Tour de France Women Tour record: Haugset wins the third stage after 88 km of running

Sigrid Haugset of Norway won the third stage of the Tour de France Femmes, securing victory after a solo breakaway of 88 kilometers, setting a new record for the race. The 27-year-old rider claimed the yellow jersey following the 156.5-kilometer route from Geneva to Poligny, France. Her achievement marks the longest successful solo escape in the history of the women’s version of the Tour, surpassing the previous record held by Annemiek van Vleuten, who completed a 62.2-kilometer solo ride in 2022. Haugset finished ahead of a field that included Lotte Kopecky of Belgium, who came in second with a two-minute and 24-second deficit, and Marianne Vos of the Netherlands, who secured the fourth-place bonus seconds in the final sprint. The stage saw Haugset take control of the race early, building a lead that she maintained until the finish line. She was never seriously threatened during the long breakaway, which lasted more than 88 kilometers before the peloton caught up. Kopecky, who had been close enough to Haugset at one point to trail just 10 seconds behind, could not bridge the gap. Vos, meanwhile, played a key role in the final stages, helping to secure the bonus seconds for the team. The overall leader, Lorena Wiebes of the Netherlands, struggled on the hilly terrain and finished with a larger time gap, dropping down the standings. This stage marked the return of a time trial to the Tour de France Femmes after a two-year hiatus. The inclusion of a time trial added variety to the race format, offering a different challenge for riders accustomed to mountainous stages. The next stage will see the peloton travel from Gevrey-Chambertin to Dijon over a 21-kilometer course. Marlen Reusser, the reigning time trial world champion, is considered a strong contender for victory in this stage. Live coverage of the event will be available starting at 15:45 local time on Tuesday via SRF two. The Tour de France Femmes has become a major highlight in the cycling calendar, drawing attention from fans and media worldwide. This year’s edition continues to showcase the growing competitiveness and skill level among female cyclists. With each stage, the race highlights both individual talent and team strategies, making it a compelling spectacle for spectators. The presence of top-tier athletes such as Haugset, Kopecky, Vos, and Wiebes ensures high stakes and thrilling competition throughout the event. The third stage also highlighted the physical demands placed on riders during the race. The challenging terrain and long distances tested endurance and tactical awareness. Haugset’s ability to maintain her lead through the breakaway demonstrated not only her strength but also her strategic acumen. Meanwhile, the performance of other riders, including Rüegg and Reusser, underscored the depth of talent within the field. As the race progresses, the focus will shift to the upcoming time trial, where speed and precision will play crucial roles in determining the eventual winner. With the race entering its third stage, the Tour de France Femmes continues to evolve into one of the premier events in women’s cycling. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities for standout performances, reinforcing the sport’s growth and appeal. The continued participation of elite athletes and the increasing global interest in the event signal a promising future for the women’s version of the iconic race. As the peloton prepares for the next stage, anticipation builds for what promises to be another exciting chapter in the ongoing story of the Tour de France Femmes.