The 2026 Tour de France Femmes is gaining momentum. The stage race runs from August 1 to August 9 and includes nine stages with a total distance of approximately 1175 kilometers.
After the third stage, the yellow jersey was unexpectedly seized by Norway's Sigrid Haugset from the Uno-X Mobility team. She made an impressive solo breakaway of almost 89 kilometers, finished first in Poligny, and became the first Norwegian cyclist to lead the general classification of the Tour de France Femmes.
Today, August 4, participants face the fourth stage – an individual time trial covering 21 kilometers from Gevrey-Chambertin to Dijon. The route cannot be called entirely flat: approximately in the middle of the distance, there is a short climb that could disrupt the riders' rhythm and significantly affect the final results.
It is the time trial that can seriously change the standings in the general classification. Haugset will have to defend her unexpectedly gained lead, while recognized specialists in time trials – primarily Marlen Reusser and Zoe Bäckstedt – will have a chance to gain important seconds on their rivals. Among the contenders for overall victory are also Demi Vollering, Katarzyna Niewiadoma-Finney, and the reigning champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévot.
The first participant is scheduled to start at 2:51 PM local time, and Sigrid Haugset, as the general classification leader, will start last – at 5:28 PM. The finish of the final rider is expected around 5:55 PM.
The fourth stage will be the first major test of the favorites' ambitions. After it, it will be much clearer whether the sensational Norwegian can hold onto the yellow jersey or if the fight for victory in the Tour will begin almost from scratch.
