Doppelsieg and Two Tour Jerseys: Traeen Takes Yellow
Mads Pedersen (Lidl – Trek) celebrates his victory in Stage 4. | Photo: Cor Vos
07.07.2026
(rsn) – The Tour de France is known for thrilling moments, and Stage 4 from Carcassonne to Foix was no exception. Mads Pedersen and Quinn Simmons of Lidl – Trek showcased their teamwork and skill, clinching the stage victory and taking home two of the prestigious jerseys up for grabs. Pedersen triumphed in the final sprint, displaying remarkable speed and strategy.
Vivid Victory for Lidl – Trek
Pedersen’s success not only marked his first win of the season but also a triumphant return to form; he hadn’t tasted victory since the 2025 Vuelta. He won convincingly against a robust ten-man sprint group, leaving American champion Quinn Simmons in a commendable second place and Raul Garcia Pierna from Movistar in third.
Given that the main field finished nearly 13 minutes behind, the dynamics of the overall classification shifted dramatically. This opened the door for Torstein Traeen from Uno-X Mobility to seize the coveted Yellow Jersey. The 30-year-old Norwegian had previously trailed Pogacar by about five minutes but managed to finish alongside Pedersen, thus earning the first Yellow Jersey in Uno-X’s history.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
“It was our masterpiece of teamwork,” Pedersen exclaimed in his winner’s interview. He credited Simmons and Mathias Vacek for their stellar efforts that allowed him to conserve energy on the final ascent. With just eight seconds separating Pedersen from a leading group, his team’s pacing was critical. “They ensured that we didn’t lose too much time after the hill,” he noted, praising their relentless efforts.
Traeen, though new to wearing yellow, had to tackle the overwhelming pressure of maintaining his position alone for most of the stage. “It’s still hard to comprehend how monumental this is for me,” he said during an emotional moment.
Traeen’s Path to Glory
Having led the Vuelta two years earlier, Traeen understands the unique challenges of the Tour de France. “I think it will sink in after a few days,” he commented. With almost eight minutes of cushion over heavyweights like Pogacar and Vingegaard, he acknowledges the uphill battles that lay ahead.
The subsequent stage promises to be an exciting challenge, especially with a mass sprint anticipated in Pau. As the race returns to the Pyrenees, the dynamics could alter significantly, particularly with Quinn emerging as a potential threat.
German Riders in the Mix
Three German cyclists attempted to break into the main group but failed to challenge for the stage win. Georg Zimmermann, Nico Denz, and Georg Steinhauser were notable participants but ended up too far behind to contend effectively.
Denz worked to support his teammate Quinn while Steinhauser defended the mountain jersey for Alex Baudin. Zimmermann ended as the best German finisher, coming in 17th.
A Stage to Remember
This stage featured grueling conditions, with temperatures soaring to 40 degrees Celsius. Despite the heat, an impressive breakaway formed early in the race. Prominent names including Pedersen and others capitalized on this opportunity, establishing a significant time buffer over the chasing bunch.
The tension built as the frontrunners battled through the grueling climbs, with attacks and counterattacks defining their strategy. The Lidl – Trek team played a crucial role in maintaining pace and ensuring Pedersen remained in striking distance while Terren faced moments of solitude in his bold quest for the yellow jersey.
In the final sprint, Pedersen showcased poise and confidence against a backdrop of fierce competition, ultimately leading his team to a spectacular double victory. “We did it together, and that’s what makes this so special,” he concluded, reflecting on an extraordinary day in the world’s biggest cycling event.
