Demi Vollering of FDJ-Suez will begin today’s fourth stage despite a serious fall on the way to Angers yesterday. The 2023 Tour de France Femmes winner avoids joining several top riders who have already left the race in the first three stages, including Marlen Reusser (Movistar), Charlotte Kool (Picnic PostNL), and Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ).
“Many teams and riders have lost respect in recent years, in both men’s and women’s cycling. Their behavior is unacceptable,” said Vollering’s team director, Stephen Delcourt, following the incident. The accomplished Dutch rider will likely endure discomfort after sustaining injuries to her back, knee, and glutes in the crash.
Meanwhile, Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease A Bike) reclaimed the overall lead after yesterday’s stage victory by Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-ProTime). Vos now holds a slim six-second advantage over Kim Le Court Pienaar (AG Insurance-Soudal) in second and 12 seconds ahead of her own teammate, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, in third. The small gaps ensure tense competition among the top contenders, with unexpected moves possible, especially in windy conditions.
The fourth stage covers 131 kilometers from Saumur to Poitiers and appears suited for sprinters. However, the category-four climb at Cote de Marigny, located 101.6 kilometers into the race, could encourage breakaway attempts. Still, sprinters’ teams and overall contenders are expected to keep a firm grip on the race.
The stage begins at 1.45pm UK time / 2.45pm local time.
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