Published on : 08/20/2026
The first stage of the Deutschland Tour, the longest of this year's edition, took the riders from Bad Orb to Schwäbisch Hall. It was a hilly and demanding day, with more than 3,400 metres of climbing. After an eventful finale, Benjamin Thomas retained his 6th place in the general classification.
Three riders quickly went clear at the start of the day. Behind them, the race really began to heat up with more than 50 kilometres to go, with several attacks from the peloton.
Two riders then managed to open up a small gap before being caught with seven kilometres remaining. The final climb on the finishing circuit then caused another selection.
Benjamin Thomas and Dylan Teuns finished in the chasing group, around twenty seconds behind the winner. Dylan took 16th place on the stage, while Benjamin retained his 6th place in the general classification.
Reaction:
Sports director, Sébastien Hinault :
“A difficult first stage, with more than 3,400 metres of climbing and some relatively steep climbs, especially in the finale. The race was decided on the final climb of the finishing circuit. Behind, Dylan Teuns and Benjamin Thomas finished in a chasing group around twenty seconds back. Benjamin remains 6th in the general classification.”