Marlen Reusser, the reigning world time trial champion, aced the individual time trial in the Tour de France Femmes, winning stage four and taking the yellow jersey. The Swiss rider finished the 21km ride from Gevrey-Chambertin to Dijon in 27min 30sec, securing a 14-second lead over former champion Demi Vollering in the general classification. This victory marks a major milestone for Reusser, who had targeted this race as her primary goal of the season.
Stage 4 Time Trial Results and GC Standings
The stage was a decisive battle against the clock, with top contenders pushing hard. Reusser's powerful performance set a new benchmark, while others like Kasia Niewiadoma delivered strong rides to limit losses. The final general classification after stage 4 is as follows:
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| Position | Rider | Team | Time/Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marlen Reusser | Movistar | 11:47:36 |
| 2 | Demi Vollering | FDJ United-Suez | +14'' |
| 3 | Cedrine Kerbaol | FEF Education-Oatly | +54'' |
| 4 | Sigrid Haugset | NUno-X Mobility | +56'' |
| 5 | Elisa Longo Borghini | UAE Team L'Imad | +1'03'' |
| 6 | Katarzyna Niewiadoma-Phinney | Canyon-SRAM | +1'09'' |
Reusser's win was not just about the stage; it was a statement of intent. She had been building towards this moment, and her team's strategy paid off perfectly. The Swiss champion expressed her joy, saying, "I'm super, super happy. This was kind of the idea that we had since a long time."
Key Takeaways from Stage 4
- Marlen Reusser wins stage 4 and takes the yellow jersey with a 14-second GC lead.
- Demi Vollering moves into second place, showing strong form.
- Kasia Niewiadoma improved her time trial skills and limited losses.
- Sigrid Haugset lost the yellow jersey after conceding over three minutes.
The time trial was a true test of individual strength and strategy. Reusser's performance was dominant, but the race is far from over. With several mountain stages ahead, the general classification is still open, and riders like Vollering and Niewiadoma will be looking to strike back.
What's Next for the Tour de France Femmes?
The upcoming stages will feature challenging terrain, including climbs that could reshuffle the standings. Reusser will need to defend her lead, while chasers like Vollering and Kerbaol will aim to close the gap. The battle for the yellow jersey is heating up, and fans can expect more thrilling racing.
