Justine Ghekiere of the AG Insurance Soudal team took victory in the seventh stage of the Tour de France Femmes, solidifying her lead in the Queen of the Mountains standings. With several climbs during the stage, Ghekiere was the last remaining runner in a breakaway that had started strong, showing stamina and strength as she distanced herself from the pack nearing the final climb of Le Chinaillon. Her success highlights the intense competition leading up to the race's major climbs.
Demi Vollering showed incredible determination, overtaking Kasia Niewiadoma in the last 200 metres to finish in third place, effectively cutting her deficit in the overall standings. This demonstrates the fierce competitiveness of this year's Tour de France Femmes, as she continues to challenge for the title against formidable rivals and aims to regain her championship title from previous years big climbs still lay ahead, potentially shifting the balance.
The stage unfolded over 166.4km through the northern Jura to Haute-Savoie, featuring five categorised climbs—including the tough Col de la Croix de la Serra, and culminating in the challenging Le Chinaillon. As the race wore on, tensions heightened among the leaders, particularly during the penultimate climb where the chasing pack was fragmented and the breakaway saw disruptions. Ghekiere’s performance not only illustrated her climbing prowess but also emphasized the strategic dynamics of stage racing with its ups and downs.
Marianne Vos sparked excitement as she led the race at one point, prompting other favorites to remain vigilant. The action of the day reflected a blend of strategy and grit as the peloton contended with fatigue from earlier climbs while navigating the aggressive tactics of their competitors. This stage was crucial as it set the stage for a climactic finish in the Tour de France Femmes, with challenging ascents ahead that would test all riders' abilities and resilience on the final day.
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