Juan Sebastian Molano Benavides wins the opening stage of the 2026 CRO Race

Juan Sebastian Molano Benavides (UAE Team Emirates XRG) has won the opening stage of the 2026 CRO Race, finishing in 3:58:06. The UAE Team Emirates XRG rider beat Paul Magnier (Soudal Quick-Step) and Tim Torn Teutenberg (Lidl-Trek) in the sprint, both with the same time as the winner. The race The opening stage was decided in a bunch sprint in Seget Donji, after a two-man breakaway was caught only in sight of the finish line. In the finale Uno-X Mobility led the group, then Ivo Oliveira's final surge brought Molano Benavides into first position 150 metres from the finish. Magnier, one of the pre-race favourites, was boxed in on the inside and had to look several times for a clear line to sprint, ultimately finishing second. Stage results Juan Sebastian Molano Benavides (UAE Team Emirates XRG) — 3:58:06 Paul Magnier (Soudal Quick-Step) — s.t. Tim Torn Teutenberg (Lidl-Trek) — s.t. Žak Eržen (Bahrain Victorious) — s.t. Enrico Zanoncello (Bardiani CSF 7 Saber) — s.t. General classification Juan Sebastian Molano Benavides (UAE Team Emirates XRG) — 3:57:56 Sam Maisonobe (Cofidis) — +0:03 Paul Magnier (Soudal Quick-Step) — +0:04 Molano Benavides is the first leader of the race. The CRO Race continues tomorrow with a new stage.