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

The Tour de France Femmes stage 4 individual time trial delivered a stunning performance as Marlen Reusser powered to victory and claimed the yellow jersey. The reigning world time trial champion completed the 21km course from Gevrey-Chambertin to Dijon in 27 minutes 30 seconds, overturning the general classification and setting the stage for an epic battle ahead.

Reusser's Dominant Time Trial Performance

Riding for Movistar, the Swiss rider showcased her exceptional time trial skills, beating former champion Demi Vollering by 14 seconds in the overall standings. Reusser's victory was not just a stage win but a statement of intent, as she had targeted this Tour as her primary goal for the season.

“I’m super, super happy. This was kind of the idea that we had since a long time,” Reusser said. “It’s the first Tour de France that I really saw as my goal of the year, and I am here as a leader.”

How the Stage Unfolded

The time trial saw dramatic shifts in the GC, with several key contenders losing valuable time. Kasia Niewiadoma, the 2024 winner, rode a solid time trial and expressed satisfaction with her performance, having worked extensively on her time trial skills.

“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,” Niewiadoma said. “As you can see, if you believe in something and you put good amount of work, anything is possible.”

Stage 4 Top 10 Results

General Classification After Stage 4

Reusser now leads the GC with a 14-second advantage over Vollering, while Cedrine Kerbaol sits third at 54 seconds. The top 10 is tightly packed, promising an exciting remainder of the race.

• Marlen Reusser – Yellow Jersey Leader
• Demi Vollering – 14 seconds down, former champion
• Katarzyna Niewiadoma – 1:09 behind, improving time trial form
• Anna van der Breggen – 1:17 behind, experienced contender

Key Takeaways from Stage 4

• Reusser's time trial mastery secured both the stage win and the yellow jersey.
• Vollering remains a strong threat, only 14 seconds behind.
• Niewiadoma's improved time trial skills could make her a factor in the mountains.
• The GC is wide open with less than two minutes separating the top 10.

What's Next for the Tour de France Femmes?

With the time trial behind them, the riders now face challenging road stages that will test their climbing abilities. Reusser must defend her lead against strong rivals like Vollering and Niewiadoma, who are expected to attack in the mountains.

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