Start Times & Order Tour de Romandie 2026 Prologue | Tadej Pogacar last off with Primoz Roglic and Florian Lipowitz to set early GC markers

The 2026 Tour de Romandie opens with a short but potentially decisive 3.2km prologue in Villars-sur-Glâne, setting the first general classification gaps before the race moves into its climbing-heavy terrain. All start times listed below are in CET.

While the distance is minimal, the profile is far from straightforward. A fast opening section quickly gives way to a steady uphill drag, forcing riders into an all-out effort that blends time trial power with climbing punch. With no long time trial later in the race, even small gaps here could carry weight across the week.

The start order ensures the general classification story unfolds in waves, beginning relatively early in the afternoon. Oscar Onley is among the first of the key contenders to roll down the start ramp at 15:53, followed shortly after by Primoz Roglic at 15:55, offering an early benchmark from one of the race’s most experienced stage racers.

The middle phase of the start list then becomes critical. Lenny Martinez sets off at 16:05, before Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe’s form rider Florian Lipowitz starts at 16:10, just one minute ahead of Jorgen Nordhagen. Antonio Tiberi (16:20) and Carlos Rodriguez (16:22) follow soon after, ensuring a sustained run of GC contenders through the middle of the session.

That sequence places particular focus on the comparison between Roglic and Lipowitz, with both riders forming Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe’s dual approach to the general classification and setting early reference times for the rest of the field.

Before the GC contenders take centre stage, several strong time trialists are scheduled to start early, with Luke Plapp (15:49) and Remi Cavagna (15:50) among the first riders capable of setting a competitive early time.

Their efforts are likely to establish the initial benchmark in the hot seat, particularly given the explosive nature of the course, which rewards riders able to combine high power output with short climbing efficiency.

As is often the case for the race favourite, Tadej Pogacar will be the final rider down the start ramp at 17:27. Starting last provides the Slovenian with full knowledge of all intermediate and finishing times, allowing him to pace his effort with complete clarity over what is required. In a prologue where margins are expected to be tight, that advantage could prove decisive in securing the first leader’s jersey.

With the key contenders spread throughout the order and the stage profile offering little margin for error, the opening day in Romandie is set to deliver an early indication of the general classification battle to come.