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

The Tour de France Femmes witnessed a stunning performance as Marlen Reusser, the reigning world time trial champion, aced the individual time trial to claim stage four and take the yellow jersey. This victory marks a pivotal moment in the race, showcasing Reusser's exceptional skill and determination.

Reusser's Dominant Time Trial Victory

Reusser, riding for Movistar, completed the 21km course from Gevrey-Chambertin to Dijon in an impressive 27 minutes and 30 seconds. Her powerful ride gave her a 14-second lead over former champion Demi Vollering in the general classification. The Swiss rider's performance was a masterclass in pacing and technique, leaving her competitors struggling to keep up.

In her post-race interview, Reusser expressed her joy: "I'm super, super happy. This was kind of the idea that we had since a long time. It's the first Tour de 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."

Key Performances and Standings

The time trial reshuffled the overall standings, with several riders making significant moves. Kasia Niewiadoma, the 2024 winner, rode a fine time trial and expressed satisfaction with her performance. "I felt that I found my flow. I definitely spent a huge amount of time working on my skills because as everyone knew, I wasn't the best at it," she said. "As you can see, if you believe in something and you put good amount of work, anything is possible."

Here are the top 10 general classification standings after stage 4:

Stage 4 Top 5 Results

The stage results highlight the intense competition, with Reusser taking the win ahead of Lieke Nooijen and Demi Vollering. Here's the full top 5:

• 1. Marlen Reusser (Movistar)
• 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''

Sigrid Haugset, who started the day in yellow, lost over three minutes and slipped down the standings, confirming Reusser's strong takeover.

What This Means for the Race

Reusser's victory is a statement of intent, putting her in a commanding position as the race heads into the mountain stages. Her time trial prowess, combined with her climbing abilities, makes her a formidable contender for the overall title. However, with riders like Vollering and Niewiadoma close behind, the battle for the yellow jersey is far from over.

The upcoming stages will test the riders' endurance and tactical acumen, and fans can expect thrilling racing as the Tour de France Femmes continues.

Key Takeaways

• Marlen Reusser wins stage 4 time trial and takes the yellow jersey.
• Reusser leads the general classification by 14 seconds over Demi Vollering.
• Kasia Niewiadoma shows improved time trial skills, moving up in the standings.
• Sigrid Haugset loses the yellow jersey after a difficult stage.
• The race is set for exciting mountain stages ahead.

FAQ