Tour de France Femmes: The Battle for Yellow Begins on Mont Ventoux

Mont Ventoux – 07/08/2026: The peloton of the Tour de France Femmes has set off on the seventh stage from La Voulte-sur-Rhône to Mont Ventoux. After six race days, Swiss rider Marlen Reusser of Movistar Team leads the general classification. However, the 146.8-kilometre mountain stage, with around 3,500 metres of elevation gain, moves the battle for the yellow jersey into terrain where time-trial prowess and tactical control offer only limited protection.

Mont Ventoux features for the first time in the modern Tour de France Femmes. After an undulating opening section through the Drôme and the passage by the Dentelles de Montmirail, the decision will come on the final climb from Bédoin. From there, it is 15.7 kilometres at an average gradient of 8.8 percent to the weather station at the summit. Above the tree line, there is no shade or shelter from the wind; on the widely visible switchbacks, weakness is difficult to hide.

Reusser takes the yellow jersey into terrain likely better suited to her main rival, Demi Vollering. The Dutch rider of FDJ United-Suez has repeatedly demonstrated her strength in the high mountains during long, sustained efforts. Reusser must control the pace for as long as possible with the help of her team and avoid finding herself without teammates too early on the steep sections. Positioning before the start of the climb could also prove decisive, as the fight for the front positions costs additional energy.

The sixth stage to Tournon-sur-Rhône on 6 August increased the pressure ahead of Ventoux. Kim Le Court Pienaar won the sprint from an eight-rider lead group for AG Insurance-Soudal. Reusser retained the overall lead, while Elisa Longo Borghini gained time on the Swiss rider in the eventful finale. The starting position therefore points against a straightforward duel between Reusser and Vollering.

With Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot and Longo Borghini, other contenders have the experience to launch or counter attacks in the high mountains. Even before the finale, the route crosses the Col de la Grande Limite, Col du Colombier, Col de Suzette and Col de la Chaîne. These climbs offer opportunities for early attacks, but can also be used to wear down the domestiques of the leading teams. Anyone who expends too much energy there is likely to pay the price on the exposed section above Chalet Reynard.

The organisers expect the finish on 7 August between 5:17 p.m. and 5:52 p.m., depending on race pace. At the time of publication, no result was yet available. For the first time in the race’s history, the general classification will therefore be tested on the nearly 1,900-metre-high road to the summit of Mont Ventoux.