{"id":2078263,"date":"2026-08-05T08:21:58","date_gmt":"2026-08-05T05:21:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2078263"},"modified":"2026-08-05T08:21:58","modified_gmt":"2026-08-05T05:21:58","slug":"pauline-ferrand-prevot-is-nowhere-near-done-but-dont-underestimate-marlen-reusser-in-yellow-tour-de-france-femmes-analysis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2078263","title":{"rendered":"Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot is nowhere near done, but don&#8217;t underestimate Marlen Reusser in yellow \u2013 Tour de France Femmes analysis"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVW99NC3pKAyAXPikP8E4P-2000-80.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\/Jne4kTcfwJoM4axXspMh87-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jne4kTcfwJoM4axXspMh87-80-80.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: Tour de France Femmes stage 4 time trial sparks big time gaps and creates a new GC battle\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\/t4yoWPhT7A6k44w4XM8pAh-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/t4yoWPhT7A6k44w4XM8pAh-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 stage 3 LIVE: An 85km solo attack is rewarded with the stage victory and the leader&#8217;s yellow jersey\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\/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-[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                                    As it happened: The GC riders fight for the stage 1 win in Lausanne but nobody can stop the fastest sprinter in the world\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>Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot is nowhere near done, but don&#8217;t underestimate Marlen Reusser in yellow \u2013 Tour de France Femmes analysis<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price <\/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=\"2026-08-05T08:21:58Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n5 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\"> Who won and who lost on the hot and challenging roads to Dijon<\/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\/QVW99NC3pKAyAXPikP8E4P-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVW99NC3pKAyAXPikP8E4P-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVW99NC3pKAyAXPikP8E4P-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVW99NC3pKAyAXPikP8E4P-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVW99NC3pKAyAXPikP8E4P-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVW99NC3pKAyAXPikP8E4P-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVW99NC3pKAyAXPikP8E4P-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVW99NC3pKAyAXPikP8E4P-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVW99NC3pKAyAXPikP8E4P-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\">Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot during the stage 4 individual time trial of the Tour de France Femmes<\/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-daa2f74a-9053-11f1-b2ca-99330e5fdc23\">On a time trial day, you can&#8217;t analyse the full results and consequences until every rider is finished, but you can usually get an idea of who is winning and who is losing quite early on, and stage 4 of the Tour de France Femmes was no different.<\/p>\n<p>The first sign of trouble was when Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot went through the first time check well down on not only the best TT riders, but plenty of her less savvy rivals in the discipline too. The answer to the long-held question of how good her TT was unfolded in front of our eyes, and the answer was &#8211; well, not very good.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-daa2f74a-9053-11f1-b2ca-99330e5fdc23-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Visma-Lease a Bike leader seemed to have a relatively upright position on the bike, ostensibly down to some old injuries that made a more aero tuck uncomfortable, and combined with her small stature and lack of TT practice, that didn&#8217;t make for a terribly impressive performance.<\/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\">It was also a tough day for Anna van der Breggen (SD Worx-Protime), who was nowhere near the TT level she showed at World Championships and then the Giro d&#8217;Italia, really just struggling round the course. More so than the time she lost, the fact that she is clearly not feeling good is probably the biggest blow to any overall ambitions she may have had, because this compressed race really gives you no time to feel bad and then recover.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On the flip side, the rider who quite quickly showed that they were on a very good day was Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney. The Canyon-SRAM rider and Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot featured in a lot of headlines pre-TT, mentioned as two GC riders who didn&#8217;t have the strongest history in the discipline. Yet whilst Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot faltered, Niewiadoma-Phinney seemed to pull out a level she&#8217;s never had before in the TT, beating a lot of the riders she hoped to just minimise her losses to. In many ways, I&#8217;d call the Polish rider the biggest winner of the day \u2013 because she hardly lost anything.<\/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\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Why a resurgent Marlen Reusser should be a real worry for Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot at the Tour de France Femmes \u2013 Analysis<\/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\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France Femmes contenders \u2013 Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot poised for fantastic duel with Ventoux finale<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/mY88DqJoWPkLxJD69Ugxja-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mY88DqJoWPkLxJD69Ugxja-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">On the back foot: defending champion Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot suffers major GC setback in Tour de France Femmes time trial<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Whilst not in the GC conversation, Lieke Nooijen also hugely impressed with a time that looked like it could even challenge for the win, beaten only by the World Champion Marlen Reusser (Movistar), as she delivered an effort that shows the serious strength and depth in the Visma-Lease a Bike squad.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And some riders performed pretty much exactly as we expected. Sigrid Haugset (Uno-X Mobility) lost the yellow jersey, but will keep memories of her win and day (or in this case half an hour) in yellow forever. Demi Vollering (FDJ United-SUEZ) finished third, which was at once good and unremarkable \u2013 she gained time on many rivals, but it felt so expected that she would do that that it hardly even felt like a big story. She sits only behind Reusser now, who also did exactly what we were all expecting: smoked the competition to storm to the stage win and take yellow.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-CHJFZr87skf3Exxc7vrNug\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-CHJFZr87skf3Exxc7vrNug 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<h2 id=\"reusser-in-the-driving-seat-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Reusser in the driving seat<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d72d32b2-9088-11f1-9afd-43ba8dbc277b\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/frgQgQycsEACibWhoDgaCd-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/frgQgQycsEACibWhoDgaCd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/frgQgQycsEACibWhoDgaCd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/frgQgQycsEACibWhoDgaCd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/frgQgQycsEACibWhoDgaCd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/frgQgQycsEACibWhoDgaCd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Marlen Reusser moved into the overall lead with her time trial triumph <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-daa2f970-9053-11f1-a115-bfaa5f408052\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Reusser said before this race began that she was always underrated as a GC rider, and the fact that she was immediately asked about whether she could try to hold yellow is evidence that the phenomenon is still ongoing. Because really, the answer is quite obviously yes, and if Vollering had gone into yellow, that&#8217;s probably not the question she would have faced.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But, for one reason or another, Reusser is still underrated, though I&#8217;m here to tell you that I think she&#8217;s in the driving seat of the Tour right now. A lot of teams and riders probably think that they can take time off her in the mountains, but I really wouldn&#8217;t be so sure.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This is a rider who has finished second overall in both of the other Grand Tours, climbed to seventh on the Colle delle Finestre on a bad day, and has one of the strongest \u2013 and most committed \u2013 teams around her. As a team Movistar are more than ready to help her through the hard stages, and her climbing ability is immense \u2013 anyone counting on her to simply get dropped on Mont Ventoux may be in for a shock.<\/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\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#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<\/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\/Jne4kTcfwJoM4axXspMh87-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jne4kTcfwJoM4axXspMh87-150-80.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\">As it happened: Tour de France Femmes stage 4 time trial sparks big time gaps and creates a new GC battle<\/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\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-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 quite like this scenario of having to go after them rather than being the favourite&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot down but not out after Tour de France Femmes time trial<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">When my colleagues and I were throwing in our pre-race predictions in Lausanne a few days ago, I gave Marlen Reusser as my winner. I feel only more certain that she&#8217;s on the right path to win now.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"who-suffered-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Who suffered?<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-5d4687b8-9089-11f1-8d57-7dd66fa69a9f\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gFRKAruNeDP3ScMxvVDPeF-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gFRKAruNeDP3ScMxvVDPeF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gFRKAruNeDP3ScMxvVDPeF-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gFRKAruNeDP3ScMxvVDPeF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gFRKAruNeDP3ScMxvVDPeF-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gFRKAruNeDP3ScMxvVDPeF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Isabella Holmgren is one of Lidl-Trek&#8217;s two GC options <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-daa2faa6-9053-11f1-9aec-efccdd874224\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Lidl-Trek are one of the teams that seem to have put the most resources into this TT, bringing in extra staff just for this day, but their two potential GC riders, Isabella Holmgren and Niamh Fisher-Black, lost two and three minutes respectively.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The German team have said they&#8217;re not necessarily aiming for GC, preferring to race every stage aggressively in search of a stage win, but today&#8217;s results likely put a dent in any hopes Holmgren and Fisher-Black had of perhaps still surfing into the top 10.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Elisa Longo Borghini had a good result, but the UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD rider probably ended the day thinking that it could have been even better, had she not had to stop for a bike change in the final two kilometres. She certainly didn&#8217;t suffer in the grand scheme of things, and probably had the third-best ride of the GC contenders, but annoyingly it could have been even better.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Fortunately for her, it&#8217;s a good sign that she&#8217;s feeling fit, and she&#8217;s one of the best-placed riders to take advantage of the punchy, Classics-style stages still to come that could actually end up as the key to this GC race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Kim Le Court-Pienaar (AG Insurance-Soudal) really struggled, seemingly unable to push the power that she wanted, and she&#8217;s the biggest mover on GC, slipping from second overall down to 15th at 2:15. Can she ride her way back into the top 10? Probably, but she is now racing from behind.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-ferrand-prevot-question-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot question<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-eb79e480-9089-11f1-98d8-cd7119075de7\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yBRm3Md7H9B8qXPyzVgrff-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yBRm3Md7H9B8qXPyzVgrff-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yBRm3Md7H9B8qXPyzVgrff-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yBRm3Md7H9B8qXPyzVgrff-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yBRm3Md7H9B8qXPyzVgrff-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yBRm3Md7H9B8qXPyzVgrff-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot will look to recoup major time lost on stage 4 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-daa2fc2c-9053-11f1-83b4-7df73006542f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A lot of people will probably put Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot in their list of who suffered today, but I&#8217;m not sure it is as simple as that. <\/p>\n<p>Yes, she had a pretty poor TT compared to pretty much all of her rivals but a colleague made the point to me in the press room that maybe we are comparing Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot to unfair standards. We&#8217;re contrasting her efforts to the likes of the TT World Champion in what is, literally, her first ITT since returning to the road after a long absence.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Of course, as a GC rider, it was important to look at how she would perform against her main rivals, but to say that she fell shy of any expectations doesn&#8217;t hold much water because, really, how could we have had any educated expectations?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The other thing is that a deficit of 2:13 actually feels pretty inconsequential when we think about the stages and challenges still to come. Her time loss was, probably, fairly expected in a discipline she hasn&#8217;t raced properly for years, in a far-from-ideal position as she struggled to get into a more aero set-up, but we actually haven&#8217;t seen anything to suggest she&#8217;s not feeling good in general.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We do have evidence that Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot is missing a little bit of punch and acceleration; she&#8217;s been saying that since the Classics and it&#8217;s evident at the Tour too. Still, whilst punch might make the difference in the opening stages, it&#8217;s not what&#8217;s going to be important on Ventoux.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That will be about threshold power and sustained efforts, and given Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot&#8217;s prowess on the climbs last year, where she gained over three minutes by the end of the race, it doesn&#8217;t seem unreasonable to think that she could take back 2:13 on that day alone.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This TT was always an unknown for Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot, her team and us. It&#8217;s now a known, but that doesn&#8217;t mean she&#8217;s done, far from it. The stages the Frenchwoman is able to capitalise on really are still to come, and her time gap to yellow is close enough that it might not be a barrier, but a source of fuel that adds to her fire.<\/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 Cyclingnews. 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><strong> Join today.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-CHJFZr87skf3Exxc7vrNug\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-CHJFZr87skf3Exxc7vrNug 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__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Matilda Price<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Assistant Features Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Matilda is an NCTJ-qualified journalist based in the UK who joined <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>in March 2025. Prior to that, she worked as the Racing News Editor at <em>GCN<\/em>, and extensively as a freelancer contributing to <em>Cyclingnews, Cycling Weekly, Velo, Rouleur, Escape Collective, Red Bull <\/em>and more. She has reported on the ground at all of the biggest events on the calendar, including the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Tours de France, the Giro d&#8217;Italia, the Vuelta a Espana, the Spring Classics and the World Championships. She has particular experience and expertise in women&#8217;s cycling, and women&#8217;s sport in general. She is a graduate of modern languages and sports journalism.<\/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\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why a resurgent Marlen Reusser should be a real worry for Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot at the Tour de France Femmes \u2013 Analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France Femmes contenders \u2013 Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot poised for fantastic duel with Ventoux finale<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/mY88DqJoWPkLxJD69Ugxja-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mY88DqJoWPkLxJD69Ugxja-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mY88DqJoWPkLxJD69Ugxja-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mY88DqJoWPkLxJD69Ugxja-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mY88DqJoWPkLxJD69Ugxja-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">On the back foot: defending champion Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot suffers major GC setback in Tour de France Femmes time trial<\/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\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I 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<\/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\/Jne4kTcfwJoM4axXspMh87-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jne4kTcfwJoM4axXspMh87-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jne4kTcfwJoM4axXspMh87-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jne4kTcfwJoM4axXspMh87-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jne4kTcfwJoM4axXspMh87-320-80.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\">As it happened: Tour de France Femmes stage 4 time trial sparks big time gaps and creates a new GC battle<\/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\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-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 quite like this scenario of having to go after them rather than being the favourite&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot down but not out after Tour de France Femmes time trial<\/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\/VbrsiULdcMqmPqoGGWyfGE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VbrsiULdcMqmPqoGGWyfGE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VbrsiULdcMqmPqoGGWyfGE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VbrsiULdcMqmPqoGGWyfGE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VbrsiULdcMqmPqoGGWyfGE-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 don&#8217;t expect that Marlen will explode&#8217; \u2013 FDJ United-SUEZ focus on keeping up the pressure after Demi Vollering moves into second overall at 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\/KzbWdhMzQzXnJuzUY76CK7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KzbWdhMzQzXnJuzUY76CK7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KzbWdhMzQzXnJuzUY76CK7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KzbWdhMzQzXnJuzUY76CK7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KzbWdhMzQzXnJuzUY76CK7-320-80.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 need to change the plan&#8217; \u2013 Anna van der Breggen&#8217;s Tour de France Femmes GC hopes thwarted as usual strength exposes weakness<\/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\/DFXEHTypGqc3MYYtuBzdAV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFXEHTypGqc3MYYtuBzdAV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFXEHTypGqc3MYYtuBzdAV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFXEHTypGqc3MYYtuBzdAV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFXEHTypGqc3MYYtuBzdAV-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 was maxing out the gears&#8217; &#8211; Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt falls short trying for first Tour de France Femmes stage win<\/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\/qKuivWybwLWa63dqcD3mfC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKuivWybwLWa63dqcD3mfC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKuivWybwLWa63dqcD3mfC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKuivWybwLWa63dqcD3mfC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKuivWybwLWa63dqcD3mfC-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\">From &#8216;Project Dijon&#8217; to &#8216;Project Nice&#8217; \u2013\u00a0New Tour de France Femmes leader Marlen Reusser ready to defend yellow to the end following time trial triumph<\/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\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-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 quite like this scenario of having to go after them rather than being the favourite&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot down but not out after Tour de France Femmes time trial<\/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\/ECTGMk5fpTqX7M8rUMYVji-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ECTGMk5fpTqX7M8rUMYVji-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ECTGMk5fpTqX7M8rUMYVji-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ECTGMk5fpTqX7M8rUMYVji-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ECTGMk5fpTqX7M8rUMYVji-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 found my flow&#8217; &#8211; Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney pulls out one of her best TTs ever to gain on several rivals at Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Despite being 10 years younger than the &#8216;big kids&#8217;, multi-discipline U23 talent Kylee Hanel thriving in &#8216;long, grueling races of gravel&#8217; with Leadville looming<\/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\/pXS2FwdCCZeSSHqSgQkBnJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXS2FwdCCZeSSHqSgQkBnJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXS2FwdCCZeSSHqSgQkBnJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXS2FwdCCZeSSHqSgQkBnJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXS2FwdCCZeSSHqSgQkBnJ-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\">A very Swiss start to the Tour de France Femmes, but what next for women&#8217;s cycling in Switzerland?<\/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\/giJmhtKs3iDDjcpqdNUPpV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/giJmhtKs3iDDjcpqdNUPpV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/giJmhtKs3iDDjcpqdNUPpV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/giJmhtKs3iDDjcpqdNUPpV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/giJmhtKs3iDDjcpqdNUPpV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France Femmes Tech Gallery: Lightweight parts, custom paint and a host of clever tech tricks<\/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\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-320-80.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\">Unstoppable? The five biggest challenges that Tadej Poga\u010dar will face at this year&#8217;s Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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\/ePxGEBDAcx43r8MiDvwGvn-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ePxGEBDAcx43r8MiDvwGvn-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ePxGEBDAcx43r8MiDvwGvn-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ePxGEBDAcx43r8MiDvwGvn-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ePxGEBDAcx43r8MiDvwGvn-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Five years in, this Tour de France Femmes looks like it will be the best edition yet<\/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\/QnpMiA23HXwhj3osep5Ur4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QnpMiA23HXwhj3osep5Ur4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QnpMiA23HXwhj3osep5Ur4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QnpMiA23HXwhj3osep5Ur4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QnpMiA23HXwhj3osep5Ur4-320-80.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\">Riders from Canada, Cuba, Mexico and USA among 13 North Americans in the 2026 Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/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\/QVW99NC3pKAyAXPikP8E4P-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVW99NC3pKAyAXPikP8E4P-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVW99NC3pKAyAXPikP8E4P-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVW99NC3pKAyAXPikP8E4P-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>Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot is nowhere near done, but don&#8217;t underestimate Marlen Reusser in yellow \u2013 Tour de France Femmes analysis<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;We don&#8217;t expect that Marlen will explode&#8217; \u2013 FDJ United-SUEZ focus on keeping up the pressure after Demi Vollering moves into second overall at Tour de France Femmes<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;We need to change the plan&#8217; \u2013 Anna van der Breggen&#8217;s Tour de France Femmes GC hopes thwarted as usual strength exposes weakness<\/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>&#8216;I was maxing out the gears&#8217; &#8211; Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt falls short trying for first Tour de France Femmes stage win<\/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>From &#8216;Project Dijon&#8217; to &#8216;Project Nice&#8217; \u2013\u00a0New Tour de France Femmes leader Marlen Reusser ready to defend yellow to the end following time trial triumph<\/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>Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot is nowhere near done, but don&#8217;t underestimate Marlen Reusser in yellow \u2013 Tour de France Femmes analysis<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price <\/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=\"2026-08-05T08:21:58Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n5 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\"> Who won and who lost on the hot and challenging roads to Dijon<\/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\/QVW99NC3pKAyAXPikP8E4P-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVW99NC3pKAyAXPikP8E4P-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVW99NC3pKAyAXPikP8E4P-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVW99NC3pKAyAXPikP8E4P-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVW99NC3pKAyAXPikP8E4P-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVW99NC3pKAyAXPikP8E4P-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVW99NC3pKAyAXPikP8E4P-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVW99NC3pKAyAXPikP8E4P-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVW99NC3pKAyAXPikP8E4P-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\">Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot during the stage 4 individual time trial of the Tour de France Femmes<\/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-daa2f74a-9053-11f1-b2ca-99330e5fdc23\">On a time trial day, you can&#8217;t analyse the full results and consequences until every rider is finished, but you can usually get an idea of who is winning and who is losing quite early on, and stage 4 of the Tour de France Femmes was no different.<\/p>\n<p>The first sign of trouble was when Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot went through the first time check well down on not only the best TT riders, but plenty of her less savvy rivals in the discipline too. The answer to the long-held question of how good her TT was unfolded in front of our eyes, and the answer was &#8211; well, not very good.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-daa2f74a-9053-11f1-b2ca-99330e5fdc23-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Visma-Lease a Bike leader seemed to have a relatively upright position on the bike, ostensibly down to some old injuries that made a more aero tuck uncomfortable, and combined with her small stature and lack of TT practice, that didn&#8217;t make for a terribly impressive performance.<\/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\">It was also a tough day for Anna van der Breggen (SD Worx-Protime), who was nowhere near the TT level she showed at World Championships and then the Giro d&#8217;Italia, really just struggling round the course. More so than the time she lost, the fact that she is clearly not feeling good is probably the biggest blow to any overall ambitions she may have had, because this compressed race really gives you no time to feel bad and then recover.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On the flip side, the rider who quite quickly showed that they were on a very good day was Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney. The Canyon-SRAM rider and Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot featured in a lot of headlines pre-TT, mentioned as two GC riders who didn&#8217;t have the strongest history in the discipline. Yet whilst Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot faltered, Niewiadoma-Phinney seemed to pull out a level she&#8217;s never had before in the TT, beating a lot of the riders she hoped to just minimise her losses to. In many ways, I&#8217;d call the Polish rider the biggest winner of the day \u2013 because she hardly lost anything.<\/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\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Why a resurgent Marlen Reusser should be a real worry for Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot at the Tour de France Femmes \u2013 Analysis<\/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\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France Femmes contenders \u2013 Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot poised for fantastic duel with Ventoux finale<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/mY88DqJoWPkLxJD69Ugxja-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mY88DqJoWPkLxJD69Ugxja-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">On the back foot: defending champion Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot suffers major GC setback in Tour de France Femmes time trial<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Whilst not in the GC conversation, Lieke Nooijen also hugely impressed with a time that looked like it could even challenge for the win, beaten only by the World Champion Marlen Reusser (Movistar), as she delivered an effort that shows the serious strength and depth in the Visma-Lease a Bike squad.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And some riders performed pretty much exactly as we expected. Sigrid Haugset (Uno-X Mobility) lost the yellow jersey, but will keep memories of her win and day (or in this case half an hour) in yellow forever. Demi Vollering (FDJ United-SUEZ) finished third, which was at once good and unremarkable \u2013 she gained time on many rivals, but it felt so expected that she would do that that it hardly even felt like a big story. She sits only behind Reusser now, who also did exactly what we were all expecting: smoked the competition to storm to the stage win and take yellow.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-CHJFZr87skf3Exxc7vrNug\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-CHJFZr87skf3Exxc7vrNug 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<h2 id=\"reusser-in-the-driving-seat-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Reusser in the driving seat<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d72d32b2-9088-11f1-9afd-43ba8dbc277b\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/frgQgQycsEACibWhoDgaCd-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/frgQgQycsEACibWhoDgaCd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/frgQgQycsEACibWhoDgaCd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/frgQgQycsEACibWhoDgaCd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/frgQgQycsEACibWhoDgaCd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/frgQgQycsEACibWhoDgaCd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Marlen Reusser moved into the overall lead with her time trial triumph <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-daa2f970-9053-11f1-a115-bfaa5f408052\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Reusser said before this race began that she was always underrated as a GC rider, and the fact that she was immediately asked about whether she could try to hold yellow is evidence that the phenomenon is still ongoing. Because really, the answer is quite obviously yes, and if Vollering had gone into yellow, that&#8217;s probably not the question she would have faced.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But, for one reason or another, Reusser is still underrated, though I&#8217;m here to tell you that I think she&#8217;s in the driving seat of the Tour right now. A lot of teams and riders probably think that they can take time off her in the mountains, but I really wouldn&#8217;t be so sure.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This is a rider who has finished second overall in both of the other Grand Tours, climbed to seventh on the Colle delle Finestre on a bad day, and has one of the strongest \u2013 and most committed \u2013 teams around her. As a team Movistar are more than ready to help her through the hard stages, and her climbing ability is immense \u2013 anyone counting on her to simply get dropped on Mont Ventoux may be in for a shock.<\/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\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#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<\/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\/Jne4kTcfwJoM4axXspMh87-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jne4kTcfwJoM4axXspMh87-150-80.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\">As it happened: Tour de France Femmes stage 4 time trial sparks big time gaps and creates a new GC battle<\/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\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-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 quite like this scenario of having to go after them rather than being the favourite&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot down but not out after Tour de France Femmes time trial<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">When my colleagues and I were throwing in our pre-race predictions in Lausanne a few days ago, I gave Marlen Reusser as my winner. I feel only more certain that she&#8217;s on the right path to win now.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"who-suffered-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Who suffered?<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-5d4687b8-9089-11f1-8d57-7dd66fa69a9f\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gFRKAruNeDP3ScMxvVDPeF-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gFRKAruNeDP3ScMxvVDPeF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gFRKAruNeDP3ScMxvVDPeF-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gFRKAruNeDP3ScMxvVDPeF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gFRKAruNeDP3ScMxvVDPeF-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gFRKAruNeDP3ScMxvVDPeF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Isabella Holmgren is one of Lidl-Trek&#8217;s two GC options <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-daa2faa6-9053-11f1-9aec-efccdd874224\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Lidl-Trek are one of the teams that seem to have put the most resources into this TT, bringing in extra staff just for this day, but their two potential GC riders, Isabella Holmgren and Niamh Fisher-Black, lost two and three minutes respectively.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The German team have said they&#8217;re not necessarily aiming for GC, preferring to race every stage aggressively in search of a stage win, but today&#8217;s results likely put a dent in any hopes Holmgren and Fisher-Black had of perhaps still surfing into the top 10.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Elisa Longo Borghini had a good result, but the UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD rider probably ended the day thinking that it could have been even better, had she not had to stop for a bike change in the final two kilometres. She certainly didn&#8217;t suffer in the grand scheme of things, and probably had the third-best ride of the GC contenders, but annoyingly it could have been even better.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Fortunately for her, it&#8217;s a good sign that she&#8217;s feeling fit, and she&#8217;s one of the best-placed riders to take advantage of the punchy, Classics-style stages still to come that could actually end up as the key to this GC race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Kim Le Court-Pienaar (AG Insurance-Soudal) really struggled, seemingly unable to push the power that she wanted, and she&#8217;s the biggest mover on GC, slipping from second overall down to 15th at 2:15. Can she ride her way back into the top 10? Probably, but she is now racing from behind.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-ferrand-prevot-question-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot question<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-eb79e480-9089-11f1-98d8-cd7119075de7\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yBRm3Md7H9B8qXPyzVgrff-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yBRm3Md7H9B8qXPyzVgrff-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yBRm3Md7H9B8qXPyzVgrff-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yBRm3Md7H9B8qXPyzVgrff-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yBRm3Md7H9B8qXPyzVgrff-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yBRm3Md7H9B8qXPyzVgrff-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot will look to recoup major time lost on stage 4 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-daa2fc2c-9053-11f1-83b4-7df73006542f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A lot of people will probably put Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot in their list of who suffered today, but I&#8217;m not sure it is as simple as that. <\/p>\n<p>Yes, she had a pretty poor TT compared to pretty much all of her rivals but a colleague made the point to me in the press room that maybe we are comparing Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot to unfair standards. We&#8217;re contrasting her efforts to the likes of the TT World Champion in what is, literally, her first ITT since returning to the road after a long absence.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Of course, as a GC rider, it was important to look at how she would perform against her main rivals, but to say that she fell shy of any expectations doesn&#8217;t hold much water because, really, how could we have had any educated expectations?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The other thing is that a deficit of 2:13 actually feels pretty inconsequential when we think about the stages and challenges still to come. Her time loss was, probably, fairly expected in a discipline she hasn&#8217;t raced properly for years, in a far-from-ideal position as she struggled to get into a more aero set-up, but we actually haven&#8217;t seen anything to suggest she&#8217;s not feeling good in general.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We do have evidence that Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot is missing a little bit of punch and acceleration; she&#8217;s been saying that since the Classics and it&#8217;s evident at the Tour too. Still, whilst punch might make the difference in the opening stages, it&#8217;s not what&#8217;s going to be important on Ventoux.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That will be about threshold power and sustained efforts, and given Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot&#8217;s prowess on the climbs last year, where she gained over three minutes by the end of the race, it doesn&#8217;t seem unreasonable to think that she could take back 2:13 on that day alone.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This TT was always an unknown for Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot, her team and us. It&#8217;s now a known, but that doesn&#8217;t mean she&#8217;s done, far from it. The stages the Frenchwoman is able to capitalise on really are still to come, and her time gap to yellow is close enough that it might not be a barrier, but a source of fuel that adds to her fire.<\/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 Cyclingnews. 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><strong> Join today.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-CHJFZr87skf3Exxc7vrNug\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-CHJFZr87skf3Exxc7vrNug 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__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Matilda Price<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Assistant Features Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Matilda is an NCTJ-qualified journalist based in the UK who joined <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>in March 2025. Prior to that, she worked as the Racing News Editor at <em>GCN<\/em>, and extensively as a freelancer contributing to <em>Cyclingnews, Cycling Weekly, Velo, Rouleur, Escape Collective, Red Bull <\/em>and more. She has reported on the ground at all of the biggest events on the calendar, including the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Tours de France, the Giro d&#8217;Italia, the Vuelta a Espana, the Spring Classics and the World Championships. She has particular experience and expertise in women&#8217;s cycling, and women&#8217;s sport in general. She is a graduate of modern languages and sports journalism.<\/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\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why a resurgent Marlen Reusser should be a real worry for Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot at the Tour de France Femmes \u2013 Analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France Femmes contenders \u2013 Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot poised for fantastic duel with Ventoux finale<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/mY88DqJoWPkLxJD69Ugxja-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mY88DqJoWPkLxJD69Ugxja-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mY88DqJoWPkLxJD69Ugxja-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mY88DqJoWPkLxJD69Ugxja-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mY88DqJoWPkLxJD69Ugxja-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">On the back foot: defending champion Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot suffers major GC setback in Tour de France Femmes time trial<\/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\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I 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<\/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\/Jne4kTcfwJoM4axXspMh87-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jne4kTcfwJoM4axXspMh87-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jne4kTcfwJoM4axXspMh87-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jne4kTcfwJoM4axXspMh87-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jne4kTcfwJoM4axXspMh87-320-80.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\">As it happened: Tour de France Femmes stage 4 time trial sparks big time gaps and creates a new GC battle<\/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\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-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 quite like this scenario of having to go after them rather than being the favourite&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot down but not out after Tour de France Femmes time trial<\/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\/VbrsiULdcMqmPqoGGWyfGE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VbrsiULdcMqmPqoGGWyfGE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VbrsiULdcMqmPqoGGWyfGE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VbrsiULdcMqmPqoGGWyfGE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VbrsiULdcMqmPqoGGWyfGE-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 don&#8217;t expect that Marlen will explode&#8217; \u2013 FDJ United-SUEZ focus on keeping up the pressure after Demi Vollering moves into second overall at 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\/KzbWdhMzQzXnJuzUY76CK7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KzbWdhMzQzXnJuzUY76CK7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KzbWdhMzQzXnJuzUY76CK7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KzbWdhMzQzXnJuzUY76CK7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KzbWdhMzQzXnJuzUY76CK7-320-80.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 need to change the plan&#8217; \u2013 Anna van der Breggen&#8217;s Tour de France Femmes GC hopes thwarted as usual strength exposes weakness<\/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\/DFXEHTypGqc3MYYtuBzdAV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFXEHTypGqc3MYYtuBzdAV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFXEHTypGqc3MYYtuBzdAV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFXEHTypGqc3MYYtuBzdAV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFXEHTypGqc3MYYtuBzdAV-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 was maxing out the gears&#8217; &#8211; Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt falls short trying for first Tour de France Femmes stage win<\/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\/qKuivWybwLWa63dqcD3mfC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKuivWybwLWa63dqcD3mfC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKuivWybwLWa63dqcD3mfC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKuivWybwLWa63dqcD3mfC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKuivWybwLWa63dqcD3mfC-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\">From &#8216;Project Dijon&#8217; to &#8216;Project Nice&#8217; \u2013\u00a0New Tour de France Femmes leader Marlen Reusser ready to defend yellow to the end following time trial triumph<\/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\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-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 quite like this scenario of having to go after them rather than being the favourite&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot down but not out after Tour de France Femmes time trial<\/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\/ECTGMk5fpTqX7M8rUMYVji-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ECTGMk5fpTqX7M8rUMYVji-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ECTGMk5fpTqX7M8rUMYVji-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ECTGMk5fpTqX7M8rUMYVji-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ECTGMk5fpTqX7M8rUMYVji-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 found my flow&#8217; &#8211; Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney pulls out one of her best TTs ever to gain on several rivals at Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Despite being 10 years younger than the &#8216;big kids&#8217;, multi-discipline U23 talent Kylee Hanel thriving in &#8216;long, grueling races of gravel&#8217; with Leadville looming<\/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\/pXS2FwdCCZeSSHqSgQkBnJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXS2FwdCCZeSSHqSgQkBnJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXS2FwdCCZeSSHqSgQkBnJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXS2FwdCCZeSSHqSgQkBnJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXS2FwdCCZeSSHqSgQkBnJ-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\">A very Swiss start to the Tour de France Femmes, but what next for women&#8217;s cycling in Switzerland?<\/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\/giJmhtKs3iDDjcpqdNUPpV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/giJmhtKs3iDDjcpqdNUPpV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/giJmhtKs3iDDjcpqdNUPpV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/giJmhtKs3iDDjcpqdNUPpV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/giJmhtKs3iDDjcpqdNUPpV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France Femmes Tech Gallery: Lightweight parts, custom paint and a host of clever tech tricks<\/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\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-320-80.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\">Unstoppable? The five biggest challenges that Tadej Poga\u010dar will face at this year&#8217;s Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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\/ePxGEBDAcx43r8MiDvwGvn-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ePxGEBDAcx43r8MiDvwGvn-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ePxGEBDAcx43r8MiDvwGvn-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ePxGEBDAcx43r8MiDvwGvn-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ePxGEBDAcx43r8MiDvwGvn-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Five years in, this Tour de France Femmes looks like it will be the best edition yet<\/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\/QnpMiA23HXwhj3osep5Ur4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QnpMiA23HXwhj3osep5Ur4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QnpMiA23HXwhj3osep5Ur4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QnpMiA23HXwhj3osep5Ur4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QnpMiA23HXwhj3osep5Ur4-320-80.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\">Riders from Canada, Cuba, Mexico and USA among 13 North Americans in the 2026 Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/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\/QVW99NC3pKAyAXPikP8E4P-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVW99NC3pKAyAXPikP8E4P-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVW99NC3pKAyAXPikP8E4P-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVW99NC3pKAyAXPikP8E4P-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>Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot is nowhere near done, but don&#8217;t underestimate Marlen Reusser in yellow \u2013 Tour de France Femmes analysis<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;We don&#8217;t expect that Marlen will explode&#8217; \u2013 FDJ United-SUEZ focus on keeping up the pressure after Demi Vollering moves into second overall at Tour de France Femmes<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div 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Nice&#8217; \u2013\u00a0New Tour de France Femmes leader Marlen Reusser ready to defend yellow to the end following time trial triumph<\/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>Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot is nowhere near done, but don&#8217;t underestimate Marlen Reusser in yellow \u2013 Tour de France Femmes analysis<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price <\/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=\"2026-08-05T08:21:58Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n5 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\"> Who won and who lost on the hot and challenging roads to Dijon<\/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 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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-daa2f74a-9053-11f1-b2ca-99330e5fdc23\">On a time trial day, you can&#8217;t analyse the full results and consequences until every rider is finished, but you can usually get an idea of who is winning and who is losing quite early on, and stage 4 of the Tour de France Femmes was no different.<\/p>\n<p>The first sign of trouble was when Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot went through the first time check well down on not only the best TT riders, but plenty of her less savvy rivals in the discipline too. The answer to the long-held question of how good her TT was unfolded in front of our eyes, and the answer was &#8211; well, not very good.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-daa2f74a-9053-11f1-b2ca-99330e5fdc23-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Visma-Lease a Bike leader seemed to have a relatively upright position on the bike, ostensibly down to some old injuries that made a more aero tuck uncomfortable, and combined with her small stature and lack of TT practice, that didn&#8217;t make for a terribly impressive performance.<\/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\">It was also a tough day for Anna van der Breggen (SD Worx-Protime), who was nowhere near the TT level she showed at World Championships and then the Giro d&#8217;Italia, really just struggling round the course. More so than the time she lost, the fact that she is clearly not feeling good is probably the biggest blow to any overall ambitions she may have had, because this compressed race really gives you no time to feel bad and then recover.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On the flip side, the rider who quite quickly showed that they were on a very good day was Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney. The Canyon-SRAM rider and Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot featured in a lot of headlines pre-TT, mentioned as two GC riders who didn&#8217;t have the strongest history in the discipline. Yet whilst Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot faltered, Niewiadoma-Phinney seemed to pull out a level she&#8217;s never had before in the TT, beating a lot of the riders she hoped to just minimise her losses to. In many ways, I&#8217;d call the Polish rider the biggest winner of the day \u2013 because she hardly lost anything.<\/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\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Why a resurgent Marlen Reusser should be a real worry for Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot at the Tour de France Femmes \u2013 Analysis<\/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\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France Femmes contenders \u2013 Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot poised for fantastic duel with Ventoux finale<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/mY88DqJoWPkLxJD69Ugxja-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mY88DqJoWPkLxJD69Ugxja-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">On the back foot: defending champion Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot suffers major GC setback in Tour de France Femmes time trial<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Whilst not in the GC conversation, Lieke Nooijen also hugely impressed with a time that looked like it could even challenge for the win, beaten only by the World Champion Marlen Reusser (Movistar), as she delivered an effort that shows the serious strength and depth in the Visma-Lease a Bike squad.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And some riders performed pretty much exactly as we expected. Sigrid Haugset (Uno-X Mobility) lost the yellow jersey, but will keep memories of her win and day (or in this case half an hour) in yellow forever. Demi Vollering (FDJ United-SUEZ) finished third, which was at once good and unremarkable \u2013 she gained time on many rivals, but it felt so expected that she would do that that it hardly even felt like a big story. She sits only behind Reusser now, who also did exactly what we were all expecting: smoked the competition to storm to the stage win and take yellow.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-CHJFZr87skf3Exxc7vrNug\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-CHJFZr87skf3Exxc7vrNug 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<h2 id=\"reusser-in-the-driving-seat-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Reusser in the driving seat<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d72d32b2-9088-11f1-9afd-43ba8dbc277b\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/frgQgQycsEACibWhoDgaCd-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/frgQgQycsEACibWhoDgaCd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/frgQgQycsEACibWhoDgaCd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/frgQgQycsEACibWhoDgaCd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/frgQgQycsEACibWhoDgaCd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/frgQgQycsEACibWhoDgaCd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Marlen Reusser moved into the overall lead with her time trial triumph <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-daa2f970-9053-11f1-a115-bfaa5f408052\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Reusser said before this race began that she was always underrated as a GC rider, and the fact that she was immediately asked about whether she could try to hold yellow is evidence that the phenomenon is still ongoing. Because really, the answer is quite obviously yes, and if Vollering had gone into yellow, that&#8217;s probably not the question she would have faced.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But, for one reason or another, Reusser is still underrated, though I&#8217;m here to tell you that I think she&#8217;s in the driving seat of the Tour right now. A lot of teams and riders probably think that they can take time off her in the mountains, but I really wouldn&#8217;t be so sure.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This is a rider who has finished second overall in both of the other Grand Tours, climbed to seventh on the Colle delle Finestre on a bad day, and has one of the strongest \u2013 and most committed \u2013 teams around her. As a team Movistar are more than ready to help her through the hard stages, and her climbing ability is immense \u2013 anyone counting on her to simply get dropped on Mont Ventoux may be in for a shock.<\/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\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#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<\/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\/Jne4kTcfwJoM4axXspMh87-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jne4kTcfwJoM4axXspMh87-150-80.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\">As it happened: Tour de France Femmes stage 4 time trial sparks big time gaps and creates a new GC battle<\/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\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-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 quite like this scenario of having to go after them rather than being the favourite&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot down but not out after Tour de France Femmes time trial<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">When my colleagues and I were throwing in our pre-race predictions in Lausanne a few days ago, I gave Marlen Reusser as my winner. I feel only more certain that she&#8217;s on the right path to win now.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"who-suffered-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Who suffered?<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-5d4687b8-9089-11f1-8d57-7dd66fa69a9f\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gFRKAruNeDP3ScMxvVDPeF-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gFRKAruNeDP3ScMxvVDPeF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gFRKAruNeDP3ScMxvVDPeF-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gFRKAruNeDP3ScMxvVDPeF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gFRKAruNeDP3ScMxvVDPeF-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gFRKAruNeDP3ScMxvVDPeF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Isabella Holmgren is one of Lidl-Trek&#8217;s two GC options <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-daa2faa6-9053-11f1-9aec-efccdd874224\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Lidl-Trek are one of the teams that seem to have put the most resources into this TT, bringing in extra staff just for this day, but their two potential GC riders, Isabella Holmgren and Niamh Fisher-Black, lost two and three minutes respectively.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The German team have said they&#8217;re not necessarily aiming for GC, preferring to race every stage aggressively in search of a stage win, but today&#8217;s results likely put a dent in any hopes Holmgren and Fisher-Black had of perhaps still surfing into the top 10.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Elisa Longo Borghini had a good result, but the UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD rider probably ended the day thinking that it could have been even better, had she not had to stop for a bike change in the final two kilometres. She certainly didn&#8217;t suffer in the grand scheme of things, and probably had the third-best ride of the GC contenders, but annoyingly it could have been even better.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Fortunately for her, it&#8217;s a good sign that she&#8217;s feeling fit, and she&#8217;s one of the best-placed riders to take advantage of the punchy, Classics-style stages still to come that could actually end up as the key to this GC race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Kim Le Court-Pienaar (AG Insurance-Soudal) really struggled, seemingly unable to push the power that she wanted, and she&#8217;s the biggest mover on GC, slipping from second overall down to 15th at 2:15. Can she ride her way back into the top 10? Probably, but she is now racing from behind.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-ferrand-prevot-question-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot question<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-eb79e480-9089-11f1-98d8-cd7119075de7\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yBRm3Md7H9B8qXPyzVgrff-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yBRm3Md7H9B8qXPyzVgrff-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yBRm3Md7H9B8qXPyzVgrff-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yBRm3Md7H9B8qXPyzVgrff-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yBRm3Md7H9B8qXPyzVgrff-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yBRm3Md7H9B8qXPyzVgrff-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot will look to recoup major time lost on stage 4 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-daa2fc2c-9053-11f1-83b4-7df73006542f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A lot of people will probably put Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot in their list of who suffered today, but I&#8217;m not sure it is as simple as that. <\/p>\n<p>Yes, she had a pretty poor TT compared to pretty much all of her rivals but a colleague made the point to me in the press room that maybe we are comparing Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot to unfair standards. We&#8217;re contrasting her efforts to the likes of the TT World Champion in what is, literally, her first ITT since returning to the road after a long absence.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Of course, as a GC rider, it was important to look at how she would perform against her main rivals, but to say that she fell shy of any expectations doesn&#8217;t hold much water because, really, how could we have had any educated expectations?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The other thing is that a deficit of 2:13 actually feels pretty inconsequential when we think about the stages and challenges still to come. Her time loss was, probably, fairly expected in a discipline she hasn&#8217;t raced properly for years, in a far-from-ideal position as she struggled to get into a more aero set-up, but we actually haven&#8217;t seen anything to suggest she&#8217;s not feeling good in general.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We do have evidence that Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot is missing a little bit of punch and acceleration; she&#8217;s been saying that since the Classics and it&#8217;s evident at the Tour too. Still, whilst punch might make the difference in the opening stages, it&#8217;s not what&#8217;s going to be important on Ventoux.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That will be about threshold power and sustained efforts, and given Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot&#8217;s prowess on the climbs last year, where she gained over three minutes by the end of the race, it doesn&#8217;t seem unreasonable to think that she could take back 2:13 on that day alone.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This TT was always an unknown for Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot, her team and us. It&#8217;s now a known, but that doesn&#8217;t mean she&#8217;s done, far from it. The stages the Frenchwoman is able to capitalise on really are still to come, and her time gap to yellow is close enough that it might not be a barrier, but a source of fuel that adds to her fire.<\/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 Cyclingnews. 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><strong> Join today.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/womens-cycling\/pauline-ferrand-prevot-is-nowhere-near-done-but-dont-underestimate-marlen-reusser-in-yellow-tour-de-france-femmes-analysis\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVW99NC3pKAyAXPikP8E4P-2000-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 As it happened: Tour de France Femmes stage 4 time trial sparks big time gaps and creates a new GC battle 2 Tour de France Femmes stage 3 LIVE: An 85km solo attack is rewarded with the stage victory and the leader&#8217;s yellow jersey 3 As it happened: The GC riders [&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-2078263","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\/2078263","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=2078263"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2078263\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2078263"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2078263"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2078263"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}