Noskova Commands Break in Lausanne, Spratt and Rijnbeek Chase as Coupland Crashes

Nikola Noskova, riding for Cofidis, currently commands the breakaway on stage one of the Tour de France Femmes, extending her lead over Océane Mahé, Maud Rijnbeek and Idoia Eraso Lasa. With 6 minutes separating her from the peloton, the Czech rider is expertly conserving energy, employing a relentless tempo and utilizing powerful pedal strokes to maintain her position. A significant crash involving Mackenzie Coupland (Liv AlUla Jayco) earlier in the stage added to the drama, highlighting the inherent risks of the race. The race is currently unfolding on the Côte de Villars-le-Comte, a category-three climb, with crucial points up for grabs.

10:10 EDT

Noskova has secured three points atop the Côte de Châbles, followed by Eraso Lasa and Rijnbeek. This solidifies Mahé’s lead in the QOM jersey, boasting six out of a possible six climbing points so far. The pursuit is intensifying, with the peloton steadily closing the gap.

9:55 EDT

A notable crash occurred in the peloton, involving several riders. Thankfully, initial reports indicate no serious injuries, and the riders are back in action, though Alison Jackson has fallen significantly behind, struggling to rejoin the main group. Her determination to remain competitive is evident.

9:49 EDT

Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx) expressed her eagerness for the stage, stating she’s prepared to “suffer as much as possible during the final kilometres” to aim for a sprint victory. The climb to come promises a challenging test for all contenders.

9:36 EDT

The peloton is now ascending the Côte de Villars-le-Comte, a category-three climb. With 54.6km remaining to the finish in Lausanne, the battle for the QOM jersey continues, with Mahé looking well-positioned to secure the coveted jersey. France’s Mahe leads Spain’s Lasa and Czech Republic’s Noskova.

9:29 EDT

The gap between the breakaway and the peloton stands at 4 minutes. Jackson continues to chase, alone, and she’s 20 seconds down. This is a real test of grit and determination.

9:16 EDT

A large group of 16 riders has been dropped by the main bunch. The peloton currently consists of 126 riders, and the breakaway riders are working diligently to maintain their advantage. The breakaway riders are not hanging about. They’re going for it, all-out.

8:55 EDT

The gap is down to 2 minutes. Is this all going to kick off in a big way? It looks likely. If the break is caught, the fight for the stage win will be long and fierce.

8:55.5 EDT

The gap has plunged to 2 minutes 42sec. Clearly some teams on the front of the bunch have picked up the pace, and the lead-out for the intermediate sprint would also have made a difference in narrowing the gap.

9:05 EDT

Charlotte Kool (Fenix–Premier Tech) sprints to victory from the bunch behind. A nice lead-out from a teammate and a dominant win.

9:13 EDT

Good scenes along the route. Roadside decorations for the Tour de France Femmes.

9:24 EDT

Suddenly the pace is hot at the front of the bunch as they approach the sprint point. Those 13pts are not to be sniffed at if you want the green jersey.

9:31 EDT

Eraso Lasa, Rijnbeek, Mahé and Noskova, in that order, through the intermediate at Villeneuve. The breakaway with, from right: Noskova , Rijnbeek Mahe and Lasa.

9:36 EDT

There will be 13pts available to whoever wins the sprint from the peloton. For the first four riders it’s 25, 20, 17, 15.

9:47 EDT

Gap is holding at 6min, give or take a second here or there. Another 2km to the intermediate sprint.

10:05 EDT

Mahé takes an impressive win on that climb, and is well set for the QOM jersey, with six out of a possible six climbing points so far. That would be a boost for her team, Ma Petite Entreprise.

10:12 EDT

The gap is down to 2min. Is this all going to kick off in a big way? It looks likely. If the break is caught, the fight for the stage win will be long and fierce.

10:19 EDT

The gap has plunged to 2min 42sec. Clearly some teams on the front of the bunch have picked up the pace, and the lead-out for the intermediate sprint would also have made a difference in narrowing the gap.