The Tour de France Femmes kicked off with a thrilling start in Rotterdam, with key events including a feeding station negotiation, a breakaway that was quickly reeled in, and tense moments as the peloton navigated through the suburbs. With no breakaway so far, the pack of 154 riders faced challenging road conditions and high winds, leading to some punctures and wobbles. The race saw a crash before the start line, showcasing the tensions and competitiveness among the riders.
The stage, starting in Rotterdam and ending in The Hague, promised a fast-paced race with potential for a sprint finish or a breakaway victory. The highest point of the race will be the Col du Glandon at 1,924 meters, a challenging climb on the route to the Alpe. Team SD Worx-Protime aimed for the yellow jersey with Demi Vollering leading the charge, demonstrating their strength and determination to win the Tour de France Femmes again.
The race featured strong contenders, including Paris 2024 winner Kristen Faulkner, adding excitement and anticipation to the competition. With an impressive turnout of Dutch fans and a highly ambitious FDJ-Suez team, the Tour de France Femmes promised to be an exhilarating and competitive event, showcasing the best of women’s cycling.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com
