Paul Lapeira of the Decathlon CMA CGM Team secured a thrilling victory at the Tour des Alpes-Maritimes on Sunday, February 22, 2026, surging past a breakaway duo on the final climb to take the win in Boit. The 25-year-ancient Frenchman’s triumph marks his first victory of the season and a significant early-season achievement for the rising star in professional cycling. The race, a one-day event this year after previously being a two-day stage race, proved challenging with its demanding course and competitive field.
The decisive moment came on the 1.5km uphill finish, where Lapeira expertly navigated the steep gradient to overtake Lenny Martinez of Bahrain-Victorious and Marco Brenner of Tudor Pro Cycling, who had established a 20-second lead. Lapeira’s powerful acceleration caught the breakaway riders by surprise, leaving them unable to respond as he powered to the finish line two seconds ahead of the chasing pack. Christian Scaroni (XDS Astana) finished second, followed closely by Simon Carr (Cofidis).
A Late Surge Secures Victory
The final kilometer of the 154km race unfolded with dramatic tension as Lapeira timed his attack perfectly. According to reports from Cyclingnews, Martinez and Brenner had appeared poised to contest the win between themselves, but Lapeira’s late surge disrupted their plans. He bridged the gap with approximately 500 meters remaining, immediately setting a pace the breakaway riders couldn’t match.
“I don’t aim for to talk about relief, because we are only at the conclude of February, but rather satisfaction because I knew I had the legs,” Lapeira stated, as reported by L’Équipe. He acknowledged the crucial support of his teammates, Antoine L’Hote and Aurélien Paret-Peintre, crediting their efforts as essential to his success. Lapeira had come close to victory earlier in the season at Bessèges, finishing second overall and third in two stages, making this win particularly rewarding.
Race Details and Course Challenges
The 2026 Tour des Alpes-Maritimes featured a challenging 154km route starting from Villefranche-sur-Mer. The course included four significant climbs: Col d’Èze, Col de Châteauneuf, Col de Carros, and Côte de Gourdon, followed by a descent and undulating roads leading to the finish in Boit. This demanding terrain tested the endurance and climbing abilities of the riders, setting the stage for a thrilling finale. The race’s transition from a two-day stage race to a one-day format this year added a new dimension to the competition.
Brenner and Martinez, despite being overtaken in the final meters, managed to hold on for fourth and fifth place respectively. Scaroni and Carr rounded out the podium, demonstrating the high level of competition throughout the race. The performance of these riders highlights the growing depth of talent within the professional cycling peloton.
Stakeholders and Impact
Lapeira’s victory is a significant boost for the Decathlon CMA CGM Team, showcasing their investment in developing young talent. For Lapeira himself, the win provides valuable momentum as he looks ahead to the rest of the season. The Tour des Alpes-Maritimes serves as an critical early-season benchmark for many professional cycling teams, offering a chance to assess their form and strategies before the major Grand Tours. The race also draws attention to the elegant region of Alpes-Maritimes, promoting tourism and showcasing the area’s stunning landscapes.
The race’s outcome underscores the importance of tactical awareness and timing in professional cycling. Lapeira’s ability to read the race situation and launch his attack at the optimal moment proved decisive. His victory is a testament to his physical strength, strategic intelligence, and the support of his team.
The cycling world now looks ahead to Lapeira’s next challenge, with anticipation building to see how he will build on this early-season success. The coming weeks will reveal whether this victory is a harbinger of a breakthrough season for the talented French rider. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching his performance in upcoming races.
For those interested in following Paul Lapeira’s career and the broader professional cycling season, updates and results can be found on Cyclingnews and L’Équipe.
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