<\/p>\n<div class=\"see-more see-more--clipped\" id=\"elk-2074435825241137461\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet hawk-ignore\" data-lang=\"en\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">The #TDF2026 goes by, but the heat remains. Protect yourself.Before the riders pass through, during the stage, and after the finish:\u26f1\ufe0f seek shade whenever possible,\ud83e\udde2 wear a bucket hat or a hat,\ud83d\udca7 drink water regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty,\ud83d\udc76\ud83d\udc75 and keep an eye on\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/E203MRuwJZJuly 7, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"see-more__filter\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T10:42:06+00:00\">2026-07-07T10:42:06.342Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02c1b2-79fe-11f1-9c7e-3d3f2cad1576\">First prediction for today? It&#8217;s going to be hot&#8230; here&#8217;s a shot of Damien Howson (Q36.5-Pinarello) wearing an ice vest at the stage 4 start in Carcassonne and he&#8217;s far from being the only one.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3c02c220-79fe-11f1-bd02-8164dc3a02dd\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utoSodRkxBiyPhzvVCYJQQ.jpg\" alt=\"Tour de France 2026: Damien Howson before the start\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T10:37:46+00:00\">2026-07-07T10:37:46.713Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-rankings\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-rankings\"><span>Rankings<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02c0e0-79fe-11f1-9f48-0737f37ba01d\">A reminder of who&#8217;s in charge of what in the overall classifications after three days of very tough racing, all of which have featured some GC action.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Overall: <\/strong>Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Points: <\/strong>Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02c0e0-79fe-11f1-9f48-0737f37ba01d-2\"><strong>Mountains:<\/strong> Alex Baudin (EF Education First-EasyPost)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Best Young Rider:<\/strong> Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Teams:<\/strong> UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-07T10:29:35+00:00\">2026-07-07T10:29:35.043Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c02bf82-79fe-11f1-9cf5-25b236239968\">Racing in what looks to be a very undulating transition stage is set to get underway at 1310 local time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<p id=\"elk-3c02be24-79fe-11f1-83e7-11fe9d84001d\">Hello and welcome to our live coverage of stage 4 of the 2026 Tour de France.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"viafoura-comments\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; 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src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCHyrfLhfcAJ3Us2NHus77-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 As it happened: World champion grabs yellow by the smallest margins with Tour de France stage 3 uphill sprint 2 As it happened: UAE Team Emirates-XRG show their muscle on Montju\u00efc circuit on Tour de France stage 2 3 How it unfolded: Huge fight among the big GC teams for victory [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-2031409","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2031409","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2031409"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2031409\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2031409"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2031409"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2031409"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}