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

In a stunning display of power and precision, Marlen Reusser won the Tour de France Femmes stage 4 individual time trial and took the yellow jersey. The Swiss rider clocked 27 minutes 30 seconds over the 21km course from Gevrey-Chambertin to Dijon, beating former champion Demi Vollering by 14 seconds in the general classification.

Reusser's Dominant Time Trial Performance

Reusser, the reigning world time trial champion, delivered a flawless ride that showcased her exceptional pacing and aerodynamics. She started strong and maintained her speed throughout, leaving her rivals trailing in her wake. The victory was a long-planned goal, as she admitted: "It's the first Tour of France that I really saw as my goal of the year that I really targeted."

The stage was a crucial test for all GC contenders, with the flat, technical course requiring both raw power and bike-handling skills. Vollering, who had been leading the race, lost time but remains in second place overall, just 14 seconds behind Reusser.

How the Stage Unfolded

Early starters set competitive times, but it was clear that the top favorites would shine. Kasia Niewiadoma, the 2024 winner, rode a strong time trial, finishing sixth overall. She expressed satisfaction with her ride: "I felt that I found my flow. I definitely spent a huge amount of time working on my skills."

As the day progressed, Reusser's time remained unbeatable. The final rider, Sigrid Haugset, who had held the yellow jersey, lost over three minutes and slipped to fourth overall. Reusser's victory was not only a stage win but a statement of intent for the rest of the race.

General Classification After Stage 4

The top 10 is tightly packed, with less than two minutes separating the first 10 riders. This sets up an exciting battle for the remaining stages, which include challenging mountain stages.

What's Next for the Riders

With the yellow jersey on her shoulders, Reusser will face increased pressure. However, her time trial skills and strong team support make her a formidable leader. Vollering, a former champion, will look to attack in the mountains, where she excels.

Niewiadoma's confidence is growing, and she could be a dark horse. The race is far from over, and every second counts.

Key Takeaways from Stage 4

• Reusser's dominance: She proved why she is the world champion, winning by a significant margin.
• Vollering's resilience: Despite losing the lead, she remains a top contender.
• Niewiadoma's improvement: Her time trial skills have clearly improved, making her a threat.
• Haugset's fall: The young rider lost time but remains in the top 5.
• Team dynamics: Movistar's strategy paid off, while other teams will need to regroup.

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