Anticipated Sprint Showdown in Stage 3 of Tour de France Femmes 2025: Lorena Wiebes, Marianne Vos, and Elisa Balsamo Set for a Thrilling Duel
Tour de France Femmes 2025: Stage 3 Preview
Stage 3 of the Tour de France Femmes 2025 promises an exciting finish as the racers cover a flat 162-163.5 km route from La Gacilly to Angers, setting the stage for a potential bunch sprint[1][3][4].
The Route
The stage starts in La Gacilly and concludes in Angers, marking the transition from Brittany to Pays de la Loire[2]. The route's flat profile indicates a fast-paced race, with teams aiming to control the peloton and set up their sprinters for the finale[1][3]. The race is scheduled to start around early afternoon and finish late afternoon, approximately 13:50 CEST and 17:30 CEST[3].
Favorites
Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) is the clear favorite for this stage. She has been dominating sprint finishes this season, with wins and the points jersey at the Giro d'Italia[1][3][2]. After narrowly missing out on stage 2, Wiebes is eager to win here. Other strong sprinters who could challenge her include Elisa Balasamo (Lidl-Trek) and Charlotte Kool (Picnic-PostNL)[3]. Rising talent Ally Wollaston (FDJ-Suez) is also a contender, though perhaps better suited to stages with a harder finish[3]. Previous stage winner Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike) will also be looking for points in the green jersey and to add a second win in the early stages[3].
Potential Late Attackers
Several riders attempted late breakaways on this stage, but the peloton was well controlled by teams like SD Worx, supporting their sprinter Wiebes[1]. The flat nature of the route means successful late attacks are difficult without strong teamwork or surprise tactics; hence, the bunch sprint remains most likely[1].
Summary
| Aspect | Details | |----------------------|------------------------------------------| | Stage Distance | 162-163.5 km | | Route | La Gacilly to Angers (Flat) | | Start Time | ~13:50 CEST | | Finish Time | ~17:33 CEST | | Favorite Sprinter(s) | Lorena Wiebes, Elisa Balasamo, Charlotte Kool, Marianne Vos | | Potential Attackers | Alison Jackson, Sarah Martin, Catalina Soto, Clémence Latimier (early breakaway riders) | | Race Dynamics | Controlled peloton aiming for bunch sprint |
With the sprint teams working to control breakaways for Wiebes, a high-speed sprint finish is expected[1][2][3]. The stage was ultimately won by Lorena Wiebes in a furious sprint[2]. This stage offers a crucial chance for sprinters to shine in the 2025 Tour de France Femmes.
Sprinters will be aiming for a high-speed finish in the controlled peloton during Stage 3 of the Tour de France Femmes 2025, as the route's flat profile sets the scene for a potential bunch sprint. Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime), with her dominating performances in sprint finishes this season, is the clear favorite for this stage.
