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The 2024 Tour de France Femmes has been action-packed, with significant developments altering the general classification standings. Here's a detailed look at what's happened so far and what to expect in the final stages.
Stage 1-3 Recap: Strong Starts and Early GC Contenders
Stage 1 (Rotterdam to The Hague, 123 km): Charlotte Kool of Team DSM-Firmenich took the first stage in a sprint, grabbing the yellow jersey.
Stage 2 (Dordrecht to Rotterdam, 69.7 km): Kool doubled down with another victory, keeping her hold on the yellow jersey.
Stage 3 (Rotterdam, 6.3 km ITT): Demi Vollering of Team SD Worx delivered a powerful performance in the time trial, taking over the yellow jersey and setting the stage for a strong GC run.
Stage 4: Shifts in the GC
In Stage 4 (Valkenburg to Liège, 122.7 km), the hilly terrain of the Ardennes saw Demi Vollering maintaining her lead with a strong performance, though the competition remained fierce among the top contenders.
Stage 5: A New Leader Emerges
Stage 5 was a turning point. The stage, which traveled from Bastogne to Amnéville over 152.5 km, saw Hungarian cyclist Blanka Vas win the stage in a dramatic finish. However, the big news was the crash involving Demi Vollering, which caused her to lose the yellow jersey. Kasia Niewiadoma took advantage, moving into the yellow jersey and becoming the new GC leader.
Stage 6-8: The Decisive Mountains
Stage 6 (Remiremont to Morteau, 159.2 km): This stage will be critical as the riders tackle several climbs, testing the legs of the GC contenders. Niewiadoma will look to defend her yellow jersey.
Stage 7 (Champagnole to Le Grand-Bornand, 166.4 km): A challenging mountain stage where climbers like Vollering, despite her crash, may try to reclaim time.
Stage 8 (Le Grand-Bornand to Alpe d'Huez, 149.9 km): The final stage will see riders take on the legendary climb to Alpe d'Huez, which is expected to be the ultimate decider for the yellow jersey.
As the Tour de France Femmes heads into the mountains, the GC battle is wide open. Kasia Niewiadoma holds the yellow jersey for now, but with challenging stages ahead, the race is far from over.
