On the most difficult climb of the day, which culminated 30 kilometres before the finish, Godon had already had to let the main group go once. But the French champion fought his way back on the descent and still had the legs to win a sprint in the finale. "My team-mates waited for me and brought me back into the peloton, even though we were already 30 or 40 seconds behind," said Godon, describing the situation. "I'm not used to these 20-minute climbs because I'm not a climber, but I'm very proud of what I did today. I'm in good form this year," he said after his fifth win of the season, all of which have come in one-week WorldTour races.

There were hardly any changes at the top of the overall standings after the 177-kilometre stage to and from Orbe. The man in the yellow jersey, Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates - XRG), kept up with the sprint, but this time only finished fourth. Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe) rolled to the finish in the centre of the large group. He is still 17 seconds behind the world champion in second place. Only Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain - Victorious) dropped out of the top 10. The Italian was active as a helper for Lenny Martinez, who finished third overall.

Tour de Romandie 2026 - Results of the 3rd stage

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How the 3rd stage of the Tour de Romandie went

Georg Steinhauser (EF Education - EasyPost) was also active. Despite a position in the top 20 of the overall standings, the German ventured into the day's breakaway group. Sam Oomen (Lidl - Trek), Damiano Caruso (Bahrain - Victorious), Lorenzo Germani, Josh Kench, Rémy Rochas (all Groupama - FDJ) and Steff Cras (Soudal Quick-Step) were also part of the breakaway. The cushion was never really large, the peloton did not allow the breakaway more than two and a half minutes, partly due to Steinhauser's position.

When the group found itself almost completely on the tarmac after a crash at a roundabout on the approach to the biggest obstacle of the day, the Col du Mollendruz (2nd category), a good 60 kilometres before the finish, it seemed that everything was already over. But the group didn't want to give up their endeavour just yet. Especially not Caruso. He broke away from all his rivals on the climb. He had previously been the only one not to take part in the pace work. Over the summit, Caruso saved just under half a minute on Steinhauser and Cras, who closed the gap again after the descent and closed the gap 17 kilometres before the finish.

As a result, Caruso once again refrained from supporting his companions. Nevertheless, the trio made it to two kilometres before the finish, but then it was over. The main group rolled up, passed and began to prepare for the sprint. Although Godon was in the wind for a long time, he was able to put Fisher-Black and Co. in their place.