Tour de France Femmes: Olympic Champion Kristen Faulkner and Elisa Balsamo withdraw due to crashes disrupting the peloton during stage 5
Tour de France Femmes: Multiple Crashes Force Key Contenders to Withdraw
The Tour de France Femmes has been hit by a series of crashes, with several riders being forced to abandon the race due to injuries sustained. Notable among them are Olympic champion Kristen Faulkner (EF Education-Oatly) and former world champion Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek).
Faulkner, who battled through bad luck throughout the race, including illness and three crashes, eventually had to withdraw to focus on recovery. Balsamo, a top sprinter, was unable to compete at her usual level due to multiple crashes and not being fully fit, which curtailed her chances at contesting sprint stages.
The crashes on stage 5 of the Tour de France Femmes have further highlighted the tension and talk of riders' respect within the race. A spat has unfolded between Stephen Delcourt, the team manager of top GC favorite Demi Vollering (FDJ-Suez), and Visma DS Jos van Emden, after Delcourt criticized rider behavior in the peloton.
The impact on the race is significant. Faulkner, a strong team leader, and Balsamo, a key sprinter expected to challenge for stage wins, have both withdrawn. Their departures have influenced team strategies and race dynamics, especially in the sprint finishes and team support dynamics. The attrition on the challenging stage 5, which saw multiple riders abandon following crashes, has further reshaped competition.
Unfortunately, Monica Trinca Colonel (Liv AlUla Jayco), Eugenia Bujak (Cofidis Women Team), Katrine Aalerud and Maria Giulia Confalonieri (Uno-X Mobility), Marion Bunel (Visma-Lease a Bike), and Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) have also been forced to abandon the race due to crashes.
For those wanting unlimited Tour de France Femmes coverage, including breaking news, reports, and analysis, subscribing to Cyclingnews is recommended. Further details about the Tour de France Femmes coverage can be found on Cyclingnews. A medical update for Elisa Balsamo will follow from Lidl-Trek.
*Sources: [1] Cyclingnews. (2025). Tour de France Femmes: Elisa Balsamo forced to abandon after crashes. [online] Available at: https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-femmes-2025/stage-5/results/ [4] Cyclingnews. (2025). Tour de France Femmes: Kristen Faulkner abandons due to crashes and fatigue. [online] Available at: https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-femmes-2025/stage-5/results/
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The Tour de France Femmes has been marred by numerous crashes, causing key contenders like Olympic champion Kristen Faulkner and former world champion Elisa Balsamo to withdraw due to injuries.
The attrition on the race, highlighted by multiple crashes, has significantly impacted team strategies and race dynamics, particularly in the sprint finishes and team support dynamics.
