Dutch cycling sensation Lorena Wiebes proved exactly why she is considered the most lethal sprinter in the women's peloton, surviving a late, punchy climb to capture the opening stage of the Tour de France Femmes and claim the first yellow jersey.
Tackling an 85.5-mile route that started and ended in the Swiss city of Lausanne, the Team SD Worx-Protime rider faced a brutal test just before the finish line. A 1.5-mile ascent with a 4.1% average gradient threatened to drop the pure sprinters, but Wiebes dug deep to remain with a select group of about 20 elite contenders.
With just 200 meters remaining, she unleashed her trademark acceleration, crossing the line a full bike length ahead of Mauritius' Kim le Court-Pienaar and defending 2023 champion Demi Vollering. Top general classification rivals, including Pauline Ferrand-Prevot, also finished safely in the lead group.
"I cannot believe it," Wiebes said following her thrilling finish. "Ferrand-Prevot went to the front and then Demi attacked, so I knew I had to follow. It was a long sprint, but I'm super-happy with it. I'm really happy with the support. The team fully believed in me. Even I had some doubts."
The triumph marks Wiebes' sixth career stage win at the Tour, further cementing her status as the rider with the most stage victories since the event rejoined the World Tour calendar in 2022. It will also be only her second time wearing the coveted yellow jersey.
Earlier in the day, France's Oceane Mahe secured the polka dot Queen of the Mountains jersey after attacking from a small breakaway to conquer the stage’s two category-three climbs. Meanwhile, British champion Pfeiffer Georgi finished 22 seconds adrift of Wiebes in 25th place.
This year's Tour de France Femmes features 147 riders navigating a grueling nine-stage course, which will notably include the race's first-ever summit finish on the legendary Mont Ventoux on stage seven.
The peloton will remain in Switzerland for Tuesday's second stage, a 91.9-mile flat run from Aigle to Geneva that promises another prime opportunity for sprinters like Wiebes to add to their tally.
Stage One Top Results:
- Lorena Wiebes (Team SD Worx-Protime) – 3:29:11
- Kim le Court-Pienaar (AG Insurance - Soudal Team) – Same time
- Demi Vollering (FDJ United - SUEZ) – Same time
- Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Premier Tech) – Same time
- Noemi Ruegg (EF Education-Oatly) – Same time