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

Marlen Reusser, the reigning world time trial champion, won the stage four individual time trial at the Tour de France Femmes, taking the yellow jersey from Sigrid Haugset. The Swiss rider covered the 21km course from Gevrey-Chambertin to Dijon in 27min 30sec, building a 14-second lead over former champion Demi Vollering in the general classification.

Reusser's Dominant Time Trial Performance

Reusser, riding for Movistar, delivered a masterclass in pacing and power. Her victory was not just a stage win but a statement of intent, as she had targeted this Tour as her primary goal for the season. "I'm super, super happy. This was kind of the idea that we had since a long time," she said after the stage.

The Swiss rider's time trial skills were on full display, as she beat a strong field that included former world champions and Olympic medalists. Her performance was a blend of aerodynamic efficiency and raw power, which allowed her to gain valuable seconds over her rivals.

Key Competitors and Their Performances

Demi Vollering, the 2023 Tour winner, put in a solid ride but could not match Reusser's pace. The Dutch rider finished second on the stage, 14 seconds behind, and now trails in the overall standings. Kasia Niewiadoma, the 2024 champion, also impressed, finishing sixth on the stage and expressing satisfaction with her ride.

Other notable performances included Cedrine Kerbaol, who moved up to third overall, and Sigrid Haugset, who lost the yellow jersey after a difficult day. Haugset conceded over three minutes to Reusser, dropping to fourth in the general classification.

General Classification After Stage 4

Stage 4 Results: Top 5

• 1. Marlen Reusser (Movistar) – 27:30
• 2. Lieke Nooijen (Visma-Lease a Bike) – +4''
• 3. Demi Vollering (FDJ United-Suez) – +18''
• 4. Zoe Bäckstedt (Canyon-Sram) – +20''
• 5. Mischa Bredewold (SD Worx-Protime) – +45''

What This Means for the Race

Reusser's victory has reshaped the overall standings, with the Swiss rider now holding a significant advantage over her rivals. The upcoming mountain stages will be crucial, as climbers like Vollering and Niewiadoma will look to gain time on the flatter roads. Reusser, however, has proven she is not just a time trial specialist but a complete rider capable of defending the yellow jersey.

The team dynamics will also play a key role, with Movistar expected to control the peloton in the coming stages. Meanwhile, FDJ United-Suez and Canyon-SRAM will be looking to support their leaders in the mountains.

Key Takeaways

• Marlen Reusser wins stage 4 time trial and takes yellow jersey.
• Demi Vollering remains the closest challenger, just 14 seconds behind.
• Sigrid Haugset loses the lead after a tough day, dropping to fourth.
• Kasia Niewiadoma shows improved time trial form, finishing sixth.
• The race is set for an exciting battle in the mountains.

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