Visma-Lease a Bike Sets the Pace at Paris-Nice Team Time Trial

The third stage of the 2026 Paris-Nice race featured a challenging team time trial, with Visma-Lease a Bike initially setting a strong benchmark before being overtaken by Decathlon and ultimately Lidl-Trek. The stage provided a crucial test for general classification contenders and a preview of the team time trial format that will open the Tour de France later this year.

Stage Overview and Early Performances

The 24.1-kilometer team time trial took place on day 5 of the Vuelta a España, testing the cohesion and power of each team. Picnic-PostNL were the first team to complete the course, setting an initial time of 28:19. UAE Team Emirates-XRG quickly followed, improving the time to 27:59, but it was clear a faster time was possible. Groupama-FDJ then posted a time of 26:54, setting a new fastest time at the intermediate check before finishing.

Visma-Lease a Bike’s Initial Lead

Visma-Lease a Bike, considered favorites heading into the stage, initially lived up to expectations, setting a blistering pace and establishing a new fastest time of 26:38. The team, featuring riders like Edoardo Affini, Victor Campanaerts, and Bruno Armirail, demonstrated strong teamwork and individual power. However, their lead wouldn’t last.

Decathlon and Lidl-Trek Challenge the Lead

Decathlon surprised many by challenging Visma-Lease a Bike’s time, ultimately surpassing it with a time of 26:34, thanks to a strong performance from riders like Dan Hoole. However, it was Lidl-Trek who ultimately claimed the stage victory, completing the course in 26:25, nine seconds faster than Decathlon. Juan Ayuso and Mathias Vacek were key contributors to their success.

Key Performances and GC Implications

INEOS Grenadiers too delivered a strong performance, finishing 13 seconds slower than Lidl-Trek at the time check and ultimately securing a competitive time. Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe finished fourth, 18 seconds behind the leaders. UAE Team Emirates also showed strength, but ultimately fell short of the top spots. The stage results have implications for the general classification, with riders vying for position ahead of the remaining stages.

Looking Ahead

The team time trial served as a valuable rehearsal for the Tour de France, which will also begin with a team time trial. Teams will analyze their performances and refine their strategies as they prepare for the challenges ahead. The Paris-Nice race continues with further stages, promising more exciting competition and shifts in the overall standings.