NBC Sports has released an extended highlights video covering Stage 5 of the 2026 Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes cycling race.
The event serves as a traditional pre-Tour de France warm-up for riders, allowing them to build endurance and test their form before the premier cycling event of the year.
Stage 5 began in Saint-Chamond and concluded at the Parc des Oiseaux in Villars-les-Dombes, France. The route covered a total distance of 195.8 kilometers [1]. The stage took place during the second week of June, following the race's official start on Sunday, June 7, 2026.
Cyclists navigated the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, facing a challenging distance that tested both stamina and tactical positioning. The highlights video provides a comprehensive look at the maneuvers and efforts of the peloton as they pushed toward the finish line in Villars-les-Dombes.
This stage follows previous competitive days in the tour, including Stage 4, which was marked by a strong breakaway that disrupted the plans of the sprinters. The consistency of these challenges helps riders gauge their readiness for the higher intensity of the upcoming Tour de France.
“The route covered a total distance of 195.8 kilometers”
The Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes acts as a critical barometer for professional cyclists. By competing in long-distance stages like the 195.8-kilometer run to Villars-les-Dombes, riders refine their race rhythm and team coordination. The results and performance levels seen in these highlights often signal which contenders are peaking in time for the Tour de France.
