The fourth stage of the Tour de France Femmes, a highly anticipated 21-kilometre individual time trial from Gevrey-Chambertin to Dijon, delivered the first major test for the general classification.
Despite an unfortunate mechanical incident that affected Elisa Longo Borghini‘s final result, it was still an encouraging day for UAE Team L’IMAD, which produced another strong collective performance.
The stage was won by reigning world time trial champion Marlen Reusser (Movistar Team), who also claimed the yellow jersey as the new overall leader.
Elisa Longo Borghini delivered an impressive ride. The Italian rider posted the fourth-fastest time at the intermediate checkpoint, proving she was on course for a top result, before suffering a chain drop with around two kilometres remaining. The incident forced her to change bikes and cost her valuable seconds. Despite the setback, she still finished inside the top ten, placing tenth at 1:03 behind Reusser, underlining the quality of her performance.
Paula Blasi finished 11th, just 1:04 behind the stage winner, successfully defending the white jersey as the best young rider while extending her lead in the youth classification. Dominika Włodarczyk finished 18th at 1:22.
After four stages, Elisa Longo Borghini sits fifth overall, 1:03 behind Marlen Reusser. Paula Blasi is seventh at 1:12, while Dominika Włodarczyk holds 11th place, 1:59 off the lead.
Reflecting on the mechanical issue that compromised her result, Elisa Longo Borghini said: “It’s a shame because the performance was really good, but that’s cycling. You have to accept it and keep looking ahead. The Tour de France Femmes has only just begun and the road to Nice is still very long.”
Paula Blasi, who will wear the white jersey for a fourth consecutive day, added: “I’m really happy with my performance. I was a little worried after my crash before the National Championships, and also because I know Antonia Niedermaier is such a strong time trial rider. In the end, I managed my effort well and I’m delighted to keep wearing the white jersey.”
The race continues tomorrow with Stage 5, a demanding 140-kilometre route from Mâcon to Belleville-en-Beaujolais. Featuring a profile similar to a one-day Classic, it is expected to provide another exciting and unpredictable day of racing.
(ph. Getty Sport)
