Marlen Reusser of Switzerland captured the yellow jersey for the first time in her career by winning the fourth stage of the Tour de France Femmes, a 21-kilometer time trial route from Gevrey-Chambertin to Dijon. The 34-year-old time trial world champion completed the course in 27 minutes and 30 seconds, establishing herself atop the general classification with a 14-second advantage over Netherlands rider Demi Vollering, who finished third in the stage.
Reusser’s performance proved decisive among the field competing in challenging conditions, with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius across eastern France. Lieke Nooijen of the Netherlands claimed second place in the stage, finishing four seconds behind Reusser, while 21-year-old British rider Zoe Backstedt, a junior world champion in time trial racing and a debutant at this tour, placed fourth, 20 seconds back from the stage winner.
The result represented a significant shift in the overall standings. Norway’s Sigrid Haugset, who had held the yellow jersey heading into the stage following a solo breakaway on Monday, dropped to fourth place overall after losing three minutes to Reusser. Defending champion Pauline Ferrand-Prevot of France also experienced difficulties in the heat, surrendering 2 minutes and 14 seconds to the leader.
Reusser indicated that she and her team had long targeted this particular stage as a key objective, even nicknaming their effort “Project Dijon” in reference to the mustard produced in the stage’s finishing town. Following her victory, the Swiss rider expressed satisfaction with the outcome of their planning and execution on the course.
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