{"id":2073427,"date":"2026-08-01T18:30:58","date_gmt":"2026-08-01T15:30:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2073427"},"modified":"2026-08-01T18:30:58","modified_gmt":"2026-08-01T15:30:58","slug":"a-little-personal-win-for-me-kim-le-court-pienaars-tour-de-france-femmes-gc-quest-off-to-a-good-start-as-best-of-the-rest-behind-unbeatable-wiebes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2073427","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;A little personal win for me&#8217; \u2013 Kim Le Court-Pienaar&#8217;s Tour de France Femmes GC quest off to a good start as &#8216;best of the rest&#8217; behind unbeatable Wiebes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-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\/NZrX8ZygXnCG4mMGCij7cP-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZrX8ZygXnCG4mMGCij7cP-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                                    As it happened: The GC riders fight for the stage win in Lausanne but nobody can stop the fastest sprinter in the world\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\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-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                                    Tour de France Femmes contenders \u2013 Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot poised for fantastic duel with Ventoux finale\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\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-160-80.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-80-80.png.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                                    &#8216;I pick my battle, and I choose the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Forget year-long dominance, Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot is all about delivering when it counts most\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>&#8216;A little personal win for me&#8217; \u2013 Kim Le Court-Pienaar&#8217;s Tour de France Femmes GC quest off to a good start as &#8216;best of the rest&#8217; behind unbeatable Wiebes<\/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>News<\/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=\"2026-08-01T18:30:58Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n1 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Mauritian champion best of the GC contenders in Lausanne with second place plus six bonus seconds<\/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\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-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\">Kim Le Court-Pienaar enjoyed a near-perfect start to the Tour de France Femmes in Lausanne<\/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-fad096ac-8dd4-11f1-85ac-37daf36cd709\">Kim Le Court-Pienaar may not have crossed the line first on the opening stage of the Tour de France Femmes, but the Mauritian champion called the outcome in Lausanne &#8220;a little personal win&#8221; as she finished second behind Lorena Wiebes.<\/p>\n<p>Most predictions before the Grand D\u00e9part placed the Dutch super-sprinter firmly at the top of the favourites list to take the yellow jersey on stage 1. She duly did that, darting clear of a lead group largely consisting of GC favourites to take her sixth career Tour stage win and wear yellow again, four years after her triumph in Paris.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fad096ac-8dd4-11f1-85ac-37daf36cd709-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">AG Insurance-Soudal leader Le Court-Pienaar has a trio of yellow jerseys hanging in her cupboard, having won stage 5 last year before finishing 16th overall in Ch\u00e2tel. Her sights are set higher this year, but she was pleased with her opening day result despite missing out on another yellow jersey.<\/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\">&#8220;We did what we could, and unfortunately, we knew that there was a 50-50 chance that Lorena could be there. So we know that when she&#8217;s there, it&#8217;s very hard to beat her,&#8221; Le Court-Pienaar told a group of reporters, including <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, after the stage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But I came second behind her, and I think that&#8217;s a little personal win for me. She&#8217;s the best sprinter in the world, so it&#8217;s good to know that I&#8217;m the best of the rest.&#8221;<\/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\/USWmXwaeCV4Nk3qpvg6w4K-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/USWmXwaeCV4Nk3qpvg6w4K-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\">&#8216;It wasn&#8217;t planned&#8217; \u2013 Kim Le Court-Pienaar back to full strength in Tour de Suisse breakaway after two-month injury layoff<\/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\/NsjeSbhYWNXiWVshUACcmB-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NsjeSbhYWNXiWVshUACcmB-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\">&#8216;I&#8217;ve not reached my absolute potential yet&#8217; \u2013 Kim Le Court-Pienaar sets sights on Tour de France Femmes top five after &#8216;shock to the system&#8217; success in 2025<\/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\/9GoXV4aeJGgiS4TgiFCUaN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9GoXV4aeJGgiS4TgiFCUaN-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: Lorena Wiebes claims stage 1 victory and first yellow jersey with commanding uphill sprint<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As if Le Court-Pienaar&#8217;s intentions for the week weren&#8217;t already clear, she warmed down on the time trial bike in Lausanne.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As a rider who made her name in the hills, the race against the clock isn&#8217;t her strongest suit \u2013 she finished 21st at the stage 4 time trial in June&#8217;s Tour de Suisse en route to fourth place overall \u2013 but she&#8217;s determined to figure in the GC battle, wherever she may end up.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Q4GNxib2pwsQd4QB4sXhdn\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Q4GNxib2pwsQd4QB4sXhdn 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\">&#8220;I think we were pretty clear that we&#8217;re coming here for the best possible GC position. Whether that&#8217;s a fifth, fourth, third, eighth, we&#8217;ll do the best we can,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We obviously want to hit the highest position possible, and I haven&#8217;t done a lot of time trials in the past, so I&#8217;m trying to get used to the bike as much as possible.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Le Court-Pienaar passed the first of nine tests at this year&#8217;s race, having avoided several crashes that littered the stage \u2013 including one which took down fellow GC contender Marlen Reusser. There were also challenging temperatures to deal with.<\/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\/LfV4WUgxGESDsKraRmufcL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LfV4WUgxGESDsKraRmufcL-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\">The GC standings at the Tour de France Femmes 2026 &#8211; The first yellow jersey goes to the fastest sprinter<\/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\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-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\">&#8216;Created the less stressful situation&#8217; &#8211; Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney&#8217;s &#8216;legs are good&#8217; as she slots in with best of rest after Tour de France Femmes opening stage<\/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\/A3ePqfdwqCHa9CWkNT7RgL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A3ePqfdwqCHa9CWkNT7RgL-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\">&#8216;Everything needs to be perfect&#8217;\u00a0\u2013 Lorena Wiebes eyes Tour de France Femmes yellow jersey in Swiss uphill opener<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The heat was really probably the hardest part of today. I wasn&#8217;t expecting to be this warm. I really struggled with that, but everyone&#8217;s in the same situation, so we just have to deal with the best we can,&#8221; she said, before talking about the tense day in the saddle and those crashes<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was crazy, very crazy. I think everyone was really tense from the start, but we expected it. It&#8217;s the first stage of the Tour de France Femmes, and most teams could win today, so I think that&#8217;s why it was really nervous.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Everyone was ready for it, but there were a few crashes. I got stuck behind one, but luckily none of us got caught up in it, and that&#8217;s the most important thing.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m happy to be here. I&#8217;ve trained really hard, and the girls have trained really hard as well. We&#8217;re really in a good space and really want to have a good week, so we&#8217;re here to make a statement. Hopefully we can do something special.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p 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 class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">CATEGORIES<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Teams &amp; Riders<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-Q4GNxib2pwsQd4QB4sXhdn\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-Q4GNxib2pwsQd4QB4sXhdn 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\/USWmXwaeCV4Nk3qpvg6w4K-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/USWmXwaeCV4Nk3qpvg6w4K-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/USWmXwaeCV4Nk3qpvg6w4K-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/USWmXwaeCV4Nk3qpvg6w4K-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/USWmXwaeCV4Nk3qpvg6w4K-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;It wasn&#8217;t planned&#8217; \u2013 Kim Le Court-Pienaar back to full strength in Tour de Suisse breakaway after two-month injury layoff<\/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\/NsjeSbhYWNXiWVshUACcmB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NsjeSbhYWNXiWVshUACcmB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NsjeSbhYWNXiWVshUACcmB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NsjeSbhYWNXiWVshUACcmB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NsjeSbhYWNXiWVshUACcmB-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&#8217;ve not reached my absolute potential yet&#8217; \u2013 Kim Le Court-Pienaar sets sights on Tour de France Femmes top five after &#8216;shock to the system&#8217; success in 2025<\/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\/9GoXV4aeJGgiS4TgiFCUaN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9GoXV4aeJGgiS4TgiFCUaN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9GoXV4aeJGgiS4TgiFCUaN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9GoXV4aeJGgiS4TgiFCUaN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9GoXV4aeJGgiS4TgiFCUaN-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: Lorena Wiebes claims stage 1 victory and first yellow jersey with commanding uphill sprint<\/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\/LfV4WUgxGESDsKraRmufcL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LfV4WUgxGESDsKraRmufcL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LfV4WUgxGESDsKraRmufcL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LfV4WUgxGESDsKraRmufcL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LfV4WUgxGESDsKraRmufcL-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\">The GC standings at the Tour de France Femmes 2026 &#8211; The first yellow jersey goes to the fastest sprinter<\/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\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-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;Created the less stressful situation&#8217; &#8211; Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney&#8217;s &#8216;legs are good&#8217; as she slots in with best of rest after Tour de France Femmes opening stage<\/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\/A3ePqfdwqCHa9CWkNT7RgL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A3ePqfdwqCHa9CWkNT7RgL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A3ePqfdwqCHa9CWkNT7RgL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A3ePqfdwqCHa9CWkNT7RgL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A3ePqfdwqCHa9CWkNT7RgL-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;Everything needs to be perfect&#8217;\u00a0\u2013 Lorena Wiebes eyes Tour de France Femmes yellow jersey in Swiss uphill opener<\/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\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-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;My goal is to compete at the pinnacle of the sport&#8217; \u2013 Kate Courtney gets a taste of the top with Tour de France Femmes visit with FDJ United-Suez<\/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\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-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\">What&#8217;s in a warning? \u2013 Looking into the consequences of a caution after Tour de France Femmes stage 1 report delivers lengthy list<\/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\/kZx7N3GMedv4wFmAeSKAvk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kZx7N3GMedv4wFmAeSKAvk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kZx7N3GMedv4wFmAeSKAvk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kZx7N3GMedv4wFmAeSKAvk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kZx7N3GMedv4wFmAeSKAvk-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\">UCI Gravel World Series: Lisa Bone takes solo win at Around the Pot, Matt Beers darts ahead of Cape Epic teammate Tristan Nortje<\/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\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-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;Created the less stressful situation&#8217; &#8211; Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney&#8217;s &#8216;legs are good&#8217; as she slots in with best of rest after Tour de France Femmes opening stage<\/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\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-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\">First yellow, but what about green? Lorena Wiebes cautious about points jersey ambitions in ultra tough 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\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-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;We never panicked&#8217; \u2013 Well-gelled Movistar avoid any repeat of first-day drama for Marlen Reusser at Tour de France Femmes after crash<\/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 News<\/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\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-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;My goal is to compete at the pinnacle of the sport&#8217; \u2013 Kate Courtney gets a taste of the top with Tour de France Femmes visit with FDJ United-Suez<\/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\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-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\">What&#8217;s in a warning? \u2013 Looking into the consequences of a caution after Tour de France Femmes stage 1 report delivers lengthy list<\/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\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-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;Created the less stressful situation&#8217; &#8211; Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney&#8217;s &#8216;legs are good&#8217; as she slots in with best of rest after Tour de France Femmes opening stage<\/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\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-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\">First yellow, but what about green? Lorena Wiebes cautious about points jersey ambitions in ultra tough 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\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-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;We never panicked&#8217; \u2013 Well-gelled Movistar avoid any repeat of first-day drama for Marlen Reusser at Tour de France Femmes after crash<\/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\/pduVrSbBhQ5tn3an23hwWo-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pduVrSbBhQ5tn3an23hwWo-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pduVrSbBhQ5tn3an23hwWo-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pduVrSbBhQ5tn3an23hwWo-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pduVrSbBhQ5tn3an23hwWo-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 think this whole Tour is going to be like this&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Demi Vollering&#8217;s less intense Tour de France Femmes preparation already paying dividends with opening stage time gain<\/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\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-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;My goal is to compete at the pinnacle of the sport&#8217; \u2013 Kate Courtney gets a taste of the top with Tour de France Femmes visit with FDJ United-Suez<\/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>UCI Gravel World Series: Lisa Bone takes solo win at Around the Pot, Matt Beers darts ahead of Cape Epic teammate Tristan Nortje<\/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;Created the less stressful situation&#8217; &#8211; Teamwork and &#8216;legs are good&#8217; as Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney slots in with best of rest after Tour de France Femmes opening stage<\/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>Tour de France Femmes 2026: All the yellow cards, fines, and penalties<\/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;With the parcours, I want to race more to my strengths&#8217; \u2013 Niamh Fisher-Black adjusts expectations for Tour de France Femmes<\/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>&#8216;A little personal win for me&#8217; \u2013 Kim Le Court-Pienaar&#8217;s Tour de France Femmes GC quest off to a good start as &#8216;best of the rest&#8217; behind unbeatable Wiebes<\/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>News<\/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=\"2026-08-01T18:30:58Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n1 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Mauritian champion best of the GC contenders in Lausanne with second place plus six bonus seconds<\/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\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-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\">Kim Le Court-Pienaar enjoyed a near-perfect start to the Tour de France Femmes in Lausanne<\/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-fad096ac-8dd4-11f1-85ac-37daf36cd709\">Kim Le Court-Pienaar may not have crossed the line first on the opening stage of the Tour de France Femmes, but the Mauritian champion called the outcome in Lausanne &#8220;a little personal win&#8221; as she finished second behind Lorena Wiebes.<\/p>\n<p>Most predictions before the Grand D\u00e9part placed the Dutch super-sprinter firmly at the top of the favourites list to take the yellow jersey on stage 1. She duly did that, darting clear of a lead group largely consisting of GC favourites to take her sixth career Tour stage win and wear yellow again, four years after her triumph in Paris.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fad096ac-8dd4-11f1-85ac-37daf36cd709-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">AG Insurance-Soudal leader Le Court-Pienaar has a trio of yellow jerseys hanging in her cupboard, having won stage 5 last year before finishing 16th overall in Ch\u00e2tel. Her sights are set higher this year, but she was pleased with her opening day result despite missing out on another yellow jersey.<\/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\">&#8220;We did what we could, and unfortunately, we knew that there was a 50-50 chance that Lorena could be there. So we know that when she&#8217;s there, it&#8217;s very hard to beat her,&#8221; Le Court-Pienaar told a group of reporters, including <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, after the stage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But I came second behind her, and I think that&#8217;s a little personal win for me. She&#8217;s the best sprinter in the world, so it&#8217;s good to know that I&#8217;m the best of the rest.&#8221;<\/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\/USWmXwaeCV4Nk3qpvg6w4K-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/USWmXwaeCV4Nk3qpvg6w4K-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\">&#8216;It wasn&#8217;t planned&#8217; \u2013 Kim Le Court-Pienaar back to full strength in Tour de Suisse breakaway after two-month injury layoff<\/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\/NsjeSbhYWNXiWVshUACcmB-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NsjeSbhYWNXiWVshUACcmB-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\">&#8216;I&#8217;ve not reached my absolute potential yet&#8217; \u2013 Kim Le Court-Pienaar sets sights on Tour de France Femmes top five after &#8216;shock to the system&#8217; success in 2025<\/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\/9GoXV4aeJGgiS4TgiFCUaN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9GoXV4aeJGgiS4TgiFCUaN-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: Lorena Wiebes claims stage 1 victory and first yellow jersey with commanding uphill sprint<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As if Le Court-Pienaar&#8217;s intentions for the week weren&#8217;t already clear, she warmed down on the time trial bike in Lausanne.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As a rider who made her name in the hills, the race against the clock isn&#8217;t her strongest suit \u2013 she finished 21st at the stage 4 time trial in June&#8217;s Tour de Suisse en route to fourth place overall \u2013 but she&#8217;s determined to figure in the GC battle, wherever she may end up.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Q4GNxib2pwsQd4QB4sXhdn\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Q4GNxib2pwsQd4QB4sXhdn 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\">&#8220;I think we were pretty clear that we&#8217;re coming here for the best possible GC position. Whether that&#8217;s a fifth, fourth, third, eighth, we&#8217;ll do the best we can,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We obviously want to hit the highest position possible, and I haven&#8217;t done a lot of time trials in the past, so I&#8217;m trying to get used to the bike as much as possible.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Le Court-Pienaar passed the first of nine tests at this year&#8217;s race, having avoided several crashes that littered the stage \u2013 including one which took down fellow GC contender Marlen Reusser. There were also challenging temperatures to deal with.<\/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\/LfV4WUgxGESDsKraRmufcL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LfV4WUgxGESDsKraRmufcL-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\">The GC standings at the Tour de France Femmes 2026 &#8211; The first yellow jersey goes to the fastest sprinter<\/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\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-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\">&#8216;Created the less stressful situation&#8217; &#8211; Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney&#8217;s &#8216;legs are good&#8217; as she slots in with best of rest after Tour de France Femmes opening stage<\/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\/A3ePqfdwqCHa9CWkNT7RgL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A3ePqfdwqCHa9CWkNT7RgL-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\">&#8216;Everything needs to be perfect&#8217;\u00a0\u2013 Lorena Wiebes eyes Tour de France Femmes yellow jersey in Swiss uphill opener<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The heat was really probably the hardest part of today. I wasn&#8217;t expecting to be this warm. I really struggled with that, but everyone&#8217;s in the same situation, so we just have to deal with the best we can,&#8221; she said, before talking about the tense day in the saddle and those crashes<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was crazy, very crazy. I think everyone was really tense from the start, but we expected it. It&#8217;s the first stage of the Tour de France Femmes, and most teams could win today, so I think that&#8217;s why it was really nervous.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Everyone was ready for it, but there were a few crashes. I got stuck behind one, but luckily none of us got caught up in it, and that&#8217;s the most important thing.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m happy to be here. I&#8217;ve trained really hard, and the girls have trained really hard as well. We&#8217;re really in a good space and really want to have a good week, so we&#8217;re here to make a statement. Hopefully we can do something special.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p 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 class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">CATEGORIES<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Teams &amp; Riders<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-Q4GNxib2pwsQd4QB4sXhdn\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-Q4GNxib2pwsQd4QB4sXhdn 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\/USWmXwaeCV4Nk3qpvg6w4K-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/USWmXwaeCV4Nk3qpvg6w4K-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/USWmXwaeCV4Nk3qpvg6w4K-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/USWmXwaeCV4Nk3qpvg6w4K-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/USWmXwaeCV4Nk3qpvg6w4K-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;It wasn&#8217;t planned&#8217; \u2013 Kim Le Court-Pienaar back to full strength in Tour de Suisse breakaway after two-month injury layoff<\/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\/NsjeSbhYWNXiWVshUACcmB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NsjeSbhYWNXiWVshUACcmB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NsjeSbhYWNXiWVshUACcmB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NsjeSbhYWNXiWVshUACcmB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NsjeSbhYWNXiWVshUACcmB-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&#8217;ve not reached my absolute potential yet&#8217; \u2013 Kim Le Court-Pienaar sets sights on Tour de France Femmes top five after &#8216;shock to the system&#8217; success in 2025<\/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\/9GoXV4aeJGgiS4TgiFCUaN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9GoXV4aeJGgiS4TgiFCUaN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9GoXV4aeJGgiS4TgiFCUaN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9GoXV4aeJGgiS4TgiFCUaN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9GoXV4aeJGgiS4TgiFCUaN-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: Lorena Wiebes claims stage 1 victory and first yellow jersey with commanding uphill sprint<\/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\/LfV4WUgxGESDsKraRmufcL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LfV4WUgxGESDsKraRmufcL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LfV4WUgxGESDsKraRmufcL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LfV4WUgxGESDsKraRmufcL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LfV4WUgxGESDsKraRmufcL-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\">The GC standings at the Tour de France Femmes 2026 &#8211; The first yellow jersey goes to the fastest sprinter<\/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\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-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;Created the less stressful situation&#8217; &#8211; Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney&#8217;s &#8216;legs are good&#8217; as she slots in with best of rest after Tour de France Femmes opening stage<\/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\/A3ePqfdwqCHa9CWkNT7RgL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A3ePqfdwqCHa9CWkNT7RgL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A3ePqfdwqCHa9CWkNT7RgL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A3ePqfdwqCHa9CWkNT7RgL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A3ePqfdwqCHa9CWkNT7RgL-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;Everything needs to be perfect&#8217;\u00a0\u2013 Lorena Wiebes eyes Tour de France Femmes yellow jersey in Swiss uphill opener<\/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\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-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;My goal is to compete at the pinnacle of the sport&#8217; \u2013 Kate Courtney gets a taste of the top with Tour de France Femmes visit with FDJ United-Suez<\/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\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-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\">What&#8217;s in a warning? \u2013 Looking into the consequences of a caution after Tour de France Femmes stage 1 report delivers lengthy list<\/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\/kZx7N3GMedv4wFmAeSKAvk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kZx7N3GMedv4wFmAeSKAvk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kZx7N3GMedv4wFmAeSKAvk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kZx7N3GMedv4wFmAeSKAvk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kZx7N3GMedv4wFmAeSKAvk-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\">UCI Gravel World Series: Lisa Bone takes solo win at Around the Pot, Matt Beers darts ahead of Cape Epic teammate Tristan Nortje<\/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\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-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;Created the less stressful situation&#8217; &#8211; Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney&#8217;s &#8216;legs are good&#8217; as she slots in with best of rest after Tour de France Femmes opening stage<\/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\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-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\">First yellow, but what about green? Lorena Wiebes cautious about points jersey ambitions in ultra tough 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\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-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;We never panicked&#8217; \u2013 Well-gelled Movistar avoid any repeat of first-day drama for Marlen Reusser at Tour de France Femmes after crash<\/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 News<\/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\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-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;My goal is to compete at the pinnacle of the sport&#8217; \u2013 Kate Courtney gets a taste of the top with Tour de France Femmes visit with FDJ United-Suez<\/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\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-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\">What&#8217;s in a warning? \u2013 Looking into the consequences of a caution after Tour de France Femmes stage 1 report delivers lengthy list<\/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\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-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;Created the less stressful situation&#8217; &#8211; Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney&#8217;s &#8216;legs are good&#8217; as she slots in with best of rest after Tour de France Femmes opening stage<\/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\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-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\">First yellow, but what about green? Lorena Wiebes cautious about points jersey ambitions in ultra tough 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\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-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;We never panicked&#8217; \u2013 Well-gelled Movistar avoid any repeat of first-day drama for Marlen Reusser at Tour de France Femmes after crash<\/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\/pduVrSbBhQ5tn3an23hwWo-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pduVrSbBhQ5tn3an23hwWo-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pduVrSbBhQ5tn3an23hwWo-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pduVrSbBhQ5tn3an23hwWo-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pduVrSbBhQ5tn3an23hwWo-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 think this whole Tour is going to be like this&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Demi Vollering&#8217;s less intense Tour de France Femmes preparation already paying dividends with opening stage time gain<\/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\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-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;My goal is to compete at the pinnacle of the sport&#8217; \u2013 Kate Courtney gets a taste of the top with Tour de France Femmes visit with FDJ United-Suez<\/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>UCI Gravel World Series: Lisa Bone takes solo win at Around the Pot, Matt Beers darts ahead of Cape Epic teammate Tristan Nortje<\/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;Created the less stressful situation&#8217; &#8211; Teamwork and &#8216;legs are good&#8217; as Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney slots in with best of rest after Tour de France Femmes opening stage<\/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>Tour de France Femmes 2026: All the yellow cards, fines, and penalties<\/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;With the parcours, I want to race more to my strengths&#8217; \u2013 Niamh Fisher-Black adjusts expectations for Tour de France Femmes<\/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>&#8216;A little personal win for me&#8217; \u2013 Kim Le Court-Pienaar&#8217;s Tour de France Femmes GC quest off to a good start as &#8216;best of the rest&#8217; behind unbeatable Wiebes<\/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>News<\/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=\"2026-08-01T18:30:58Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n1 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Mauritian champion best of the GC contenders in Lausanne with second place plus six bonus seconds<\/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 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-fad096ac-8dd4-11f1-85ac-37daf36cd709\">Kim Le Court-Pienaar may not have crossed the line first on the opening stage of the Tour de France Femmes, but the Mauritian champion called the outcome in Lausanne &#8220;a little personal win&#8221; as she finished second behind Lorena Wiebes.<\/p>\n<p>Most predictions before the Grand D\u00e9part placed the Dutch super-sprinter firmly at the top of the favourites list to take the yellow jersey on stage 1. She duly did that, darting clear of a lead group largely consisting of GC favourites to take her sixth career Tour stage win and wear yellow again, four years after her triumph in Paris.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fad096ac-8dd4-11f1-85ac-37daf36cd709-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">AG Insurance-Soudal leader Le Court-Pienaar has a trio of yellow jerseys hanging in her cupboard, having won stage 5 last year before finishing 16th overall in Ch\u00e2tel. Her sights are set higher this year, but she was pleased with her opening day result despite missing out on another yellow jersey.<\/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\">&#8220;We did what we could, and unfortunately, we knew that there was a 50-50 chance that Lorena could be there. So we know that when she&#8217;s there, it&#8217;s very hard to beat her,&#8221; Le Court-Pienaar told a group of reporters, including <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, after the stage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But I came second behind her, and I think that&#8217;s a little personal win for me. She&#8217;s the best sprinter in the world, so it&#8217;s good to know that I&#8217;m the best of the rest.&#8221;<\/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\/USWmXwaeCV4Nk3qpvg6w4K-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/USWmXwaeCV4Nk3qpvg6w4K-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\">&#8216;It wasn&#8217;t planned&#8217; \u2013 Kim Le Court-Pienaar back to full strength in Tour de Suisse breakaway after two-month injury layoff<\/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\/NsjeSbhYWNXiWVshUACcmB-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NsjeSbhYWNXiWVshUACcmB-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\">&#8216;I&#8217;ve not reached my absolute potential yet&#8217; \u2013 Kim Le Court-Pienaar sets sights on Tour de France Femmes top five after &#8216;shock to the system&#8217; success in 2025<\/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\/9GoXV4aeJGgiS4TgiFCUaN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9GoXV4aeJGgiS4TgiFCUaN-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: Lorena Wiebes claims stage 1 victory and first yellow jersey with commanding uphill sprint<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As if Le Court-Pienaar&#8217;s intentions for the week weren&#8217;t already clear, she warmed down on the time trial bike in Lausanne.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As a rider who made her name in the hills, the race against the clock isn&#8217;t her strongest suit \u2013 she finished 21st at the stage 4 time trial in June&#8217;s Tour de Suisse en route to fourth place overall \u2013 but she&#8217;s determined to figure in the GC battle, wherever she may end up.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Q4GNxib2pwsQd4QB4sXhdn\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Q4GNxib2pwsQd4QB4sXhdn 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\">&#8220;I think we were pretty clear that we&#8217;re coming here for the best possible GC position. Whether that&#8217;s a fifth, fourth, third, eighth, we&#8217;ll do the best we can,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We obviously want to hit the highest position possible, and I haven&#8217;t done a lot of time trials in the past, so I&#8217;m trying to get used to the bike as much as possible.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Le Court-Pienaar passed the first of nine tests at this year&#8217;s race, having avoided several crashes that littered the stage \u2013 including one which took down fellow GC contender Marlen Reusser. There were also challenging temperatures to deal with.<\/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\/LfV4WUgxGESDsKraRmufcL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LfV4WUgxGESDsKraRmufcL-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\">The GC standings at the Tour de France Femmes 2026 &#8211; The first yellow jersey goes to the fastest sprinter<\/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\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-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\">&#8216;Created the less stressful situation&#8217; &#8211; Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney&#8217;s &#8216;legs are good&#8217; as she slots in with best of rest after Tour de France Femmes opening stage<\/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\/A3ePqfdwqCHa9CWkNT7RgL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A3ePqfdwqCHa9CWkNT7RgL-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\">&#8216;Everything needs to be perfect&#8217;\u00a0\u2013 Lorena Wiebes eyes Tour de France Femmes yellow jersey in Swiss uphill opener<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The heat was really probably the hardest part of today. I wasn&#8217;t expecting to be this warm. I really struggled with that, but everyone&#8217;s in the same situation, so we just have to deal with the best we can,&#8221; she said, before talking about the tense day in the saddle and those crashes<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was crazy, very crazy. I think everyone was really tense from the start, but we expected it. It&#8217;s the first stage of the Tour de France Femmes, and most teams could win today, so I think that&#8217;s why it was really nervous.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Everyone was ready for it, but there were a few crashes. I got stuck behind one, but luckily none of us got caught up in it, and that&#8217;s the most important thing.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m happy to be here. I&#8217;ve trained really hard, and the girls have trained really hard as well. We&#8217;re really in a good space and really want to have a good week, so we&#8217;re here to make a statement. Hopefully we can do something special.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p 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\/a-little-personal-win-for-me-kim-le-court-pienaars-tour-de-france-femmes-gc-quest-off-to-a-good-start-as-best-of-the-rest-behind-unbeatable-wiebes\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-2001-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 As it happened: The GC riders fight for the stage win in Lausanne but nobody can stop the fastest sprinter in the world 2 Tour de France Femmes contenders \u2013 Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot poised for fantastic duel with Ventoux finale 3 &#8216;I pick my battle, and I choose the [&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-2073427","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\/2073427","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=2073427"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2073427\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2073427"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2073427"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2073427"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}