Tour de France Femmes: five key takeaways from a loaded stage 5

Stage 5 of the 2025 Tour de France Femmes was the longest of the race, covering 165.8 km from Chasseneuil-du-Poitou to Guéret. Kim Le Court-Pienaar of AG Insurance-Soudal won the stage in a thrilling photo-finish sprint ahead of Demi Vollering and Anna van der Breggen, reclaiming the yellow jersey as the overall leader. The day featured tactical racing among a select group of favourites and was marked by several crashes that forced notable riders, including Elisa Balsamo, to abandon the race. This stage reshuffled the general classification just before the race headed into the mountains, setting the scene for an exciting battle ahead.

The 2025 Tour de France Femmes has experienced a significant number of DNSs (Did Not Start) and DNFs (Did Not Finish) since the outset, narrowing the battle for the yellow jersey to a smaller, more focused group of contenders. This attrition has been driven by crashes, illnesses, and the demanding nature of the route. 

The day was heavily marked by a major crash that sent shockwaves through the peloton: ten riders went down, including green jersey holder Lorena Wiebes, who, despite the scare, was able to finish the day battered but still in contention. Katrine Aalerud (Uno-X Mobility) was not as fortunate, her strong run at the Tour ended with injuries that forced her to abandon and dealt a hard blow to Uno-X’s ambitions. Former Giro d'Italia winner Elisa Balsamo was among the high-profile riders forced to abandon after her second crash of the race, during the crash in Stage 5, within the first 100 kilometres. Balsamo's departure, in particular, was a major blow to the race dynamics, given her status as a key favourite. Along with other early withdrawals, these exits have heightened the stakes for the remaining leaders. With a thinning peloton, teams and riders are adapting their strategies around a more select cohort persistently fighting for the yellow jersey.

The drama surrounding Demi Vollering at this year's Tour de France Femmes has created a complex dynamic both on and off the course. After suffering a crash in Stage 3, Demi continued racing despite her injuries and is still a key figure in the fight for the yellow jersey. However, this resilience has been met with both praise and criticism, highlighting the intense pressure and scrutiny she faces. The public dispute between her team manager and rival team directors over the crash and race conduct has further intensified the spotlight on her, especially off the bike. 

Stage 5 was calm, FDJ-SUEZ team went off the radar, but the episodes from previous stages are still consistently drawing attention and proving that the Tour’s drama extends far beyond the roads. As the race approaches the mountains, the big questions remain: will Demi ride free from the “golden cage”? The tension from the crash and subsequent public disputes may add pressure within the FDJ-SUEZ team.

Movistar, racing without Marlen Reusser, demonstrated true grit and team spirit. The Spanish squad took charge in the peloton in Stage 5, showing their determination and making their presence known at the front.

After Tota Magalhães showcased her attacking style in the breakaway on stage 4, the Movistar Team again paid attention, driving the pace at the head of the peloton. Under the guidance of experienced riders such as Liane Lippert, the Movistar Team appears to be probing the strength and form of their riders, possibly as a rehearsal for decisive attacks in mountainous stages. As the race progresses, keep an eye on the Movistar team, there’s a palpable sense that a victory for Lippert could be just ahead. 

Lotte Kopecky, the world champion and key rider for Team SD Worx-Protime, has demonstrated exceptional teamwork, particularly in supporting her teammate Lorena Wiebes. During stage 5, Kopecky tirelessly worked to help bring Wiebes back to the peloton when she was dropped due to high pace from rival teams. Although Wiebes ultimately could not join the front group. Kopecky’s role in controlling the race and positioning Wiebes optimally for sprints has been pivotal.

Such teamwork has contributed to multiple successes for SD Worx-Protime, showcasing Kopecky’s dedication not only to her own results but also to uplifting her teammates’ performances.

The most compelling story of the day belonged to Kim Le Court. In a dramatic sprint finish, Le Court not only won the stage but snatched back the yellow jersey. What makes her tale truly remarkable is her personal journey back to the pinnacle of the sport. After losing her professional contract and facing an uncertain career future, she persevered. Her husband’s support was pivotal, even contacting teams on her behalf, a testament to the behind-the-scenes struggles athletes face. 

Now, not only is she Tour leader again, but her efforts, and those of her team, turned her story into an emotional highlight, completed by her six bonus seconds at the line. It is a story of resilience, a story of team work, underscoring how much more happens at the Tour de France Femmes than just racing from point A to point B.