Disastrous Crash Ruins Sprint Showcase at Race Finale, Overshadowing Clear Victory
The third stage of the Tour de France Femmes 2025, a flat 163.5 km route from La Gacilly to Angers, concluded with a thrilling finish today. Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) emerged victorious, out-sprinting Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike) and Ally Wollaston (FDJ-Suez) in a reduced group after a chaotic finale.
The stage was marked by a significant crash with about 3.7 km to go during a technical finishing circuit featuring roundabouts and a railroad crossing. The crash affected several top riders, including GC favourite Demi Vollering, but no time losses were given due to the crash occurring within the final 5 km.
Key Points from Stage 3
- The breakaway was caught 6 km before the finish, setting up the sprint from a small group.
- Lorena Wiebes took the sprint win, with Marianne Vos second and Ally Wollaston third.
- Marianne Vos’s second place, combined with time bonuses, allowed her to reclaim the yellow jersey, leading GC by 6 seconds over Kim Le Court-Pienaar.
- The stage included one Category 4 climb and an intermediate sprint, but was largely flat and suited for sprinters.
- Demi Vollering crashed but will not lose time; her injury status remains to be seen as she was helped over the line.
General Classification Battle
The general classification battle is finely balanced going into today. Marianne Vos regained the yellow jersey after taking the 6" bonus in 2nd place. Lorena Wiebes could jump up to joint 4th in GC with 10" bonus.
Several riders, including Sarah Gigante (AG Insurance-Soudal), Yara Kastelijn (Fenix-Deceuninck), and Liane Lippert (Movistar), are trying to get back to the main peloton. Notably, Elisa Longo Borghini abandoned the tour.
The riders are all signing on before the start of the third stage in La Gacilly. Clara Koppenburg and Victoire Berteau of Cofidis are the last riders on the road, over 2 minutes behind the peloton, with Le Court starting today decked out head to toe in yellow as the Mauritian rider gets her and Africa's big moment.
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Sports enthusiasts worldwide are watching the Tour de France Femmes 2025 closely, as the third stage concluded with a captivating finish. The stage, primarily flat and suitable for sprinters, saw several top riders compete fiercely, with Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) emerging victorious. The race was marked by a significant crash, which affected GC favourite Demi Vollering among others, yet no time losses were given due to the crash occurring within the final 5 km.
