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

Marlen Reusser, the reigning world time trial champion, powered to victory in the Tour de France Femmes stage 4 time trial, taking the yellow jersey from Sigrid Haugset. The Swiss rider completed the 21km course from Gevrey-Chambertin to Dijon in 27 minutes and 30 seconds, building a 14-second lead over former champion Demi Vollering in the general classification.

Reusser's Dominant Time Trial Performance

Reusser, riding for Movistar, delivered a flawless performance on the rolling terrain around Dijon. Her time was not only the fastest of the day but also showcased her exceptional technical skills and pacing. "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," Reusser said after the stage.

How the Stage Unfolded

The stage was a pure individual time trial, where riders set off at one-minute intervals. Early leader Zoe Bäckstedt set a strong benchmark, but Reusser's powerful ride ultimately eclipsed all challengers. Demi Vollering, the 2023 champion, finished second on the stage, 18 seconds behind Reusser, while Kasia Niewiadoma, the 2024 winner, showed improved form, finishing 45 seconds down but expressing satisfaction with her effort.

General Classification Shake-Up

The time trial significantly reshaped the overall standings. Reusser now leads the general classification with a 14-second advantage over Vollering, while Cedrine Kerbaol sits third at 54 seconds. Sigrid Haugset, who had worn the yellow jersey, lost over three minutes and dropped to fourth overall. The top 10 is tightly packed, promising an exciting battle in the coming mountain stages.

Key Takeaways from Stage 4

• Reusser's dominance: She proved her time trial prowess on the biggest stage, taking both the stage win and the leader's jersey.
• Vollering remains a threat: Despite losing time, she is only 14 seconds back and is a strong climber, making her a favorite for the mountains.
• Niewiadoma's improvement: The defending champion showed significant progress in her time trialing, narrowing the gap to her rivals.
• Haugset's fall: The Norwegian rider lost the yellow jersey but remains in contention, just 56 seconds behind.
• Team dynamics: Movistar and FDJ United-Suez are now leading the tactical battle, with strong rosters supporting their leaders.

What's Next for the Tour de France Femmes?

Stage 5 heads into the Jura Mountains, offering the first major climbing test. Reusser will need to defend her lead against stronger climbers like Vollering and Niewiadoma. The time gaps are small, and the race is far from decided. Fans can expect aggressive racing from the GC contenders as they look to gain time before the final showdown in the Alps.

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