Marianne Vos of Visma-Lease a Bike achieved a remarkable victory in the opening stage of the Tour de France Femmes, held on July 23, 2023, in Plumelec. Vos outpaced fellow competitors, including Kim Le Court from AG Insurance-Soudal, to secure the stage win and claim the coveted first yellow jersey of the race.
The stage featured an uphill finish that tested the riders’ endurance. With approximately 700 meters remaining, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, also from Visma, launched an aggressive attack on the Côte de Cadoudal. Despite her strong effort, Vos was strategically positioned and received an effective leadout from her teammates, allowing her to maintain momentum.
As the peloton began to dwindle, Vos’ teammates took control with five kilometers to go. Ferrand-Prévot played a crucial role as the final leadout rider, setting the pace ahead of the finish. Although Anna van der Breggen of SD Worx-Protime attempted to close the gap, she was unable to catch Vos, who surged past Le Court in the final meters for the win.
Vos’ performance not only secured her the stage victory but also marked the beginning of a promising competition for the nine-day race. The Tour de France Femmes showcases the talents of elite female cyclists and highlights their dedication to the sport.
As the race progresses, fans and competitors alike will be watching closely to see how Vos defends her lead in the upcoming stages. More updates on the Tour de France Femmes will follow as the event unfolds.