Lara Gillespie claimed a brilliant third place in the sprint finish of Stage 4 at the Tour de France Femmes 2025, covering 130.7 km from Saumur to Poitiers. It’s the first career podium at the Tour for the 24-year-old Irish rider, finishing just behind two legends of the sport – Green Jersey Lorena Wiebes and Yellow Jersey Marianne Vos.
It was a day marked by strong teamwork and determination from UAE Team ADQ, as the peloton reeled in the breakaway with just 4 km to go, setting the stage for a fast and intense sprint. Thanks to a great collective effort, Gillespie was in perfect position to deliver a powerful finish and secure a well-deserved podium spot.
The result brings a much-needed morale boost for the team after an unlucky start to the race, with Elisa Longo Borghini forced to withdraw yesterday and Eleonora Gasparrini today due to illness. Despite the setbacks, the team stayed united and focused – and was rewarded with a podium that feels like a victory.
At the finish, an emotional Lara Gillespie shared: “It was a tough day again, with lots of wind, but I’m so proud of my team. Getting on the podium at the Tour de France Femmes means so much to me. Thank you to all the girls, to those guiding us from the car, and to the entire staff – it was an incredible day. I wasn’t feeling my best this morning, but everyone believed in me and supported me, and this amazing result is also thanks to them. Thank you girls!”
Tomorrow’s Stage 5 will take the peloton from Chasseneuil-du-Poitou (Futuroscope) to Guéret over 165.8 km – a more rolling stage likely to favour breakaway riders.
(ph. Getty Sport)
