The clock was ticking – literally! – as Stage 16 of the Tour de France 2026 burst into life on the sun-kissed shores of Lake Geneva. The 26.1 kilometre individual time trial from Évian-les-Bains to Thonon-les-Bains is a gruelling test of speed, skill and endurance, designed to separate the titans of cycling from the mere mortals. And what a spectacle it was, as Britain's Josh Tarling of Netcompany-Ineos unleashed a blistering pace that left everyone else in his wake – 34 minutes and 21 seconds was the time, and it had them all gobsmacked!
But Tarling wasn't alone in making waves. His Italian teammate Filippo Ganna came tantalisingly close to matching him, finishing just four seconds adrift, while Huub Artz of Lotto-Intermarche slotted into third spot on the provisional podium.
This stage is a real game-changer – the short, intense effort will create crucial time gaps among the top riders, particularly those vying for overall victory. And what a contrast it was to yesteryear's Tours, where time trials were a staple of the racing calendar. Now they're a rare beast, and one that only the very best can tame.
Belgian superstar Remco Evenepoel is favourite to take the win today – his prowess against the clock as multiple world champion is unmatched. But Tadej Pogacar holds a commanding five-minute lead in the general classification, and he's not one to be underestimated. Can Evenepoel gain some seconds? Will Pogacar deliver another stunning performance?
The individual time trial has huge significance beyond the stage win itself – it will play a crucial role in the battles unfolding behind Pogacar for podium places and the young rider's jersey. Isaac del Toro and Paul Seixas are locked in a fierce struggle for that prize, with Seixas considered the stronger time trialist. But fatigue is playing its part, too – two weeks of racing has taken its toll, and today's outcome will be anything but predictable.