Brennan Sprints to Victory in Tour de Romandie Opener

British teenager Matthew Brennan wins the opening stage of the Tour de Romandie, taking the yellow jersey with a powerful sprint finish. Read more.

British teenager Matthew Brennan claimed the yellow jersey at the Tour de Romandie after winning a sprint finish on the opening stage in Fribourg.

Matthew Brennan wins the opening stage of the Tour de Romandie with American Artem Shmidt in third! 🇺🇸👏 pic.twitter.com/L3fyDP6eAB

— NBC Sports Cycling (@NBCSCycling) April 30, 2025

The 19-year-old Visma-Lease a Bike rider secured his fourth professional victory, following wins at the Grand Prix de Denain and two stages of the Tour of Catalunya in March.

Geraint Thomas worked hard to lead his Ineos teammate Samuel Watson to the front, but it was Sam Bennett's former teammate, not mentioned, however Sam Brennan rode powerfully to the finish, winning by several meters ahead of the peloton.

NO COMPETITION FOR MATTHEW BRENNAN 🚀

The 19-year-old demolishes the field to claim his fourth pro win of the season! pic.twitter.com/WULlWDOX0u

— Cycling on TNT Sports (@cyclingontnt) April 30, 2025

Belgian rider Remco Evenepoel, a favorite to win, finished ninth, 7 seconds behind the stage winner Brennan.

Matthew Brennan delivered an impressive performance, winning the longest stage of the Tour de Romandie despite unseasonably warm weather and challenging terrain. The 194km stage featured over 3,000m of climbing, including two Category 2 climbs.

Brennan's victory earned him time bonuses, giving him a 3-second lead over teammate Samuel Watson heading into the second stage.