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

Marlen Reusser, the reigning world time trial champion, powered to victory in the stage four time trial at the Tour de France Femmes, seizing the yellow jersey from Sigrid Haugset. This decisive performance on the 21km course from Gevrey-Chambertin to Dijon reshaped the general classification and set the stage for an intense battle ahead.

Reusser's Dominant Time Trial Performance

Reusser, riding for Movistar, completed the challenging route in 27 minutes and 30 seconds, showcasing her exceptional time trial skills. Her aggressive pacing and technical precision on the rolling terrain gave her a 14-second lead over former champion Demi Vollering in the overall standings. The Swiss rider's victory was not just a stage win but a statement of intent for the remainder of the race.

“I’m super, super happy. This was kind of the idea that we had since a long time. 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,” Reusser said after the stage.

How the Stage Unfolded

The time trial saw several contenders put in strong rides, but none could match Reusser's raw speed. Kasia Niewiadoma, the 2024 winner, delivered a fine performance, finishing sixth overall. “I haven’t seen the results yet. I felt that I found my flow. I definitely spent a huge amount of time working on my skills because as everyone knew, I was in the best at it,” Niewiadoma commented.

The stage also saw dramatic shifts in the general classification, with Haugset losing over three minutes and dropping out of contention for the yellow jersey. The new top ten reflects a mix of experienced champions and rising stars.

General Classification After Stage 4

The time gaps remain tight, with only seconds separating the top contenders. This sets up a thrilling battle in the coming stages, where climbing and tactical racing will play a crucial role.

Key Takeaways from Stage 4

• Reusser's time trial mastery proved decisive, earning her the yellow jersey.
• Demi Vollering remains a strong contender, just 14 seconds behind.
• Kasia Niewiadoma showed resilience, minimizing losses despite not being a time trial specialist.
• The race is wide open with multiple stages remaining, including mountain challenges.

What's Next for the Tour de France Femmes?

As the race moves into the hilly and mountainous stages, the dynamics will shift. Climbers will have opportunities to gain time, while time trialists like Reusser will need to defend their advantage. The battle for the yellow jersey is far from over, and fans can expect aggressive racing from the peloton.

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