Simon Defrance wins the 2026 Chrono des Nations: individual time trial dominated by the Frenchman

Simon Defrance conquers the 2026 Chrono des Nations, an individual time trial, stopping the clock at 32:46.26. The Frenchman built his success over the entire course, finishing with a clear margin over his direct rivals. The race In the individual time trial, Defrance's pace proved superior to that of his rivals: the Belgian Vic De Smet finished second, 20 seconds behind, while the Frenchman Axel Roy finished 26 seconds behind the winner. Fourth place went to the Swiss rider Antoine Salamin, at 32 seconds, ahead of the Belgian René Messely, fifth at 35 seconds. The gaps were contained but consistent, a sign of a race ridden at very high paces and decided by the details of effort management. Final classification Simon Defrance — 32:46.26 Vic De Smet — +0:20 Axel Roy — +0:26 Antoine Salamin — +0:32 René Messely — +0:35 Closing For Defrance, this is a significant statement in one of the most recognizable time trials on the international end-of-season calendar. His performance remains the benchmark of the day: none of his rivals managed to keep the gap within twenty seconds, and the final classification confirms a superiority built metre by metre. De Smet and Roy complete the podium, with Salamin and Messely rounding out a compact top five within 35 seconds.