Following yesterday’s challenging mountain stage, riders now face a hilly course today, though it won’t be any less demanding. Fatigue is mounting, with two more mountain stages ahead before the Tour de France Femmes concludes in Châtel this Sunday. Stage seven marks the race’s first venture into the Alps this year.
Covering nearly 160km, today’s route includes three categorized climbs in the latter half. After scaling the Col du Granier (8.9km at 5.4% average gradient), those vying for the stage win will navigate a rapid and technical descent into Chambéry. General classification riders will need strong positioning to gain or defend their time. Skilled descenders like Katarzyna Niewiadoma-Phinney (Canyon/SRAM) may target victory, along with Cédrine Kerbaol (EF Education-Oatly) and Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck). The yellow jersey wearer, Kim Le Court Pienaar, remains a strong contender, alongside rivals Pauline Ferrand-Prévot (Visma-Lease a Bike) and Demi Vollering (FDJ-Suez).
The race begins at 1:30 PM CET.
For a recap of yesterday’s stage, including Maëva Squiban’s (UAE Team ADQ) decisive move, read the full report from Ambert.
Read next
"Guardian Sport Weekend: Lions' Third Test, England vs. India, Women’s Open Action"
Rugby Union
11am Australia v British & Irish Lions live
The Lions enter the third and final Test against the Wallabies with a chance to secure a historic series sweep, an achievement not seen in decades. Lee Calvert will provide updates throughout. No Lions team has remained undefeated since Willie
Wallabies crush Lions' clean sweep bid in storm-lashed Sydney clash
Lions Fall Short as Wallabies Secure Series Finale
The hopes of a dominant tour for the British & Irish Lions came to an end as they suffered their first defeat in Australia on a rain-soaked evening in Sydney. The home side rose to the occasion, overcoming challenging weather and a
"Live: England vs India in fifth men's cricket Test, day three"
39th over: India 155-2 (Jaiswal 80, Akash Deep 51) Overton moves away from short-pitched deliveries, conceding just a single.
Guy Hornsby observes, "England will regret those dropped catches as the runs pile up, especially once Jaiswal reaches his century. Woakes’ absence was significant, though England managed well initially. Now,