Maeva Squiban Claims Stage Six Victory at the Tour de France Femmes

Maeva Squiban has made history at the 2025 Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift, becoming the first French rider to claim a stage victory. Her dominant performance on stage six saw her cross the finish line in Ambert with a commanding lead.

Squiban launched a decisive attack with 30 kilometers remaining, leaving her rivals behind. She finished a remarkable one minute and nine seconds ahead of compatriot Juliette Labous, who secured second place.

This victory marks a meaningful moment for French cycling, as it’s only the second French stage win since the race’s relaunch four years ago. Last year, Cedrine Kerbaol achieved a similar feat.

Overcome with emotion, Squiban expressed her disbelief and joy after the stage. Her powerful ride saw her break away from the competition on the final climb of the day, the Col du Chansert.

Simultaneously occurring, Kim le Court, the Mauritian rider who previously made headlines as the first African stage winner, successfully retained the yellow jersey. Her third-place finish on this stage extends her overall lead.

Le Court now holds a 26-second advantage over her closest competitor, France’s Pauline Ferrand-Prevot. Defending champion Katarzyna Niewiadoma-Phinney has climbed to third place in the general classification.

With three stages left, the peloton faces a challenging mountainous route from Bourg-en-Bresse to Chambery. Squiban’s breakthrough win highlights the growing depth of talent in women’s cycling and offers a glimpse into the future stars of the sport.

What did you think of Maeva Squiban’s incredible stage win? Share your reactions and predictions for the remaining stages in the comments below!

What impact dose Maeva Squiban’s stage win have on the overall general classification (GC) standings?

A Stunning Solo Breakaway Secures Squiban’s First Tour de France Femmes Stage Win

Maeva Squiban (FDJ-SUEZ) delivered a masterful performance on Stage Six of the 2025 Tour de France Femmes,securing her first stage victory with a daring solo breakaway. The 148.2km route from Albi to Saint-Affrique proved decisive, showcasing Squiban’s strength and tactical acumen.This win considerably impacts the general classification (GC) contenders and adds another layer of excitement to the already thrilling race.

The Stage Six Route and Key Climbs

The sixth stage presented a challenging parcours for the peloton. Featuring rolling hills and a critically important climb towards the finish, it favored riders with strong endurance and climbing abilities.

Distance: 148.2km

Start: Albi

Finish: Saint-Affrique

Key Climb: Côte de Saint-Affrique (3.2km at 5.4%) – positioned just 15km from the finish line, this climb proved pivotal.

Terrain: Rolling hills, with a challenging final climb.

The route demanded consistent effort and strategic positioning, setting the stage for attacks and breakaways.The final kilometers, with the Saint-Affrique climb, were expected to be particularly explosive.

How Squiban Orchestrated the Victory

Squiban launched her attack approximately 35km from the finish line, initially joining a small breakaway group. However, she quickly demonstrated superior climbing prowess on the Côte de Saint-Affrique, distancing herself from her companions.

Breakaway Timing: Launched 35km from the finish, capitalizing on a lull in the peloton’s pace.

Climbing Strength: Demonstrated extraordinary climbing ability on the Côte de Saint-Affrique.

Solo Ride: Successfully maintained a solo lead for the final 15km, resisting the chase from the peloton.

Tactical Awareness: Squiban’s team, FDJ-SUEZ, played a crucial role in controlling the pace and neutralizing any potential threats.

Her relentless pace and persistent riding left the chasing pack struggling to respond. Despite a late surge from the peloton, led by SD Worx-Protime and Canyon//SRAM Racing, squiban held on to claim a memorable victory.

General Classification Implications

While Squiban’s win doesn’t drastically alter the overall GC standings, it does inject a new dynamic into the race. The top contenders, including Yara Kastelijn (Fenix-Deceuninck) and Juliette Labous (DSM-Firmenich PostNL), closely marked each other, allowing Squiban to gain a significant advantage.

Yara Kastelijn (Fenix-Deceuninck): Remains in the Yellow Jersey, but her lead is now under increased scrutiny.

Juliette Labous (DSM-firmenich postnl): Finished within the chasing group, maintaining her position in the top three.

Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-Protime): Attempted to bridge the gap to Squiban but ultimately couldn’t close the distance.

The stage highlighted the importance of tactical racing and the potential for unexpected upsets in the Tour de France Femmes.

Squiban’s Career Highlights & Riding style

Maeva Squiban, a 26-year-old French cyclist, has been steadily rising through the ranks of professional cycling. Known for her climbing abilities and aggressive racing style, she’s a valuable asset to the FDJ-SUEZ team.

Key strengths: Climbing, breakaway specialist, tactical awareness.

previous Notable Results: Multiple top-10 finishes in stage races, consistent performer in hilly terrains.

* Team Role: often acts as a domestique, supporting team leaders, but also possesses the capability to compete for stage wins.

This victory marks a significant milestone in her career, solidifying her position as a force to be reckoned with in women’s professional cycling.

Equipment Spotlight: Squiban’s Bike and Gear

Details regarding Squiban’s equipment for the stage are emerging. She was riding a Lapierre Aircode DRS equipped with Shimano components. Tire choice was crucial given the varied terrain, and she opted for continental Grand Prix 5000 tires. Her helmet was a Specialized S-Works Prevail III, prioritizing ventilation and aerodynamics. Analyzing the equipment used by top riders provides valuable insights into the technology driving performance in professional cycling.

Looking Ahead: Stages Seven and Eight

The Tour de France femmes continues with two more challenging stages. Stage Seven, a mountainous stage, will likely see further attacks from the GC contenders. Stage Eight, a time trial, will be a crucial test of individual strength and aerodynamic efficiency. The race remains wide open,and the final outcome is far from certain. Fans can expect more thrilling racing and potential surprises as the Tour de France femmes heads towards its conclusion.