World time trial champion Marlen Reusser won the fourth stage of the Tour de France Femmes on August 4, 2026, securing the yellow jersey after a 21-kilometer individual time trial from Gevrey-Chambertin to Dijon.
Marlen Reusser Secures Stage Win and Yellow Jersey
Marlen Reusser capitalized on her time trial expertise to seize the overall race lead from Sigrid Haugset, according to race reporting. Reusser built a 20-second advantage at the intermediate check point and held off a fast-finishing Lieke Nooijen to cross the finish line in 27 minutes and 30 seconds. Nooijen claimed second place on the stage, finishing 4 seconds behind the world champion.
“Reusser must have had perhaps the best time trial position of all,” race analysts noted, allowing her to put significant time into her general classification rivals on the rolling roads toward Dijon.
Demi Vollering Limits Losses as Favorites Shuffle
Demi Vollering delivered one of the strongest rides among the overall contenders, pacing her effort to finish third on the stage, 18 seconds behind Reusser, according to official stage data. Vollering clawed back 5 seconds in the second half of the course.
Other contenders also worked to minimize time losses on the flat route. Elisa Longo Borghini finished 1 minute and 2 seconds back, Kasia Niewiadoma crossed 1 minute and 9 seconds down, and Anna van der Breggen finished 1 minute and 17 seconds behind the winning time.
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot Struggles in Rare Time Trial Effort
Defending Tour de France Femmes winner Pauline Ferrand-Prévot faced a difficult afternoon during her first time trial in five years, conceding 2 minutes and 13 seconds to Reusser, according to race results. Competing with a suboptimal aerodynamic position, Ferrand-Prévot dropped down the general classification standings and now sits 14th overall, 2 minutes and 13 seconds off the yellow jersey.
Former race leader Sigrid Haugset also encountered a tough test against the clock, ceding over 3 minutes to drop to fourth in the general classification.
Strong Performances from Belgian Competitors
Belgian champion Lotte Claes produced a standout ride, holding the provisional lead in the hot seat before finishing eighth overall on the stage. Compatriot Sandrine Tas also animated the early phase of the individual test, ultimately placing 16th.
Did you know?
Marlen Reusser held a 20-second lead over Lieke Nooijen at the intermediate check point, but Nooijen’s fast descent narrowed the gap to just 4 seconds by the finish line in Dijon.
Updated General Classification Standings
Following the 21-kilometer individual test, Marlen Reusser commands the overall standings. According to the official post-stage classification:
- 1. Marlen Reusser (Switzerland)
- 2. Demi Vollering (Netherlands) +14″
- 3. Cédrine Kerbaol (France) +54″
- 4. Sigrid Ytterhus Haugset (Norway) +56″
- 5. Elisa Longo Borghini (Italy) +1’03”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won Stage 4 of the Tour de France Femmes 2026?
Marlen Reusser won the individual time trial from Gevrey-Chambertin to Dijon, beating Lieke Nooijen by 4 seconds.
Who is the new leader of the Tour de France Femmes?
Marlen Reusser took over the yellow jersey, leading Demi Vollering by 14 seconds in the general classification.
How much time did Pauline Ferrand-Prévot lose?
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot lost 2 minutes and 13 seconds to Marlen Reusser during the 21-kilometer time trial.
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