Tour de Romandie 2026: How to Watch Every Stage as Tadej Pogačar Chases Glory in Switzerland

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief, Archysport

The 79th edition of the Tour de Romandie kicks off today in Switzerland, offering cycling fans a high-altitude showdown just weeks before the Giro d’Italia. With Tadej Pogačar leading a stacked field of climbers, this six-day race promises fireworks on some of the most demanding terrain in professional cycling. Here’s everything you necessitate to understand to follow the action, including verified start times, broadcast details, and what’s at stake for the peloton’s biggest stars.

Why This Year’s Race Matters

The Tour de Romandie has long served as a critical tune-up for Grand Tour contenders, and 2026 is no exception. For Pogačar, a two-time Tour de France champion, this race represents a rare opportunity to test his legs against a field packed with climbing specialists—without the pressure of a three-week Grand Tour. His participation comes on the heels of a dominant victory at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, where he outpaced rivals with a trademark late attack. Now, he’ll face off against former teammate Primož Roglič, rising star Lenny Martinez, and a host of other riders hungry to prove themselves before the Giro.

The race’s 850-kilometer route is notoriously punishing, with nearly every stage featuring classified climbs. But the real drama will unfold on the final day, when riders tackle the ascent to Leysin—a climb so steep it’s been dubbed the “judge of peace” for the general classification. With only 12 kilometers separating the peloton from the finish line, expect attacks to fly as contenders jockey for position in the thin mountain air.

Verified Start Times and Broadcast Details

All times below are listed in local Swiss time (CEST, UTC+2) and include the corresponding UTC time for global viewers. Broadcast availability may vary by region, so check your local listings for confirmed coverage.

Note: Swiss broadcaster RTS offers free live streaming for residents of Switzerland. International viewers can access coverage via GCN+ or Eurosport’s global platforms. A VPN may be required to bypass geo-restrictions.

The Contenders: Who Can Challenge Pogačar?

While Pogačar enters the race as the overwhelming favorite, the Tour de Romandie has a history of surprises. Here are the riders most likely to disrupt his ambitions:

• Primož Roglič (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe): The veteran Slovenian has unfinished business with Pogačar after their dramatic rivalry at the 2020 Tour de France. Roglič’s climbing prowess and time-trialing ability make him a threat in every stage.
• Lenny Martinez (Bahrain Victorious): The 22-year-old Frenchman has been one of the breakout stars of the 2026 season, with podium finishes at Tirreno-Adriatico and the Tour of the Basque Country. His aggressive style could pay dividends on the steep climbs.
• Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe): A dark horse in the field, Lipowitz has quietly racked up wins in smaller stage races this year. His ability to suffer in the mountains could see him sneak into the top five.
• Oscar Onley (Ineos Grenadiers): The young Briton has shown flashes of brilliance in one-day races, and his team’s tactical acumen could make him a wildcard in the general classification battle.

Key Stages to Watch

Not all stages are created equal in the Tour de Romandie. Here are the ones most likely to shake up the standings:

Stage 1: Martigny → Martigny (141 km)

While the route appears straightforward, the first stage often sets the tone for the race. A breakaway could gain significant time, or the peloton might keep things together for the sprinters. Either way, expect fireworks on the final climb of the day, the Col de la Forclaz, which could see the first attacks from the GC contenders.

Stage 4: Broc → Charmey (158 km)

This stage features three categorized climbs, including the Col des Mosses, a 13.3-kilometer ascent with an average gradient of 4.1%. The cumulative fatigue from earlier stages could make this a day for opportunistic attacks, especially with the finish line situated at 1,000 meters above sea level.

Stage 5: Lucens → Leysin (170 km)

The queen stage of the race. The final climb to Leysin is a beast: 12 kilometers at an average gradient of 7.5%, with sections exceeding 10%. This is where the race will likely be decided, and Pogačar’s rivals will need to attack early and often if they hope to crack him.

How to Stream the Race from Anywhere

For viewers outside Switzerland, accessing live coverage can be a challenge due to geo-restrictions. Here are your best options:

• GCN+: The Global Cycling Network’s streaming service offers live coverage of the Tour de Romandie in most countries. A subscription is required, but it’s the most reliable option for international fans.
• Eurosport: Available in Europe and select other regions, Eurosport provides live broadcasts and on-demand highlights. Check your local provider for availability.
• VPN Workaround: Swiss residents traveling abroad can use a VPN to access RTS’s free live stream. Services like NordVPN or ExpressVPN allow you to connect to a Swiss server and watch as if you were at home.

What’s Next After Romandie?

The Tour de Romandie concludes on May 3, just three weeks before the start of the Giro d’Italia. For riders like Pogačar and Roglič, this race serves as a final test of form before the season’s second Grand Tour. A strong performance in Switzerland could provide the confidence—and the fitness—needed to challenge for the maglia rosa in Italy.

For fans, the next major cycling event is the Critérium du Dauphiné, which begins on June 8. That race will offer another glimpse of the peloton’s form ahead of the Tour de France, which starts on June 27 in Florence, Italy.

Key Takeaways

• Race Dates: April 28 – May 3, 2026.
• Star Rider: Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) enters as the favorite after winning Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
• Critical Stage: Stage 5 (Lucens → Leysin) features the race’s most challenging climb and is likely to decide the general classification.
• Broadcast: RTS (free in Switzerland), GCN+, and Eurosport offer live coverage. A VPN may be required for international viewers.
• Next Up: The Giro d’Italia begins on May 24, with the Tour de France following on June 27.

Will Pogačar add the Tour de Romandie to his already impressive palmarès, or will a rival like Roglič or Martinez pull off an upset? Follow along this week to find out—and don’t miss the final stage on Sunday, when the peloton tackles the brutal ascent to Leysin.

Have a favorite for the race? Share your predictions in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Archysport for real-time updates and analysis throughout the week.