Marlen Reusser Retained the Overall Lead Over Demi Vollering on Another Scorching Stage Through Central France

Kim Le Court of Mauritius sprinted to her second career Tour de France Femmes stage win in Tournon-sur-Rhone, outsprinting Cédrine Kerbaol of France and mountains classification leader Puck Pieterse after recovering from a mechanical issue on the Col de Lalouvesc. Marlen Reusser retained the overall lead over Demi Vollering on another scorching stage through central France. "I was on the limit, Le Court said.

"I can't believe I still had the legs to sprint. Pieterse extended her mountains lead to a record 47 points. Defending champion Pauline Ferrand-Prevot finished with the favourites after a difficult spell, though she remains 15th overall, five minutes back.

Friday's stage climbs Mont Ventoux, a first for the women's race. "It's the most iconic climb in France, Ferrand-Prevot said. Race director Marion Rousse said the route aims to align with "the most mythical summits.

Reusser dismissed past critics of women's cycling, saying, It's proof that human beings aren't always such a smart species. Nicole Cooke's 2006 Ventoux solo attack, which sealed her Grande Boucle Feminine victory, remains a landmark moment.