Haugset Claims Stunning Stage 3 Victory at Tour de France Femmes

Norwegian cyclist Sigrid Haugset secured a breakthrough win in the third stage of the Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift, completing a dominant 68km solo breakaway. Riding for Uno X Mobility, the 27-year-old crossed the finish line in Poligny with a significant time gap, holding off a late challenge from Lotte Kopecky of SD Worx-Protime. Kopecky finished one minute and 24 seconds behind the stage winner.

The grueling 156.5km route marked the transition from the Grand Depart in Switzerland into France, featuring a demanding start with a category one ascent up the Col de la Faucille. The tough terrain in the Jura mountains caused the peloton to shatter early on. Haugset, whose previous professional victories were limited to national championships, launched her attack from a breakaway group with roughly 113km remaining. Despite Kopecky’s efforts to close the gap in the final kilometers, the Norwegian rider maintained her advantage to take the yellow jersey.

Haugset now leads the general classification by two minutes and two seconds over Kim le Court of AG Insurance-Soudal. Previous race leader Lorena Wiebes was dropped on the early climbs, reshuffling the top of the standings. While Haugset holds a healthy lead, analysts anticipate she may lose the advantage in the upcoming mountain stages. The main contenders, including Demi Vollering and defending champion Pauline Ferrand-Prevot, finished in a reduced peloton a few minutes behind Kopecky, keeping the overall competition tight among the favorites.

What to watch

• The general classification is expected to shift significantly as the race enters mountain stages, where Haugset’s lead may be challenged.
• Peloton Interactive, Inc., currently trading at $6.47, remains a key player in the connected fitness sector, relevant to training trends highlighted by such endurance events.

Source: original release