The Tour de France Femmes witnessed a stunning display of power as Marlen Reusser stormed to victory in the stage four individual time trial, seizing the coveted yellow jersey. The reigning world champion clocked 27 minutes 30 seconds over the 21km course from Gevrey-Chambertin to Dijon, overturning the general classification lead held by Sigrid Haugset. This pivotal stage reshaped the race dynamics, setting the stage for an intense battle in the days ahead.
Reusser's Dominant Time Trial Performance
Marlen Reusser, riding for Movistar, delivered a near-flawless ride, showcasing her exceptional time trial skills. Her average speed was remarkable, and she gained crucial seconds over her rivals, particularly on the technical sections. The Swiss rider's victory was not just a stage win; it was a statement of intent from a rider who has made the Tour de France Femmes her primary goal this season.
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Reusser's post-race comments reflected her emotional investment: "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." Her performance was a culmination of meticulous preparation and strategic team support, as she had hinted that Dijon was the project's focal point.
General Classification Shake-Up
The time trial caused significant shifts in the overall standings. Former champion Demi Vollering of the Netherlands put in a strong ride, finishing second on the stage and moving up to second overall, just 14 seconds behind Reusser. Cedrine Kerbaol (FEF Education-Oatly) climbed to third, while previous yellow jersey holder Sigrid Haugset slipped to fourth after losing over three minutes. The top 10 now features a mix of experienced contenders and emerging talents, promising thrilling racing in the mountain stages.
Stage 4 Top 10 Results
| Rank | Rider | Team | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marlen Reusser | Movistar | 27:30 |
| 2 | Demi Vollering | FDJ United-Suez | +0:14 |
| 3 | Cedrine Kerbaol | FEF Education-Oatly | +0:54 |
| 4 | Sigrid Haugset | NUno-X Mobility | +1:03 |
| 5 | Elisa Longo Borghini | UAE Team L'Imad | +1:09 |
| 6 | Katarzyna Niewiadoma | Canyon-SRAM | +1:12 |
| 7 | Paula Blasi Cairol | UAE Team L'Imad | +1:17 |
| 8 | Anna van der Breggen | SD Worx-Protime | +1:43 |
| 9 | Antonia Niedermaier | Canyon-SRAM | +1:47 |
| 10 | Femke de Vries | Visma-Lease a Bike | +2:03 |
Niewiadoma's Encouraging Ride
Kasia Niewiadoma, the 2024 winner, delivered a solid time trial, finishing sixth on the stage and moving up to sixth overall. She expressed satisfaction with her performance, noting, "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." Her resilience and improved time trialing could make her a formidable contender as the race enters the mountains.

Key Takeaways from Stage 4
- Marlen Reusser wins stage 4 and takes the yellow jersey with a 14-second lead.
- Demi Vollering emerges as the main challenger, just seconds behind in the GC.
- Sigrid Haugset loses the lead after a difficult time trial, dropping to fourth.
- Kasia Niewiadoma shows improved time trial skills, staying in contention.
- The race now heads to the mountains, where climbing will decide the overall winner.
What's Next for the Tour de France Femmes?
The upcoming stages feature challenging climbs that will test the riders' climbing abilities. Reusser will need to defend her lead against stronger climbers like Vollering and Niewiadoma. The time gaps are still tight, and the mountain stages could reshuffle the standings dramatically. Fans can expect aggressive racing as teams jockey for position ahead of the final showdown.
FAQ
Who won the Tour de France Femmes stage 4 time trial?
Marlen Reusser of Movistar won the stage 4 individual time trial, completing the 21km course in 27 minutes 30 seconds.

How did Reusser take the yellow jersey?
Reusser's stage victory, combined with her previous time gaps, allowed her to overtake Sigrid Haugset in the general classification, taking a 14-second lead over Demi Vollering.
What are the overall standings after stage 4?
After stage 4, Reusser leads with 11:47:36, followed by Vollering at +14 seconds, Kerbaol at +54 seconds, and Haugset at +56 seconds.

The Tour de France Femmes continues to deliver high drama and elite athleticism. Reusser's victory marks a career milestone, but the race is far from over. With mountain stages looming, the battle for the yellow jersey is set to intensify, promising more unforgettable moments for cycling fans worldwide.