{"id":2068187,"date":"2026-07-29T09:14:18","date_gmt":"2026-07-29T06:14:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2068187"},"modified":"2026-07-29T09:14:18","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T06:14:18","slug":"delving-beyond-the-mont-ventoux-showstopper-analysing-the-key-stages-of-the-2026-tour-de-france-femmes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2068187","title":{"rendered":"Delving beyond the Mont Ventoux showstopper: Analysing the key stages of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6P34ULi5EWxtDQmJBtFpkM-2001-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KFkgiFUJKHidCEa6kTwwN5-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KFkgiFUJKHidCEa6kTwwN5-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;A death march, maybe the hardest Tour stage ever&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France stage 20 preview as the race heads back up Alpe d\u2019Huez\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pM2BgPFQ384bBjTvvZktxm-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pM2BgPFQ384bBjTvvZktxm-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    2026 Tour de France route &#8211; the complete stage-by-stage guide\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bLLnAsN7saH8bWa68EufWW-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bLLnAsN7saH8bWa68EufWW-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Tour de France 2026 stage 18 preview &#8211; First of three summit finishes to ignite polka dot jersey contest\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France Femmes\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Delving beyond the Mont Ventoux showstopper: Analysing the key stages of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-29T09:14:18Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n29 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">The iconic summit finish stands out on this year&#8217;s route, but where else will the race be won and lost? We analyse four key stages between Lausanne and Nice<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6P34ULi5EWxtDQmJBtFpkM-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6P34ULi5EWxtDQmJBtFpkM-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6P34ULi5EWxtDQmJBtFpkM-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6P34ULi5EWxtDQmJBtFpkM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6P34ULi5EWxtDQmJBtFpkM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6P34ULi5EWxtDQmJBtFpkM-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6P34ULi5EWxtDQmJBtFpkM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6P34ULi5EWxtDQmJBtFpkM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6P34ULi5EWxtDQmJBtFpkM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">The GC contenders of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes will be doing battle on these stages between Lausanne and Nice<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-99690534-8adc-11f1-87f5-c50172756628\">The biggest race of the season is upon us as the women&#8217;s peloton heads to Switzerland for the Tour de France Femmes, running August 1-9.<\/p>\n<p>The Women&#8217;s WorldTour has already visited La Vuelta Femenina and the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women, with the Alto de l&#8217;Angliru and the Colle delle Finestre both playing a starring role on the routes of the season&#8217;s first two Grand Tours.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-99690534-8adc-11f1-87f5-c50172756628-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Next week, another of cycling&#8217;s most fabled and challenging climbs is on the menu of the Tour de France Femmes route, with Mont Ventoux playing host to the final of stage 7.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Along with the 15.7km monster, there are plenty more challenges along the way from Lausanne to Nice, with a record 18,795 metres of elevation spread across the 1,175km of the race&#8217;s nine stages.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As part of our countdown to the Grand D\u00e9part, let&#8217;s take a look at four key stages which should decide the destination of the maillot jaune this August.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WvaM3oXSM6t4EcPf3LdRTM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WvaM3oXSM6t4EcPf3LdRTM-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France Femmes 2026 route from a Swiss Grand D\u00e9part, and Col d&#8217;Eze to Mont Ventoux<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France Femmes 2026 stage 9 preview<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France Femmes 2026 stage 7 preview<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-stage-4-gevrey-chambertin-dijon-tt-21km\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Stage 4: Gevrey-Chambertin &#8211; Dijon TT (21km)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bb7312ee-8ade-11f1-bde3-fd44db5ef91a\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sDK7K2wUvqPDSTFncVFCKH-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sDK7K2wUvqPDSTFncVFCKH-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sDK7K2wUvqPDSTFncVFCKH-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sDK7K2wUvqPDSTFncVFCKH-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sDK7K2wUvqPDSTFncVFCKH-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sDK7K2wUvqPDSTFncVFCKH-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The route profile of stage 4 of the Tour de France Femmes <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: ASO)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-fe64ec50-8adc-11f1-82eb-cd4616f1e028\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After the Swiss hilltop finish on the opening day, the race will head for a pair of sprinter-friendly stages on stages 2 and 3, with the latter bringing the race into France, even if the pair are challenging with a combined 4,300 metres of climbing.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The next big test comes on stage 4 with the first <em>significant<\/em> individual time trial in the Tour de France Femmes since the 22.6km closer in Pau three years ago \u2013 there was an ITT in the 2024 edition, as part of the double stage second day in Rotterdam, but it was only 6.3km.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-gwaLcqt2LAnnMRRFcyKsJV\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-gwaLcqt2LAnnMRRFcyKsJV slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This time around, the time trial comes earlier in the race to prevent the spectre of the race for yellow being a foregone conclusion as it was when Demi Vollering held on to win the GC by three minutes in 2023.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At 21km, this time trial is a similar length and features a similar climb in the middle. The 1.8km, 6.9% climb of the Lacets de Marsannay (three hairpins in the Marsannay ros\u00e9 wine-producing area of Burgundy) should provoke some major differences ahead of a 6km descent into Dijon, home of the famous mustard.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-fe6d7014-8ae1-11f1-9cf2-1f3d381919d5\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DQx5AdRn9jdNupxkuSPrbj-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DQx5AdRn9jdNupxkuSPrbj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DQx5AdRn9jdNupxkuSPrbj-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DQx5AdRn9jdNupxkuSPrbj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DQx5AdRn9jdNupxkuSPrbj-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DQx5AdRn9jdNupxkuSPrbj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Time trial world champion Marlen Reusser will show off her rainbow stripes on the road to Dijon <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a306ec78-8ae1-11f1-8f9f-736984634cfa\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s Dijon&#8217;s first time hosting a stage of the Tour de France Femmes, though the city did welcome a sprint finish of the men&#8217;s race in 2024, where Dylan Groenewegen triumphed. The next day was a time trial with several similarities to this stage, at 25km in length, with a hill in the middle, and concluding in Gevrey-Chambertin, which hosts the start of this stage.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">From a crucial TTT to double Alpe d&#8217;Huez \u2013 The key stages that will decide the Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AZnA2pmxW3JZarMPrPmg36-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AZnA2pmxW3JZarMPrPmg36-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">From a mountain time trial to the first visit to an iconic climb \u2013 Analysing the key stages of the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France Femmes contenders \u2013 Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot poised for fantastic duel with Ventoux finale<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This stage will give the top women&#8217;s racers a rare chance to take on a time trial, with the Giro and Tour de Suisse being the only Women&#8217;s WorldTour races to feature one so far in 2026.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Time trial world champion Marlen Reusser (Movistar) and under-23 world champion Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt (Canyon-SRAM) finished one-two, almost a minute clear of the rest, in Switzerland, and will be among the favourites once again. Meanwhile, Demi Vollering (FDJ United-SUEZ) and Anna van der Breggen (SD Worx-Protime) will also be among the ones to watch.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-stage-5-macon-belleville-en-beaujolais-140km\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Stage 5: M\u00e2con &#8211; Belleville-en-Beaujolais (140km)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bb731366-8ade-11f1-8972-6be681e43930\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gUG3mmGvcWRKmc8PzwxJKH-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gUG3mmGvcWRKmc8PzwxJKH-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gUG3mmGvcWRKmc8PzwxJKH-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gUG3mmGvcWRKmc8PzwxJKH-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gUG3mmGvcWRKmc8PzwxJKH-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gUG3mmGvcWRKmc8PzwxJKH-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The route profile of stage 5 of the Tour de France Femmes <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: ASO)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-fe64ed5e-8adc-11f1-90ab-070feac0befc\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There&#8217;s no let-up after the Tour&#8217;s test against the clock as the race heads south through the Beaujolais wine region and the hills of the Ard\u00e8che. Stage 5 (and 6, for that matter) is unlikely to decide the fate of the yellow jersey, but there&#8217;s certainly time to be won and lost here, and the GC favourites will have to stay alert against attacks.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On paper, stage 5 is the second-toughest day of the race, with 2,900 metres and eight classified climbs filling its 140km route. The stage, then, is comparable to Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge, which this year featured 10 climbs and 2,600 metres of elevation across 156km.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Expect plenty of attacking racing then, especially on the two later climbs of the Col de Durbize (3.6km at 5.8%) and Mont Brouilly (3km at 7.7%).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Both featured in a 2024 stage of the men&#8217;s Paris-Nice, though that day finished atop Mont Brouilly as Santiago Buitrago soloed to victory. A year earlier, the men&#8217;s Tour visited Belleville-en-Beaujolais for another hilly day out where Ion Izagirre converted a 30km solo into a win from the breakaway.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2c98e298-8aec-11f1-ab8f-9fbad4cb0526\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pHBqnFroxVMjynqmSTrEA6-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pHBqnFroxVMjynqmSTrEA6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pHBqnFroxVMjynqmSTrEA6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pHBqnFroxVMjynqmSTrEA6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pHBqnFroxVMjynqmSTrEA6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pHBqnFroxVMjynqmSTrEA6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Giro champion Demi Vollering and her FDJ team will be among those having to stay alert during this challenging hilly stage <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-2c98e310-8aec-11f1-84bd-9396a035d2c9\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Here, there will be challenges from the start in M\u00e2con. The first of three second-category ascents comes from the off with the 9.6km, 4.4% ascent of the C\u00f4te de Cenves. Five more climbs are packed into the first half of the stage, including another second-category hill, the Col de Gerbet (4.6km at 6.5%).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s unlikely that the winning move of the day will be made that early, given the climb sits 71.3km from the finish line. Between the hilly start and the previous day&#8217;s TT, though, there will be some sore legs heading into the finale.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A mostly downhill 10.6km run lies between that last climb at Mont Brouilly and the line. It looks like Tour organisers have cooked up an exciting stage here, with great potential for a battle between any late attackers and those chasing behind, with a GC battle surely on the cards.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-stage-7-la-voulte-sur-rhone-mont-ventoux-146-8km\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Stage 7: La Voulte-sur-Rh\u00f4ne &#8211; Mont Ventoux (146.8km)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bb7313de-8ade-11f1-bbb7-ff9b41523f6b\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The route profile of stage 7 of the Tour de France Femmes <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: ASO)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-fe64ee80-8adc-11f1-b5d3-772b31cb4389\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On stage 7, the Tour de France Femmes continues its traditions of challenging the women&#8217;s peloton with a new legendary climb every year. In the past three editions, the femmes have tackled the Col du Tourmalet, L&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez, and the Col de la Madeleine. Now it&#8217;s time for the giant of Provence, Mont Ventoux.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The bald mountain barely needs an introduction, having featured in 18 editions of the men&#8217;s Tour de France. Recent editions have seen Wout van Aert triumph on the double Ventoux day in 2021, while Valentin Paret-Peintre won the most recent of Ventoux&#8217;s summit finishes last summer.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The women&#8217;s race will hit the climb for the first time this August, but the women&#8217;s peloton has tackled Ventoux before.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In 2016, former Olympic champion Anna Kiesenhofer soloed to victory by almost four minutes in the Tour Cycliste F\u00e9minin International de l&#8217;Ard\u00e8che, while the mountain also hosted the only edition of the women&#8217;s Mont Ventoux D\u00e9nivel\u00e9 Challenge in 2022. On that day, the now-retired Marta Cavalli beat Clara Koppenburg to the top during her wonder year as Evita Muzic finished third.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Back in 2016, Kiesenhofer couldn&#8217;t convert her huge triumph into overall victory at the seven-stage 2.2-ranked race, and it remains to be seen if the Ventoux winner at this Tour will be able to do so. If the results of those &#8216;highlight mountains&#8217; in recent Tours are anything to go by, however, the Ventoux winner should be the favourite to wear yellow in Nice.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b5c9ee5a-8aeb-11f1-8544-894dc955229c\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/D2qgZc39sAeJPGcw7TrnmW-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/D2qgZc39sAeJPGcw7TrnmW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/D2qgZc39sAeJPGcw7TrnmW-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/D2qgZc39sAeJPGcw7TrnmW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/D2qgZc39sAeJPGcw7TrnmW-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/D2qgZc39sAeJPGcw7TrnmW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Valentin Paret-Peintre ascends to glory on Mont Ventoux during the men&#8217;s Tour de France last July <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-47162e6e-8ae7-11f1-81a4-8dd560e2f408\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Much of the day&#8217;s 3,500 metres of climbing comes with the final ascent, though there are challenges in the 127.6km before the road tilts up in B\u00e9doin. The second-category climbs of the Col de la Grande Limite (6.6km at 5%) and the Col de Suzette (3.9km at 6.4%) will soften up the legs before the big one.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The official climb begins shortly after B\u00e9doin at Saint-Est\u00e9ve, and the numbers involved from that point onwards are pretty grim. For the 15.7km to the top, the average gradient is 8.8%, with the first 8km rarely lower than 9%.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At Chalet Reynard, 10km in, the nature of the climb changes as the riders head out of the forest and into the open moonscape for the final run to the communications tower at the summit. Here, the riders are exposed to the elements, namely the Mistral wind, which can make the challenge even tougher depending on its direction (often a cross\/headwind).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The stage will host a GC spectacular, and possibly the decisive day of the Tour. Let&#8217;s hope that the winds up top aren&#8217;t so high as to cut the action short as they did in the men&#8217;s race a decade ago.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-stage-9-nice-nice-99-2km\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Stage 9: Nice &#8211; Nice (99.2km)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c5d2f3da-8ade-11f1-9ce9-f32317cc9fa3\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The route profile of stage 9 of the Tour de France Femmes <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: ASO)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-fe64efc0-8adc-11f1-b609-af25cd5d051b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As the Tour de France Femmes heads to its conclusion on day nine, it&#8217;s the Mediterranean city of Nice which follows on from La Planche des Belles Filles, Pau, L&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez, and Ch\u00e2tel to host the race&#8217;s grand finale.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Stage 9 is the shortest road stage of the race at 99.2km, and it&#8217;s hoped the day can mimic the often-explosive and dramatic finale of the men&#8217;s Paris-Nice.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The stage begins and ends in the city, with the famous coastal road, the Promenade des Anglais, hosting the finish. Standing between the riders and that finish line are 2,100 metres of climbing and four ascents of the Col d&#8217;Eze, the hill overlooking the city, which is the trademark of the Paris-Nice closer.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The hill has often hosted a time trial in Paris-Nice over the years, with Sean Kelly winning there five times, as well as a famous final day TT turnaround in 2015 for Richie Porte. Tour organisers will be hoping for small GC time gaps heading into the stage so the high drama of the March race can carry over to stage 9 this August.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a0289c94-8ae7-11f1-82ea-0581d55c0dc2\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFy8Bdd8gLfpBYQ2hW4MZS-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFy8Bdd8gLfpBYQ2hW4MZS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFy8Bdd8gLfpBYQ2hW4MZS-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFy8Bdd8gLfpBYQ2hW4MZS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFy8Bdd8gLfpBYQ2hW4MZS-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFy8Bdd8gLfpBYQ2hW4MZS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The Col d&#8217;Eze finale is steep, but not quite as steep as the Angliru, where Paula Blasi triumphed in May <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-47162f04-8ae7-11f1-8ff6-2539ffff1029\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The climbing comes from the very start here, so expect the cream to rise to the top early on and GC movement to get underway before the final climb. It&#8217;s up and down all day, with three ascents of the 7.7km, 5.9% climb packed into the opening 60km and only a couple of flat kilometres as they head back down into Nice after each descent.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The toughest challenge is saved for last as the riders head to the summit via a different road \u2013 the Chemin du Vinaigrier rather than the road past the C\u00f4te d&#8217;Azur Observatory. That final ascent is shorter but steeper, measuring 6km and an average of 7.6%. One of the early kilometres of that final climb measures in above a leg-breaking 12%, too.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As such, expect the best climbers and GC riders of the Tour to contend for victory here; think Vollering, Reusser, Niewiadoma-Phinney, Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot, Van der Breggen, Blasi, and more. Hopefully the race for yellow is one of seconds rather than minutes at this point.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fe64f060-8adc-11f1-954b-cf838acb34ef\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Support our unrivalled coverage of the Tour de France Femmes and women&#8217;s cycling by subscribing to <\/strong><em><strong>Cyclingnews<\/strong><\/em><strong>. In return, you get unlimited access to high-quality journalism, with breaking news, race analysis, and expert insight from inside the women&#8217;s peloton. Plus, the <\/strong><em><strong>Cyclingnews<\/strong><\/em><strong> app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-gwaLcqt2LAnnMRRFcyKsJV\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-gwaLcqt2LAnnMRRFcyKsJV slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Dani Ostanek<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Senior News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor, later being hired full-time. Her favourite races include Strade Bianche, the Tour de France Femmes, Paris-Roubaix, and Tro-Bro L\u00e9on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WvaM3oXSM6t4EcPf3LdRTM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WvaM3oXSM6t4EcPf3LdRTM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WvaM3oXSM6t4EcPf3LdRTM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WvaM3oXSM6t4EcPf3LdRTM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WvaM3oXSM6t4EcPf3LdRTM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France Femmes 2026 route from a Swiss Grand D\u00e9part, and Col d&#8217;Eze to Mont Ventoux<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France Femmes 2026 stage 9 preview<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France Femmes 2026 stage 7 preview<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From a crucial TTT to double Alpe d&#8217;Huez \u2013 The key stages that will decide the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AZnA2pmxW3JZarMPrPmg36-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AZnA2pmxW3JZarMPrPmg36-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AZnA2pmxW3JZarMPrPmg36-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AZnA2pmxW3JZarMPrPmg36-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AZnA2pmxW3JZarMPrPmg36-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From a mountain time trial to the first visit to an iconic climb \u2013 Analysing the key stages of the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France Femmes contenders \u2013 Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot poised for fantastic duel with Ventoux finale<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EuykcKHCRukC6UPNZT9aV-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EuykcKHCRukC6UPNZT9aV-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EuykcKHCRukC6UPNZT9aV-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EuykcKHCRukC6UPNZT9aV-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EuykcKHCRukC6UPNZT9aV-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Kristen Faulkner, Noemi R\u00fcegg join world champion on EF Education-Oatly&#8217;s Tour de France Femmes roster<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Last year&#8217;s victory doesn&#8217;t guarantee anything&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot set to defend Tour de France Femmes title with balanced Visma support squad<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dYSKXQQbM5pGANTZd79R9F-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dYSKXQQbM5pGANTZd79R9F-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dYSKXQQbM5pGANTZd79R9F-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dYSKXQQbM5pGANTZd79R9F-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dYSKXQQbM5pGANTZd79R9F-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I never wanted to walk away hating it&#8217; \u2013 Former New Zealand champion Kim Cadzow ends cycling career at 24<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TdVnoRVzkvcktwSjxZQSXM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TdVnoRVzkvcktwSjxZQSXM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TdVnoRVzkvcktwSjxZQSXM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TdVnoRVzkvcktwSjxZQSXM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TdVnoRVzkvcktwSjxZQSXM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">American Criterium Cup: Skylar Schneider and Lucas Bourgoyne sizzle in Chicago with sprint wins at Fulton Market Grand Prix<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Pauline will be on the same level or better; we are only focused on ourselves&#8217; \u2013 Inside FDJ United-Suez and Demi Vollering&#8217;s preparation, mindset and ambitions for the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JRw6CkvpotZyXhkVRoNWfH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JRw6CkvpotZyXhkVRoNWfH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JRw6CkvpotZyXhkVRoNWfH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JRw6CkvpotZyXhkVRoNWfH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JRw6CkvpotZyXhkVRoNWfH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Marlen Reusser to lead Movistar Team for Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Pauline will be on the same level or better; we are only focused on ourselves&#8217; \u2013 Inside FDJ United-Suez and Demi Vollering&#8217;s preparation, mindset and ambitions for the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgsG6RdPjcVNMQv9BFAcJa-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgsG6RdPjcVNMQv9BFAcJa-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgsG6RdPjcVNMQv9BFAcJa-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgsG6RdPjcVNMQv9BFAcJa-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgsG6RdPjcVNMQv9BFAcJa-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has proven he&#8217;s the best of all time, I don&#8217;t see anyone challenging him for another two years \u2013 Sean Kelly&#8217;s Tour column<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8FnfhuQeMdMCotfxPmKW9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8FnfhuQeMdMCotfxPmKW9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8FnfhuQeMdMCotfxPmKW9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8FnfhuQeMdMCotfxPmKW9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8FnfhuQeMdMCotfxPmKW9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I never imagined it would happen&#8217; \u2013 What does it mean to win your first Tour de France Femmes stage? Two 2025 winners relive their victories<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5uMbabmoskBj3SV9sCnCH6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5uMbabmoskBj3SV9sCnCH6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5uMbabmoskBj3SV9sCnCH6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5uMbabmoskBj3SV9sCnCH6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5uMbabmoskBj3SV9sCnCH6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Rating every Tour de France team&#8217;s performance \u2013 The good, the great and the downright disappointing<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Battle of the brands: Which sponsors came out on top at the 2026 Tour de France?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s five-star Tour de France performance was his least stressful yet, and paved the way for his very promising successor &#8211; Philippa York analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;Pauline will be on the same level or better; we are only focused on ourselves&#8217; \u2013 Inside FDJ United-Suez and Demi Vollering&#8217;s preparation, mindset and ambitions for the Tour de France Femmes<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;Paul will win with us&#8217; \u2013 Decathlon CMA CGM hope Tour de France performance will convince Seixas to stay with French team beyond 2027<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I never wanted to walk away hating it&#8217; \u2013 Former New Zealand champion Kim Cadzow ends cycling career at 24<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Delving beyond the Mont Ventoux showstopper: Analysing the key stages of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;Five years ago I decided to take my own life. With support, I very narrowly avoided going through with it&#8217; \u2013 Why one cyclist is riding 4,000km after a stranger saved his life<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France Femmes\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Delving beyond the Mont Ventoux showstopper: Analysing the key stages of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-29T09:14:18Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n29 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">The iconic summit finish stands out on this year&#8217;s route, but where else will the race be won and lost? We analyse four key stages between Lausanne and Nice<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6P34ULi5EWxtDQmJBtFpkM-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6P34ULi5EWxtDQmJBtFpkM-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6P34ULi5EWxtDQmJBtFpkM-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6P34ULi5EWxtDQmJBtFpkM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6P34ULi5EWxtDQmJBtFpkM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6P34ULi5EWxtDQmJBtFpkM-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6P34ULi5EWxtDQmJBtFpkM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6P34ULi5EWxtDQmJBtFpkM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6P34ULi5EWxtDQmJBtFpkM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">The GC contenders of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes will be doing battle on these stages between Lausanne and Nice<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-99690534-8adc-11f1-87f5-c50172756628\">The biggest race of the season is upon us as the women&#8217;s peloton heads to Switzerland for the Tour de France Femmes, running August 1-9.<\/p>\n<p>The Women&#8217;s WorldTour has already visited La Vuelta Femenina and the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women, with the Alto de l&#8217;Angliru and the Colle delle Finestre both playing a starring role on the routes of the season&#8217;s first two Grand Tours.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-99690534-8adc-11f1-87f5-c50172756628-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Next week, another of cycling&#8217;s most fabled and challenging climbs is on the menu of the Tour de France Femmes route, with Mont Ventoux playing host to the final of stage 7.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Along with the 15.7km monster, there are plenty more challenges along the way from Lausanne to Nice, with a record 18,795 metres of elevation spread across the 1,175km of the race&#8217;s nine stages.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As part of our countdown to the Grand D\u00e9part, let&#8217;s take a look at four key stages which should decide the destination of the maillot jaune this August.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WvaM3oXSM6t4EcPf3LdRTM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WvaM3oXSM6t4EcPf3LdRTM-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France Femmes 2026 route from a Swiss Grand D\u00e9part, and Col d&#8217;Eze to Mont Ventoux<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France Femmes 2026 stage 9 preview<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France Femmes 2026 stage 7 preview<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-stage-4-gevrey-chambertin-dijon-tt-21km\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Stage 4: Gevrey-Chambertin &#8211; Dijon TT (21km)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bb7312ee-8ade-11f1-bde3-fd44db5ef91a\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sDK7K2wUvqPDSTFncVFCKH-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sDK7K2wUvqPDSTFncVFCKH-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sDK7K2wUvqPDSTFncVFCKH-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sDK7K2wUvqPDSTFncVFCKH-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sDK7K2wUvqPDSTFncVFCKH-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sDK7K2wUvqPDSTFncVFCKH-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The route profile of stage 4 of the Tour de France Femmes <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: ASO)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-fe64ec50-8adc-11f1-82eb-cd4616f1e028\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After the Swiss hilltop finish on the opening day, the race will head for a pair of sprinter-friendly stages on stages 2 and 3, with the latter bringing the race into France, even if the pair are challenging with a combined 4,300 metres of climbing.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The next big test comes on stage 4 with the first <em>significant<\/em> individual time trial in the Tour de France Femmes since the 22.6km closer in Pau three years ago \u2013 there was an ITT in the 2024 edition, as part of the double stage second day in Rotterdam, but it was only 6.3km.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-gwaLcqt2LAnnMRRFcyKsJV\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-gwaLcqt2LAnnMRRFcyKsJV slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This time around, the time trial comes earlier in the race to prevent the spectre of the race for yellow being a foregone conclusion as it was when Demi Vollering held on to win the GC by three minutes in 2023.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At 21km, this time trial is a similar length and features a similar climb in the middle. The 1.8km, 6.9% climb of the Lacets de Marsannay (three hairpins in the Marsannay ros\u00e9 wine-producing area of Burgundy) should provoke some major differences ahead of a 6km descent into Dijon, home of the famous mustard.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-fe6d7014-8ae1-11f1-9cf2-1f3d381919d5\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DQx5AdRn9jdNupxkuSPrbj-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DQx5AdRn9jdNupxkuSPrbj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DQx5AdRn9jdNupxkuSPrbj-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DQx5AdRn9jdNupxkuSPrbj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DQx5AdRn9jdNupxkuSPrbj-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DQx5AdRn9jdNupxkuSPrbj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Time trial world champion Marlen Reusser will show off her rainbow stripes on the road to Dijon <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a306ec78-8ae1-11f1-8f9f-736984634cfa\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s Dijon&#8217;s first time hosting a stage of the Tour de France Femmes, though the city did welcome a sprint finish of the men&#8217;s race in 2024, where Dylan Groenewegen triumphed. The next day was a time trial with several similarities to this stage, at 25km in length, with a hill in the middle, and concluding in Gevrey-Chambertin, which hosts the start of this stage.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">From a crucial TTT to double Alpe d&#8217;Huez \u2013 The key stages that will decide the Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AZnA2pmxW3JZarMPrPmg36-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AZnA2pmxW3JZarMPrPmg36-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">From a mountain time trial to the first visit to an iconic climb \u2013 Analysing the key stages of the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France Femmes contenders \u2013 Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot poised for fantastic duel with Ventoux finale<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This stage will give the top women&#8217;s racers a rare chance to take on a time trial, with the Giro and Tour de Suisse being the only Women&#8217;s WorldTour races to feature one so far in 2026.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Time trial world champion Marlen Reusser (Movistar) and under-23 world champion Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt (Canyon-SRAM) finished one-two, almost a minute clear of the rest, in Switzerland, and will be among the favourites once again. Meanwhile, Demi Vollering (FDJ United-SUEZ) and Anna van der Breggen (SD Worx-Protime) will also be among the ones to watch.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-stage-5-macon-belleville-en-beaujolais-140km\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Stage 5: M\u00e2con &#8211; Belleville-en-Beaujolais (140km)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bb731366-8ade-11f1-8972-6be681e43930\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gUG3mmGvcWRKmc8PzwxJKH-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gUG3mmGvcWRKmc8PzwxJKH-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gUG3mmGvcWRKmc8PzwxJKH-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gUG3mmGvcWRKmc8PzwxJKH-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gUG3mmGvcWRKmc8PzwxJKH-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gUG3mmGvcWRKmc8PzwxJKH-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The route profile of stage 5 of the Tour de France Femmes <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: ASO)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-fe64ed5e-8adc-11f1-90ab-070feac0befc\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There&#8217;s no let-up after the Tour&#8217;s test against the clock as the race heads south through the Beaujolais wine region and the hills of the Ard\u00e8che. Stage 5 (and 6, for that matter) is unlikely to decide the fate of the yellow jersey, but there&#8217;s certainly time to be won and lost here, and the GC favourites will have to stay alert against attacks.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On paper, stage 5 is the second-toughest day of the race, with 2,900 metres and eight classified climbs filling its 140km route. The stage, then, is comparable to Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge, which this year featured 10 climbs and 2,600 metres of elevation across 156km.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Expect plenty of attacking racing then, especially on the two later climbs of the Col de Durbize (3.6km at 5.8%) and Mont Brouilly (3km at 7.7%).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Both featured in a 2024 stage of the men&#8217;s Paris-Nice, though that day finished atop Mont Brouilly as Santiago Buitrago soloed to victory. A year earlier, the men&#8217;s Tour visited Belleville-en-Beaujolais for another hilly day out where Ion Izagirre converted a 30km solo into a win from the breakaway.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2c98e298-8aec-11f1-ab8f-9fbad4cb0526\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pHBqnFroxVMjynqmSTrEA6-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pHBqnFroxVMjynqmSTrEA6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pHBqnFroxVMjynqmSTrEA6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pHBqnFroxVMjynqmSTrEA6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pHBqnFroxVMjynqmSTrEA6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pHBqnFroxVMjynqmSTrEA6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Giro champion Demi Vollering and her FDJ team will be among those having to stay alert during this challenging hilly stage <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-2c98e310-8aec-11f1-84bd-9396a035d2c9\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Here, there will be challenges from the start in M\u00e2con. The first of three second-category ascents comes from the off with the 9.6km, 4.4% ascent of the C\u00f4te de Cenves. Five more climbs are packed into the first half of the stage, including another second-category hill, the Col de Gerbet (4.6km at 6.5%).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s unlikely that the winning move of the day will be made that early, given the climb sits 71.3km from the finish line. Between the hilly start and the previous day&#8217;s TT, though, there will be some sore legs heading into the finale.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A mostly downhill 10.6km run lies between that last climb at Mont Brouilly and the line. It looks like Tour organisers have cooked up an exciting stage here, with great potential for a battle between any late attackers and those chasing behind, with a GC battle surely on the cards.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-stage-7-la-voulte-sur-rhone-mont-ventoux-146-8km\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Stage 7: La Voulte-sur-Rh\u00f4ne &#8211; Mont Ventoux (146.8km)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bb7313de-8ade-11f1-bbb7-ff9b41523f6b\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The route profile of stage 7 of the Tour de France Femmes <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: ASO)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-fe64ee80-8adc-11f1-b5d3-772b31cb4389\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On stage 7, the Tour de France Femmes continues its traditions of challenging the women&#8217;s peloton with a new legendary climb every year. In the past three editions, the femmes have tackled the Col du Tourmalet, L&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez, and the Col de la Madeleine. Now it&#8217;s time for the giant of Provence, Mont Ventoux.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The bald mountain barely needs an introduction, having featured in 18 editions of the men&#8217;s Tour de France. Recent editions have seen Wout van Aert triumph on the double Ventoux day in 2021, while Valentin Paret-Peintre won the most recent of Ventoux&#8217;s summit finishes last summer.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The women&#8217;s race will hit the climb for the first time this August, but the women&#8217;s peloton has tackled Ventoux before.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In 2016, former Olympic champion Anna Kiesenhofer soloed to victory by almost four minutes in the Tour Cycliste F\u00e9minin International de l&#8217;Ard\u00e8che, while the mountain also hosted the only edition of the women&#8217;s Mont Ventoux D\u00e9nivel\u00e9 Challenge in 2022. On that day, the now-retired Marta Cavalli beat Clara Koppenburg to the top during her wonder year as Evita Muzic finished third.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Back in 2016, Kiesenhofer couldn&#8217;t convert her huge triumph into overall victory at the seven-stage 2.2-ranked race, and it remains to be seen if the Ventoux winner at this Tour will be able to do so. If the results of those &#8216;highlight mountains&#8217; in recent Tours are anything to go by, however, the Ventoux winner should be the favourite to wear yellow in Nice.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b5c9ee5a-8aeb-11f1-8544-894dc955229c\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/D2qgZc39sAeJPGcw7TrnmW-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/D2qgZc39sAeJPGcw7TrnmW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/D2qgZc39sAeJPGcw7TrnmW-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/D2qgZc39sAeJPGcw7TrnmW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/D2qgZc39sAeJPGcw7TrnmW-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/D2qgZc39sAeJPGcw7TrnmW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Valentin Paret-Peintre ascends to glory on Mont Ventoux during the men&#8217;s Tour de France last July <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-47162e6e-8ae7-11f1-81a4-8dd560e2f408\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Much of the day&#8217;s 3,500 metres of climbing comes with the final ascent, though there are challenges in the 127.6km before the road tilts up in B\u00e9doin. The second-category climbs of the Col de la Grande Limite (6.6km at 5%) and the Col de Suzette (3.9km at 6.4%) will soften up the legs before the big one.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The official climb begins shortly after B\u00e9doin at Saint-Est\u00e9ve, and the numbers involved from that point onwards are pretty grim. For the 15.7km to the top, the average gradient is 8.8%, with the first 8km rarely lower than 9%.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At Chalet Reynard, 10km in, the nature of the climb changes as the riders head out of the forest and into the open moonscape for the final run to the communications tower at the summit. Here, the riders are exposed to the elements, namely the Mistral wind, which can make the challenge even tougher depending on its direction (often a cross\/headwind).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The stage will host a GC spectacular, and possibly the decisive day of the Tour. Let&#8217;s hope that the winds up top aren&#8217;t so high as to cut the action short as they did in the men&#8217;s race a decade ago.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-stage-9-nice-nice-99-2km\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Stage 9: Nice &#8211; Nice (99.2km)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c5d2f3da-8ade-11f1-9ce9-f32317cc9fa3\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The route profile of stage 9 of the Tour de France Femmes <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: ASO)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-fe64efc0-8adc-11f1-b609-af25cd5d051b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As the Tour de France Femmes heads to its conclusion on day nine, it&#8217;s the Mediterranean city of Nice which follows on from La Planche des Belles Filles, Pau, L&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez, and Ch\u00e2tel to host the race&#8217;s grand finale.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Stage 9 is the shortest road stage of the race at 99.2km, and it&#8217;s hoped the day can mimic the often-explosive and dramatic finale of the men&#8217;s Paris-Nice.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The stage begins and ends in the city, with the famous coastal road, the Promenade des Anglais, hosting the finish. Standing between the riders and that finish line are 2,100 metres of climbing and four ascents of the Col d&#8217;Eze, the hill overlooking the city, which is the trademark of the Paris-Nice closer.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The hill has often hosted a time trial in Paris-Nice over the years, with Sean Kelly winning there five times, as well as a famous final day TT turnaround in 2015 for Richie Porte. Tour organisers will be hoping for small GC time gaps heading into the stage so the high drama of the March race can carry over to stage 9 this August.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a0289c94-8ae7-11f1-82ea-0581d55c0dc2\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFy8Bdd8gLfpBYQ2hW4MZS-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFy8Bdd8gLfpBYQ2hW4MZS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFy8Bdd8gLfpBYQ2hW4MZS-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFy8Bdd8gLfpBYQ2hW4MZS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFy8Bdd8gLfpBYQ2hW4MZS-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFy8Bdd8gLfpBYQ2hW4MZS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The Col d&#8217;Eze finale is steep, but not quite as steep as the Angliru, where Paula Blasi triumphed in May <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-47162f04-8ae7-11f1-8ff6-2539ffff1029\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The climbing comes from the very start here, so expect the cream to rise to the top early on and GC movement to get underway before the final climb. It&#8217;s up and down all day, with three ascents of the 7.7km, 5.9% climb packed into the opening 60km and only a couple of flat kilometres as they head back down into Nice after each descent.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The toughest challenge is saved for last as the riders head to the summit via a different road \u2013 the Chemin du Vinaigrier rather than the road past the C\u00f4te d&#8217;Azur Observatory. That final ascent is shorter but steeper, measuring 6km and an average of 7.6%. One of the early kilometres of that final climb measures in above a leg-breaking 12%, too.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As such, expect the best climbers and GC riders of the Tour to contend for victory here; think Vollering, Reusser, Niewiadoma-Phinney, Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot, Van der Breggen, Blasi, and more. Hopefully the race for yellow is one of seconds rather than minutes at this point.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fe64f060-8adc-11f1-954b-cf838acb34ef\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Support our unrivalled coverage of the Tour de France Femmes and women&#8217;s cycling by subscribing to <\/strong><em><strong>Cyclingnews<\/strong><\/em><strong>. In return, you get unlimited access to high-quality journalism, with breaking news, race analysis, and expert insight from inside the women&#8217;s peloton. Plus, the <\/strong><em><strong>Cyclingnews<\/strong><\/em><strong> app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-gwaLcqt2LAnnMRRFcyKsJV\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-gwaLcqt2LAnnMRRFcyKsJV slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Dani Ostanek<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Senior News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor, later being hired full-time. Her favourite races include Strade Bianche, the Tour de France Femmes, Paris-Roubaix, and Tro-Bro L\u00e9on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WvaM3oXSM6t4EcPf3LdRTM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WvaM3oXSM6t4EcPf3LdRTM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WvaM3oXSM6t4EcPf3LdRTM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WvaM3oXSM6t4EcPf3LdRTM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WvaM3oXSM6t4EcPf3LdRTM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France Femmes 2026 route from a Swiss Grand D\u00e9part, and Col d&#8217;Eze to Mont Ventoux<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France Femmes 2026 stage 9 preview<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France Femmes 2026 stage 7 preview<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From a crucial TTT to double Alpe d&#8217;Huez \u2013 The key stages that will decide the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AZnA2pmxW3JZarMPrPmg36-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AZnA2pmxW3JZarMPrPmg36-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AZnA2pmxW3JZarMPrPmg36-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AZnA2pmxW3JZarMPrPmg36-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AZnA2pmxW3JZarMPrPmg36-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From a mountain time trial to the first visit to an iconic climb \u2013 Analysing the key stages of the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France Femmes contenders \u2013 Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot poised for fantastic duel with Ventoux finale<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EuykcKHCRukC6UPNZT9aV-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EuykcKHCRukC6UPNZT9aV-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EuykcKHCRukC6UPNZT9aV-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EuykcKHCRukC6UPNZT9aV-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EuykcKHCRukC6UPNZT9aV-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Kristen Faulkner, Noemi R\u00fcegg join world champion on EF Education-Oatly&#8217;s Tour de France Femmes roster<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Last year&#8217;s victory doesn&#8217;t guarantee anything&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot set to defend Tour de France Femmes title with balanced Visma support squad<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dYSKXQQbM5pGANTZd79R9F-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dYSKXQQbM5pGANTZd79R9F-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dYSKXQQbM5pGANTZd79R9F-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dYSKXQQbM5pGANTZd79R9F-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dYSKXQQbM5pGANTZd79R9F-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I never wanted to walk away hating it&#8217; \u2013 Former New Zealand champion Kim Cadzow ends cycling career at 24<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TdVnoRVzkvcktwSjxZQSXM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TdVnoRVzkvcktwSjxZQSXM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TdVnoRVzkvcktwSjxZQSXM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TdVnoRVzkvcktwSjxZQSXM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TdVnoRVzkvcktwSjxZQSXM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">American Criterium Cup: Skylar Schneider and Lucas Bourgoyne sizzle in Chicago with sprint wins at Fulton Market Grand Prix<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Pauline will be on the same level or better; we are only focused on ourselves&#8217; \u2013 Inside FDJ United-Suez and Demi Vollering&#8217;s preparation, mindset and ambitions for the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JRw6CkvpotZyXhkVRoNWfH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JRw6CkvpotZyXhkVRoNWfH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JRw6CkvpotZyXhkVRoNWfH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JRw6CkvpotZyXhkVRoNWfH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JRw6CkvpotZyXhkVRoNWfH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Marlen Reusser to lead Movistar Team for Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Pauline will be on the same level or better; we are only focused on ourselves&#8217; \u2013 Inside FDJ United-Suez and Demi Vollering&#8217;s preparation, mindset and ambitions for the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgsG6RdPjcVNMQv9BFAcJa-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgsG6RdPjcVNMQv9BFAcJa-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgsG6RdPjcVNMQv9BFAcJa-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgsG6RdPjcVNMQv9BFAcJa-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgsG6RdPjcVNMQv9BFAcJa-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has proven he&#8217;s the best of all time, I don&#8217;t see anyone challenging him for another two years \u2013 Sean Kelly&#8217;s Tour column<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8FnfhuQeMdMCotfxPmKW9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8FnfhuQeMdMCotfxPmKW9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8FnfhuQeMdMCotfxPmKW9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8FnfhuQeMdMCotfxPmKW9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8FnfhuQeMdMCotfxPmKW9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I never imagined it would happen&#8217; \u2013 What does it mean to win your first Tour de France Femmes stage? Two 2025 winners relive their victories<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5uMbabmoskBj3SV9sCnCH6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5uMbabmoskBj3SV9sCnCH6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5uMbabmoskBj3SV9sCnCH6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5uMbabmoskBj3SV9sCnCH6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5uMbabmoskBj3SV9sCnCH6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Rating every Tour de France team&#8217;s performance \u2013 The good, the great and the downright disappointing<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gbWL8xZmpPALqeKGKkB7ch-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Battle of the brands: Which sponsors came out on top at the 2026 Tour de France?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SxFWtYXjE9RfzEwVnxSDYU-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s five-star Tour de France performance was his least stressful yet, and paved the way for his very promising successor &#8211; Philippa York analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;Pauline will be on the same level or better; we are only focused on ourselves&#8217; \u2013 Inside FDJ United-Suez and Demi Vollering&#8217;s preparation, mindset and ambitions for the Tour de France Femmes<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;Paul will win with us&#8217; \u2013 Decathlon CMA CGM hope Tour de France performance will convince Seixas to stay with French team beyond 2027<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I never wanted to walk away hating it&#8217; \u2013 Former New Zealand champion Kim Cadzow ends cycling career at 24<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Delving beyond the Mont Ventoux showstopper: Analysing the key stages of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;Five years ago I decided to take my own life. With support, I very narrowly avoided going through with it&#8217; \u2013 Why one cyclist is riding 4,000km after a stranger saved his life<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France Femmes\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Delving beyond the Mont Ventoux showstopper: Analysing the key stages of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-29T09:14:18Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n29 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">The iconic summit finish stands out on this year&#8217;s route, but where else will the race be won and lost? We analyse four key stages between Lausanne and Nice<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li 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newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-99690534-8adc-11f1-87f5-c50172756628\">The biggest race of the season is upon us as the women&#8217;s peloton heads to Switzerland for the Tour de France Femmes, running August 1-9.<\/p>\n<p>The Women&#8217;s WorldTour has already visited La Vuelta Femenina and the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women, with the Alto de l&#8217;Angliru and the Colle delle Finestre both playing a starring role on the routes of the season&#8217;s first two Grand Tours.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-99690534-8adc-11f1-87f5-c50172756628-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Next week, another of cycling&#8217;s most fabled and challenging climbs is on the menu of the Tour de France Femmes route, with Mont Ventoux playing host to the final of stage 7.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Along with the 15.7km monster, there are plenty more challenges along the way from Lausanne to Nice, with a record 18,795 metres of elevation spread across the 1,175km of the race&#8217;s nine stages.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As part of our countdown to the Grand D\u00e9part, let&#8217;s take a look at four key stages which should decide the destination of the maillot jaune this August.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WvaM3oXSM6t4EcPf3LdRTM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WvaM3oXSM6t4EcPf3LdRTM-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France Femmes 2026 route from a Swiss Grand D\u00e9part, and Col d&#8217;Eze to Mont Ventoux<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France Femmes 2026 stage 9 preview<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France Femmes 2026 stage 7 preview<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-stage-4-gevrey-chambertin-dijon-tt-21km\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Stage 4: Gevrey-Chambertin &#8211; Dijon TT (21km)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bb7312ee-8ade-11f1-bde3-fd44db5ef91a\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sDK7K2wUvqPDSTFncVFCKH-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sDK7K2wUvqPDSTFncVFCKH-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sDK7K2wUvqPDSTFncVFCKH-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sDK7K2wUvqPDSTFncVFCKH-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sDK7K2wUvqPDSTFncVFCKH-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sDK7K2wUvqPDSTFncVFCKH-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The route profile of stage 4 of the Tour de France Femmes <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: ASO)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-fe64ec50-8adc-11f1-82eb-cd4616f1e028\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After the Swiss hilltop finish on the opening day, the race will head for a pair of sprinter-friendly stages on stages 2 and 3, with the latter bringing the race into France, even if the pair are challenging with a combined 4,300 metres of climbing.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The next big test comes on stage 4 with the first <em>significant<\/em> individual time trial in the Tour de France Femmes since the 22.6km closer in Pau three years ago \u2013 there was an ITT in the 2024 edition, as part of the double stage second day in Rotterdam, but it was only 6.3km.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-gwaLcqt2LAnnMRRFcyKsJV\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-gwaLcqt2LAnnMRRFcyKsJV slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This time around, the time trial comes earlier in the race to prevent the spectre of the race for yellow being a foregone conclusion as it was when Demi Vollering held on to win the GC by three minutes in 2023.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At 21km, this time trial is a similar length and features a similar climb in the middle. The 1.8km, 6.9% climb of the Lacets de Marsannay (three hairpins in the Marsannay ros\u00e9 wine-producing area of Burgundy) should provoke some major differences ahead of a 6km descent into Dijon, home of the famous mustard.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-fe6d7014-8ae1-11f1-9cf2-1f3d381919d5\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DQx5AdRn9jdNupxkuSPrbj-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DQx5AdRn9jdNupxkuSPrbj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DQx5AdRn9jdNupxkuSPrbj-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DQx5AdRn9jdNupxkuSPrbj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DQx5AdRn9jdNupxkuSPrbj-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DQx5AdRn9jdNupxkuSPrbj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Time trial world champion Marlen Reusser will show off her rainbow stripes on the road to Dijon <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a306ec78-8ae1-11f1-8f9f-736984634cfa\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s Dijon&#8217;s first time hosting a stage of the Tour de France Femmes, though the city did welcome a sprint finish of the men&#8217;s race in 2024, where Dylan Groenewegen triumphed. The next day was a time trial with several similarities to this stage, at 25km in length, with a hill in the middle, and concluding in Gevrey-Chambertin, which hosts the start of this stage.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">From a crucial TTT to double Alpe d&#8217;Huez \u2013 The key stages that will decide the Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AZnA2pmxW3JZarMPrPmg36-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AZnA2pmxW3JZarMPrPmg36-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">From a mountain time trial to the first visit to an iconic climb \u2013 Analysing the key stages of the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France Femmes contenders \u2013 Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot poised for fantastic duel with Ventoux finale<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This stage will give the top women&#8217;s racers a rare chance to take on a time trial, with the Giro and Tour de Suisse being the only Women&#8217;s WorldTour races to feature one so far in 2026.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Time trial world champion Marlen Reusser (Movistar) and under-23 world champion Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt (Canyon-SRAM) finished one-two, almost a minute clear of the rest, in Switzerland, and will be among the favourites once again. Meanwhile, Demi Vollering (FDJ United-SUEZ) and Anna van der Breggen (SD Worx-Protime) will also be among the ones to watch.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-stage-5-macon-belleville-en-beaujolais-140km\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Stage 5: M\u00e2con &#8211; Belleville-en-Beaujolais (140km)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bb731366-8ade-11f1-8972-6be681e43930\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gUG3mmGvcWRKmc8PzwxJKH-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gUG3mmGvcWRKmc8PzwxJKH-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gUG3mmGvcWRKmc8PzwxJKH-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gUG3mmGvcWRKmc8PzwxJKH-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gUG3mmGvcWRKmc8PzwxJKH-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gUG3mmGvcWRKmc8PzwxJKH-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The route profile of stage 5 of the Tour de France Femmes <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: ASO)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-fe64ed5e-8adc-11f1-90ab-070feac0befc\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There&#8217;s no let-up after the Tour&#8217;s test against the clock as the race heads south through the Beaujolais wine region and the hills of the Ard\u00e8che. Stage 5 (and 6, for that matter) is unlikely to decide the fate of the yellow jersey, but there&#8217;s certainly time to be won and lost here, and the GC favourites will have to stay alert against attacks.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On paper, stage 5 is the second-toughest day of the race, with 2,900 metres and eight classified climbs filling its 140km route. The stage, then, is comparable to Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge, which this year featured 10 climbs and 2,600 metres of elevation across 156km.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Expect plenty of attacking racing then, especially on the two later climbs of the Col de Durbize (3.6km at 5.8%) and Mont Brouilly (3km at 7.7%).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Both featured in a 2024 stage of the men&#8217;s Paris-Nice, though that day finished atop Mont Brouilly as Santiago Buitrago soloed to victory. A year earlier, the men&#8217;s Tour visited Belleville-en-Beaujolais for another hilly day out where Ion Izagirre converted a 30km solo into a win from the breakaway.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2c98e298-8aec-11f1-ab8f-9fbad4cb0526\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pHBqnFroxVMjynqmSTrEA6-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pHBqnFroxVMjynqmSTrEA6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pHBqnFroxVMjynqmSTrEA6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pHBqnFroxVMjynqmSTrEA6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pHBqnFroxVMjynqmSTrEA6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pHBqnFroxVMjynqmSTrEA6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Giro champion Demi Vollering and her FDJ team will be among those having to stay alert during this challenging hilly stage <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-2c98e310-8aec-11f1-84bd-9396a035d2c9\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Here, there will be challenges from the start in M\u00e2con. The first of three second-category ascents comes from the off with the 9.6km, 4.4% ascent of the C\u00f4te de Cenves. Five more climbs are packed into the first half of the stage, including another second-category hill, the Col de Gerbet (4.6km at 6.5%).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s unlikely that the winning move of the day will be made that early, given the climb sits 71.3km from the finish line. Between the hilly start and the previous day&#8217;s TT, though, there will be some sore legs heading into the finale.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A mostly downhill 10.6km run lies between that last climb at Mont Brouilly and the line. It looks like Tour organisers have cooked up an exciting stage here, with great potential for a battle between any late attackers and those chasing behind, with a GC battle surely on the cards.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-stage-7-la-voulte-sur-rhone-mont-ventoux-146-8km\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Stage 7: La Voulte-sur-Rh\u00f4ne &#8211; Mont Ventoux (146.8km)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bb7313de-8ade-11f1-bbb7-ff9b41523f6b\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nZbHXVoSbyxvMedNR4MH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The route profile of stage 7 of the Tour de France Femmes <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: ASO)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-fe64ee80-8adc-11f1-b5d3-772b31cb4389\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On stage 7, the Tour de France Femmes continues its traditions of challenging the women&#8217;s peloton with a new legendary climb every year. In the past three editions, the femmes have tackled the Col du Tourmalet, L&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez, and the Col de la Madeleine. Now it&#8217;s time for the giant of Provence, Mont Ventoux.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The bald mountain barely needs an introduction, having featured in 18 editions of the men&#8217;s Tour de France. Recent editions have seen Wout van Aert triumph on the double Ventoux day in 2021, while Valentin Paret-Peintre won the most recent of Ventoux&#8217;s summit finishes last summer.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The women&#8217;s race will hit the climb for the first time this August, but the women&#8217;s peloton has tackled Ventoux before.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In 2016, former Olympic champion Anna Kiesenhofer soloed to victory by almost four minutes in the Tour Cycliste F\u00e9minin International de l&#8217;Ard\u00e8che, while the mountain also hosted the only edition of the women&#8217;s Mont Ventoux D\u00e9nivel\u00e9 Challenge in 2022. On that day, the now-retired Marta Cavalli beat Clara Koppenburg to the top during her wonder year as Evita Muzic finished third.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Back in 2016, Kiesenhofer couldn&#8217;t convert her huge triumph into overall victory at the seven-stage 2.2-ranked race, and it remains to be seen if the Ventoux winner at this Tour will be able to do so. If the results of those &#8216;highlight mountains&#8217; in recent Tours are anything to go by, however, the Ventoux winner should be the favourite to wear yellow in Nice.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b5c9ee5a-8aeb-11f1-8544-894dc955229c\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/D2qgZc39sAeJPGcw7TrnmW-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/D2qgZc39sAeJPGcw7TrnmW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/D2qgZc39sAeJPGcw7TrnmW-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/D2qgZc39sAeJPGcw7TrnmW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/D2qgZc39sAeJPGcw7TrnmW-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/D2qgZc39sAeJPGcw7TrnmW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Valentin Paret-Peintre ascends to glory on Mont Ventoux during the men&#8217;s Tour de France last July <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-47162e6e-8ae7-11f1-81a4-8dd560e2f408\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Much of the day&#8217;s 3,500 metres of climbing comes with the final ascent, though there are challenges in the 127.6km before the road tilts up in B\u00e9doin. The second-category climbs of the Col de la Grande Limite (6.6km at 5%) and the Col de Suzette (3.9km at 6.4%) will soften up the legs before the big one.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The official climb begins shortly after B\u00e9doin at Saint-Est\u00e9ve, and the numbers involved from that point onwards are pretty grim. For the 15.7km to the top, the average gradient is 8.8%, with the first 8km rarely lower than 9%.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At Chalet Reynard, 10km in, the nature of the climb changes as the riders head out of the forest and into the open moonscape for the final run to the communications tower at the summit. Here, the riders are exposed to the elements, namely the Mistral wind, which can make the challenge even tougher depending on its direction (often a cross\/headwind).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The stage will host a GC spectacular, and possibly the decisive day of the Tour. Let&#8217;s hope that the winds up top aren&#8217;t so high as to cut the action short as they did in the men&#8217;s race a decade ago.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-stage-9-nice-nice-99-2km\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Stage 9: Nice &#8211; Nice (99.2km)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c5d2f3da-8ade-11f1-9ce9-f32317cc9fa3\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLUgy5vBr5jFpGNTF66aMH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The route profile of stage 9 of the Tour de France Femmes <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: ASO)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-fe64efc0-8adc-11f1-b609-af25cd5d051b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As the Tour de France Femmes heads to its conclusion on day nine, it&#8217;s the Mediterranean city of Nice which follows on from La Planche des Belles Filles, Pau, L&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez, and Ch\u00e2tel to host the race&#8217;s grand finale.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Stage 9 is the shortest road stage of the race at 99.2km, and it&#8217;s hoped the day can mimic the often-explosive and dramatic finale of the men&#8217;s Paris-Nice.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The stage begins and ends in the city, with the famous coastal road, the Promenade des Anglais, hosting the finish. Standing between the riders and that finish line are 2,100 metres of climbing and four ascents of the Col d&#8217;Eze, the hill overlooking the city, which is the trademark of the Paris-Nice closer.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The hill has often hosted a time trial in Paris-Nice over the years, with Sean Kelly winning there five times, as well as a famous final day TT turnaround in 2015 for Richie Porte. Tour organisers will be hoping for small GC time gaps heading into the stage so the high drama of the March race can carry over to stage 9 this August.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a0289c94-8ae7-11f1-82ea-0581d55c0dc2\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFy8Bdd8gLfpBYQ2hW4MZS-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFy8Bdd8gLfpBYQ2hW4MZS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFy8Bdd8gLfpBYQ2hW4MZS-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFy8Bdd8gLfpBYQ2hW4MZS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFy8Bdd8gLfpBYQ2hW4MZS-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFy8Bdd8gLfpBYQ2hW4MZS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The Col d&#8217;Eze finale is steep, but not quite as steep as the Angliru, where Paula Blasi triumphed in May <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-47162f04-8ae7-11f1-8ff6-2539ffff1029\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The climbing comes from the very start here, so expect the cream to rise to the top early on and GC movement to get underway before the final climb. It&#8217;s up and down all day, with three ascents of the 7.7km, 5.9% climb packed into the opening 60km and only a couple of flat kilometres as they head back down into Nice after each descent.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The toughest challenge is saved for last as the riders head to the summit via a different road \u2013 the Chemin du Vinaigrier rather than the road past the C\u00f4te d&#8217;Azur Observatory. That final ascent is shorter but steeper, measuring 6km and an average of 7.6%. One of the early kilometres of that final climb measures in above a leg-breaking 12%, too.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As such, expect the best climbers and GC riders of the Tour to contend for victory here; think Vollering, Reusser, Niewiadoma-Phinney, Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot, Van der Breggen, Blasi, and more. Hopefully the race for yellow is one of seconds rather than minutes at this point.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fe64f060-8adc-11f1-954b-cf838acb34ef\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Support our unrivalled coverage of the Tour de France Femmes and women&#8217;s cycling by subscribing to <\/strong><em><strong>Cyclingnews<\/strong><\/em><strong>. In return, you get unlimited access to high-quality journalism, with breaking news, race analysis, and expert insight from inside the women&#8217;s peloton. Plus, the <\/strong><em><strong>Cyclingnews<\/strong><\/em><strong> app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/womens-cycling\/delving-beyond-the-mont-ventoux-showstopper-analysing-the-key-stages-of-the-2026-tour-de-france-femmes\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6P34ULi5EWxtDQmJBtFpkM-2001-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 &#8216;A death march, maybe the hardest Tour stage ever&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France stage 20 preview as the race heads back up Alpe d\u2019Huez 2 2026 Tour de France route &#8211; the complete stage-by-stage guide 3 Tour de France 2026 stage 18 preview &#8211; First of three summit finishes to ignite [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-2068187","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2068187","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2068187"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2068187\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2068187"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2068187"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2068187"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}