Olav Kooij wins Stage 5 of the 2026 Tour de France in a bunch-sprint finish at Pau, emerging from a chaotic final sprint to take his first Tour de France stage victory. Multiple outlets describe the stage as the race’s first sprint opportunity, with riders fighting for position in difficult, chaotic conditions leading into the line. Kooij beats Max Kanter of XDA Astana for second place. Teammates and race context are also noted, including Kooij racing for Decathlon CMA CGM alongside Paul Seixas. Torstein Træen of Norway retains the yellow jersey after surviving the sprint contest and coming through the closing moments to maintain the overall lead. The result sets up the next stage with the Tourmalet test looming, according to coverage, as the general classification moves toward the first major mountain challenge. Kooij’s win follows earlier success in the season and is framed by reporting as a return to top form after a difficult spring, while Træen’s position confirms he remains the pace-setter for the overall standings heading into the next day’s climbing.