Tour de France Femmes: Reusser Wins Stage 4 Time Trial, Takes 2026

Marlen Reusser, the reigning world time trial champion, powered to victory in the Tour de France Femmes stage 4 time trial, seizing the coveted yellow jersey with a commanding performance. The Swiss rider completed the 21km course from Gevrey-Chambertin to Dijon in 27 minutes and 30 seconds, overtaking previous leader Sigrid Haugset and setting the stage for an intense battle ahead.

Reusser's Dominant Time Trial Performance

Reusser's ride was a masterclass in pacing and power, as she consistently split the course better than her rivals. Her time was 14 seconds faster than former champion Demi Vollering, who now sits second overall. Reusser's victory was no accident; it was the culmination of a season-long project targeting this exact stage.

“I'm super, super happy. This was kind of the idea that we had since a long time,” Reusser said after the stage. “It's the first Tour of France that I really saw as my goal of the year that I really targeted, and that I am here as a leader… we always said it's our project, Dijon.” Her ability to execute under pressure highlights her growth as a stage racer.

How the General Classification Shifted

The time trial reshuffled the overall standings, with several key contenders gaining or losing crucial seconds. Kasia Niewiadoma, the 2024 winner, rode a solid time trial and expressed satisfaction with her effort, despite not seeing immediate results. “I felt that I found my flow. I definitely spent a huge amount of time working on my skills,” she noted.

Below is a comparison of the top five riders after stage 4, showing the time gaps that now define the race:

Stage 4 Results and Key Takeaways

The stage also saw strong performances from young riders like Zoe Bäckstedt and Mischa Bredewold, who finished in the top five on the day. However, it was Reusser's day, and she now holds a 14-second lead over Vollering in the general classification.

• Reusser's victory marks her first career Tour de France stage win and her first yellow jersey.
• Vollering remains a serious threat with only 14 seconds separating her from the lead.
• Haugset lost over three minutes and dropped from first to fourth overall.
• Niewiadoma's steady ride keeps her in contention, just over a minute back.
• The upcoming mountain stages will likely decide the final winner.

What's Next for the Tour de France Femmes

With the time trial behind them, the peloton now faces several challenging stages, including the legendary climbs in the Alps. Reusser's time trial strength gives her an advantage, but Vollering's climbing prowess could turn the tables. The next stage features rolling terrain, which may suit a breakaway, but the general classification battle remains tightly contested.

As the race progresses, fans can expect aggressive racing from teams looking to support their leaders. The time gaps are small enough that every second counts, and the yellow jersey could change hands multiple times before the final stage in the mountains.

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