Colombian cyclist Juan Sebastián Molano of UAE Team Emirates-XRG finished second in the opening stage of the Tour de Hongrie on Wednesday, while Belgian rider Tim Merlier of Soudal Quick-Step secured first place in a sprint finish. Phil Bauhaus of Bahrain Victorious came third in the 143-kilometre stage.

The race officially began in front of the historic Gyula Castle, with 112 riders from 19 teams competing in the first stage of the five-day event.

UAE Team Emirates-XRG entered the race with a strong lineup led by French cyclist Benoît Cosnefroy and emerging Emirati rider Mohammed Al Mutaiwei. The team also includes Vegard Stake Laengen, Rui Oliveira and Adrià Pericas.

The 2026 edition of the Tour de Hongrie covers more than 836 kilometres across five stages. The route becomes more challenging as the race moves east through Hungary, featuring rolling terrain and technical finishes that could create opportunities for attacks and breakaways.

Stage four, running from Mohács to Pécs, is expected to play a key role in deciding the general classification standings. Meanwhile, the final stage into Veszprém could also bring late changes in the overall rankings.