Hectic start to the Circuit des Ardennes: Tobias Nolde leads the race solo
Hectic start to the Circuit des Ardennes. The six riders from Team Vorarlberg were spared any incidents in the 128-kilometer first stage from Villers-Semeuse to Saint-Laurent, which was accompanied by numerous crashes, but in the end the sextet lacked a bit of racing luck.
Tobias Nolde sets an exclamation mark
Tobias Nolde provides the first highlight for Team Vorarlberg. With a solo ride, the German breaks away and has a lead of around 25 seconds at kilometer 40, before he is caught up again. In the end, like Kilian Feurstein, he loses 2:04 minutes. Philipp Hofbauer and Dominik Röber finish with a larger group and are in a good position for the difficult stages ahead, 32 seconds behind. Ignazio Cireddu is 1:28 minutes behind. At the front there is a triple success for France, led by Louka Lesueur.
Result: www.procyclingstats.com/race/circuit-des-ardennes-international/2026/stage-1
The Circuit des Ardennes: a challenge steeped in tradition
The Circuit des Ardennes runs until Sunday over a total of five stages (overview attached) and a total distance of 811 kilometers through the northeast of France. The traditional stage race is being held for the 52nd time this year. It was first held in 1930 and has been an integral part of the UCI Europe Tour since 2005 and is listed in UCI category 2.2. The only Austrian overall victory dates back to 2013 by Riccardo Zoidl, last year’s winner was the Australian Brady Gilmore.
Photo: Team Vorarlberg this morning before the start in Villers-Semeuse: Philipp Hofbauer, Dominik Amann, Tobias Nolde, Dominik Röber, Ignazio Cireddu, Kilian Feurstein (from left). Photo: Alexis Dancerelle
Press Service Team Vorarlberg
www.team-vorarlberg.at
office@proevent-cycling.at
*Please note: The images can be used free of charge for editorial reporting on Team Vorarlberg in print and online media. Please name the photographer.
Squad: Dominik Amann, Ignazio Cireddu, Kilian Feurstein, Philipp Hofbauer, Tobias Nolde, Dominik Röber
