Stage 1: History Begins as 2026 SISU Tour Sets a New Benchmark
The fifth edition of the SISU Tour has burst into life in spectacular fashion, with a record-breaking opening stage that has once again showcased the incredible global community behind SISU Racing.
For the first time in SISU Tour history, the Tour features two Individual Time Trials, adding a new tactical dimension to the seven-stage race. Riders had one opportunity to race against the clock on Roule Ma Poule, where pacing, precision and aerodynamic efficiency mattered more than teamwork. Every second counted as riders chased the honour of becoming the Tour's first leaders.
The opening stage also marked the biggest start in SISU Tour history, attracting riders from 69 countries and 176 teams. It was equally pleasing to welcome 73 women to this year's Tour, continuing the growth of women's participation and reinforcing SISU Racing's commitment to creating opportunities for everyone to race.
The Roule Ma Poule course rewarded riders who could judge their effort perfectly. The gently rolling French roads encouraged high speeds, but the subtle rises punished anyone who started too aggressively. Those who balanced patience with power claimed valuable seconds and, more importantly, earned the right to wear yellow.
Adrian Timmis, former professional, raced in B Grade. In 1981 he rode in the British National Track Championships. He then represented Britain in the team pursuit event at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.[1] Between 1986 and 1995, he was a professional cyclist. He rode the Tour de France in 1987, and competed in the international Paris-Nice race, Criterium International, Tour de Romandie, Liège–Bastogne–Liège, La Flèche Wallonne, Amstel Gold and the Het Volk.
Keltainen Jersey Leaders
Congratulations to our ten Stage 1 winners who now proudly wear the Keltainen (Finnish for yellow) leader's jersey.
Each rider has earned the honour of leading their General Classification after the opening stage and will carry the pressure of defending yellow as the Tour heads into more demanding terrain.
Team Classifications
The SISU Tour features two distinct Team Classifications.
The Open Team Classification is determined by the combined times of the fastest three riders from each team, regardless of gender, rewarding depth across an entire squad.
Alongside this is the Women's Team Classification, based on the combined times of each team's fastest three female riders, celebrating the strength and growing depth of women's racing within SISU Racing.
A record 60 teams had three or more riders complete Stage 1, immediately putting themselves in contention for the Open Team Classification. With such remarkable depth across the field, the battle for team honours is shaping up to be one of the closest in SISU Tour history.
Looking Ahead – Stage 2
Tuesday 7 & Wednesday 8 July
After the opening Individual Time Trial on Roule Ma Poule, the peloton heads deeper into the French countryside for Casse-Pattes, a route whose name literally translates to "leg-breaker." It is an appropriate warning.
The first road race of the Tour introduces relentless rolling terrain where positioning, teamwork and timing will become just as important as raw power. The punchy climbs and technical descents create countless opportunities for attacks, while teams will already be thinking about protecting yellow—or trying to take it away.
Stage 2 also marks the beginning of two exciting new competitions for 2026. Riders will start contesting the Sprintteri (Sprinter) and Vuorikauris (Mountain Goat) classifications, with each riders cumulative time through each sprint and climb segments. From here, every intermediate effort could prove just as important as the finish line, adding another layer of strategy to the race.
The Tour has begun.
Now the real racing starts.
Let's go racing!