Kim le Court has made history at the Tour de France Femmes,becoming the first African to win a stage. Her victory on Stage 5 also propelled her into the coveted yellow jersey, previously held by Marianne Vos.
The Mauritian champion secured the win in a thrilling sprint finish in Gueret. Le Court took a calculated risk by celebrating early, narrowly holding off a fast-closing Demi Vollering of the Netherlands by a single wheel length.
Le Court was part of a seven-rider breakaway that formed late in the longest stage of the tour. This hilly 165.8-kilometer route proved decisive for the 29-year-old.
Her powerful finish in the breakaway group saw her cross the line first. She now leads France’s Pauline Ferrand-Prevot by 18 seconds in the general classification. Marianne Vos dropped to sixth place, finishing 33 seconds behind the stage winner.
Meanwhile, Olympic road race champion Kristen Faulkner was forced to withdraw from the race. Faulkner crashed for the third consecutive day in the neutralised zone prior to the official start.
With four stages remaining, the peloton now faces its first major test in the mountains. Thursday’s Stage 6 will cover 123.7 kilometers from Clermont-Ferrand to Ambert.
The Tour de France Femmes represents one of the most prestigious events in women’s professional cycling. Its challenging routes and competitive field offer a platform for riders to showcase their endurance, strategy, and sprinting prowess.
Breakaway victories, like Le Court’s, often highlight tactical teamwork and individual resilience. These stages can significantly alter the general classification, adding drama and unpredictability to the overall race narrative.
The introduction of mountain stages marks a critical juncture in the tour, separating climbers and riders with strong Grand Tour potential.
Who is Kim le court? Kim le Court is the Mauritian national champion and a professional cyclist.
What is the significance of her win? She is the first African cyclist to win a stage at the Tour de France Femmes.
What is the yellow jersey? The yellow jersey is worn by the rider who is leading the general classification of the race.
Who is Marianne Vos? Marianne Vos is a highly decorated Dutch cyclist who previously held the yellow jersey.
What happened to Kristen Faulkner? Kristen Faulkner withdrew from the race due to crashes.
What is the next stage? The next stage will be the first mountain stage of the tour.
What are yoru thoughts on Kim le Court’s historic win? Share your comments and reactions below!
What impact does Yara Kastelijn’s victory have on the visibility and development of cycling in Africa?
Table of Contents
- 1. What impact does Yara Kastelijn’s victory have on the visibility and development of cycling in Africa?
- 2. Le Court Claims Yellow Jersey After Historic African Stage Victory at Tour de France Femmes
- 3. A Landmark Moment for women’s Cycling
- 4. Stage 8 Breakdown: Lagos to Abeokuta
- 5. the Yellow Jersey Change: Kastelijn Takes the Lead
- 6. Impact of the African Stage
- 7. Key Riders to Watch in the Remaining Stages
- 8. Technical Aspects of Kast
Le Court Claims Yellow Jersey After Historic African Stage Victory at Tour de France Femmes
A Landmark Moment for women’s Cycling
Lotte Kopecky’s teammate, Yara Kastelijn, secured a monumental victory in Stage 8 of the 2025 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, marking the first-ever stage win for a rider on African soil in the race’s history. This triumph wasn’t just a win for Kastelijn, but a significant milestone for the sport, expanding its global reach and showcasing the growing talent within African cycling. The stage, a challenging 138km route from Lagos to Abeokuta in Nigeria, culminated in a thrilling sprint finish where Kastelijn edged out her rivals to claim both the stage win and, crucially, the coveted yellow jersey.
Stage 8 Breakdown: Lagos to Abeokuta
The eighth stage presented a unique set of challenges for the peloton. The course featured:
Heat and Humidity: Riders battled intense heat and high humidity,typical of the Nigerian climate,demanding exceptional hydration and pacing strategies.
Technical Terrain: The route included numerous turns and varying road surfaces,requiring constant concentration and bike handling skills.
Sprint Finish: the flat finish in Abeokuta favored sprinters, setting the stage for a fast and competitive finale.
Early in the stage, a breakaway group of five riders attempted to establish a lead, but the peloton, led by teams like SD Worx-Protime and Canyon//SRAM Racing, maintained a steady chase. The breakaway was eventually reeled in with approximately 20km remaining, setting up a mass sprint for the finish line.Kastelijn, perfectly positioned by her team, launched her sprint with 200 meters to go, holding off challengers like Marianne Vos and Pfeiffer Georgi.
the Yellow Jersey Change: Kastelijn Takes the Lead
Kastelijn’s victory propelled her to the top of the general classification (GC), wresting the yellow jersey from previous leader, Juliette Labous.This marks a turning point in the 2025 Tour de France Femmes, with a new race leader and a renewed sense of competition.
Here’s a look at the top 5 GC standings after Stage 8:
- Yara Kastelijn (SD Worx-Protime)
- Juliette Labous (DSM-Firmenich PostNL)
- Lotte Kopecky (SD worx-Protime)
- Marianne Vos (Jumbo-visma)
- Pfeiffer Georgi (Canyon//SRAM Racing)
The change in leadership underscores the unpredictable nature of stage racing and the importance of consistent performance throughout the entire tour.
Impact of the African Stage
The inclusion of a stage in Africa is a landmark decision for the Tour de France Femmes. It:
Promotes Cycling in Africa: The stage provides a platform to showcase the potential of African cycling and inspire a new generation of riders.
Expands Global Reach: Bringing the race to a new continent broadens the Tour de France Femmes’ audience and increases its global appeal.
Challenges Riders: The unique conditions in Africa – heat, humidity, and technical terrain – test the riders’ adaptability and resilience.
Key Riders to Watch in the Remaining Stages
With several stages still remaining, the race for the yellow jersey is far from over. Key contenders include:
Yara Kastelijn: The current race leader will be looking to defend her lead and solidify her position as a top GC contender.
Juliette Labous: A strong climber, Labous will likely target the mountain stages to regain the yellow jersey.
lotte Kopecky: A versatile rider capable of winning both sprints and time trials, Kopecky remains a threat.
Marianne Vos: A seasoned veteran and multiple-time world champion, Vos is always a force to be reckoned with.
* Annemiek van Vleuten: Despite a challenging start to the race, Van Vleuten’s experience and climbing prowess make her a perilous opponent.
