Dauphiné Stage 1: Alex Baudin Wins Big for EF Education Easypost

June 8, 2026 - 00:52

Alex Baudin delivered a stunning performance on the opening stage of the Criterium du Dauphine, riding solo to the finish line for the biggest win of his professional career. The EF Education-Easypost rider attacked on the final climb and held off a chasing group to take the stage victory, immediately putting his team on the front foot in the eight-day race.

The stage, which featured a series of rolling hills and a sharp finale, saw several general classification contenders test their legs early. While Baudin celebrated the win, the day's action reshuffled the overall standings. Oscar Onley and Kevin Vauquelin managed to gain valuable time on key rivals, including Seixas and the highly touted Isaac Del Toro. Both Onley and Vauquelin finished in a small group that crossed the line just behind Baudin, while Seixas and Del Toro lost several seconds in the chaotic final kilometers.

For Baudin, the victory marks a significant breakthrough. The 23-year-old Frenchman has shown promise in one-day races but had yet to seal a win against a WorldTour field of this caliber. His aggressive move on the final ascent caught the peloton off guard, and he never looked back, building a gap that proved insurmountable over the final descent and run-in to the line.

The result sets up an intriguing battle for the yellow jersey as the race continues. With time gaps already opening between the favorites, the coming stages in the Alps promise even more drama. For now, Baudin and EF Education-Easypost can savor a near-perfect start to the week.