"It's a huge honour to ride in the yellow jersey": Marlen Reusser survives key mountain test in yellow as some GC rivals fade

Stage 5 of the Tour de France Femmes delivered the first major mountain showdown of the race, with Demi Vollering claiming a spectacular victory after a day of relentless attacks. The Dutch star outsprinted Marlen Reusser and Katarzyna Niewiadoma at the finish, while several general classification rivals such as Anna van der Breggen and Pauline Ferrand-Prévot lost significant time in a stage that dramatically reshaped the fight for the yellow jersey.

The day's action exploded on the penultimate climb, where FDJ United-Suez launched a devastating attack with Évita Muzic and Célia Gery setting a brutal pace for Vollering. When the gradients exceeded 15 percent, the European champion accelerated and immediately split the race.

Only Marlen Reusser, Katarzyna Niewiadoma and Isabella Holmgren were initially able to follow, while Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, Anna van der Breggen and Cédrine Kerbaol were dropped. Elisa Longo Borghini, Kim Le Court and Paula Blasi found themselves stranded between the leading and chasing groups.

On the final ascent of Mont Brouilly, Vollering attacked again but could not shake Reusser or Niewiadoma. The trio worked together until the finish, where Niewiadoma launched a long sprint from the final corner.

Victory appeared to be heading to the Polish rider before Vollering surged past in the closing metres to take the stage win. Reusser crossed the line second, collecting valuable bonus seconds to retain the yellow jersey, while Niewiadoma completed the podium after an aggressive ride.

Although she was repeatedly forced onto the limit, Reusser was pleased with both her performance and the atmosphere on the roadside. Reflecting on the demanding stage, the Swiss rider said: “It was a hard day, as expected, but it went well. I really didn't feel bad.”

She also praised the crowds throughout the stage. “It was really a pleasure. There were so many spectators again. I heard a lot of encouragement and that really helps.”

Despite matching Vollering on the steep climbs, Reusser refused to draw conclusions about the overall battle. “We have to say that today's climbs are very different from Mont Ventoux. I can't say whether the same hierarchy will remain, but it looks like the three of us are in a good position. We'll see what happens.”

After taking the stage victory, Vollering could not resist a subtle psychological jab at Reusser. The Dutchwoman pointed out that both she and Niewiadoma already know what it takes to win the Tour.

“The only advantage for me is that I've already won the Tour, just like Kasia. Marlen has never won it, so she'll have to fight hard for it.”

When those comments were relayed to Reusser moments later, the Movistar leader responded diplomatically. “Well, I hope so! I'm going to try. So... yes! My form is good and I'm looking forward to the coming days.”

Although Vollering celebrated the stage victory, Reusser was equally satisfied after defending the yellow jersey on terrain that was not expected to suit her perfectly. “It's amazing to experience this. It's a huge honour to ride in the yellow jersey. Racing in yellow on a stage that probably didn't suit me best on paper... I'm very happy with how it went. Not completely satisfied with my finish, but with the whole stage. We'll see what comes next.”