"I've never won a sprint before" - Quinn Simmons shows Tour de France readiness with Auvergne breakaway win

Quinn Simmons is a rider who does not win very often, but always wins big. In 2025 he won the USA national championships and stages at the Volta a Catalunya and Tour de Suisse. In 2026 he opened up his tally this Wednesday afternoon, winning stage 4 of the Tour Auvergne-Rhône Alpes.

This was fruit of a successful breakaway, in his final race before the national championships - meaning it was his second win in the jersey he won 13 months ago.

"You never know when your last chance to win in the national jersey is. You have to earn it back every year. I'm so proud to race in this jersey and then also race for this team and race with these guys. To be flying this flag in Europe is beautiful for me," Simmons said in a post-race interview. The chances were on the front group's side, featuring 12 men against a peloton under favourable conditions, with a tailwind in the final kilometers.

"I actually don't know how close we were. I never looked. We obviously didn't have the car behind our group, so I didn't hear too much. But to be honest, when we only had a minute and a half with 70 kilometers to go, I didn't believe. I wanted a hard day in front to prepare for what comes next," he admits.

A sprint wasn't in his plans, or wishes. The American did not know how he would fare in the group, but there was no alternative with the speeds in the final kilometers nearing 60Km/h.

But by the time the frontrunners launched their bid for the line, the Lidl-Trek rider ended up being the strongest. "So you just go and commit full out. I've never won a sprint before, so that's kinda cool," he shared.

Simmons seems to be coming into form nicely ahead of the Tour de France, winning once again right before it, as happened last year - where he went on to be the race's top domestique, as chosen by the race organizers.

"Swiss (Tour de Suisse 2025, ed.) was the last time I put my hands in the air. Now I have the two biggest one-week stage races, I have a stage in each, both in the national jersey. That's pretty special for me".

And as for the Tour de France, his selection seems pretty certain, if it wasn't already beforehand.

"I think I punched my ticket. That's the biggest dream. But first I go home for the nationals. I'd really like to bring this jersey back and then we can speak for the Tour."