'Every second counts' - Kim Le Court steals early march at Tour of Britain Women

Le Court forged clear with Faulkner on the climb of Langburn's Bank with 36km remaining, and they held off a chasing group of 25 riders by five seconds at the finish.

"It was a fast race, faster than we expected," Le Court explained after her victory. "The team had a plan and told me to attack at the kicker under the bridge, which was the steepest part of the race."

Despite initially being blocked from behind, Le Court worked her way through the pack before launching her move. She was soon joined by Faulkner, forming a powerful two-rider breakaway that would stay away until the finish.

"I kind of looked back at first, but then I just never stopped," Le Court said. "Luckily, Kristen Faulkner was with me. She's really a good engine to have to pace through with."

The cooperation between the two proved crucial to their success, though it wasn't without challenges. Le Court constantly motivated Faulkner throughout their effort. "I just kept motivating her, saying that we can do this, let's believe in ourselves and work together," Le Court said.

Their advantage nearly disappeared after a difficult corner where they lost momentum. Le Court revealed she had to slow down and wait for Faulkner after her breakaway compatriot had a sketchy moment nearly crashing over the kerb of a traffic island.

"Unfortunately, we lost quite a bit of pace on that corner. It's unfortunate because we lost momentum, and when you lose momentum, you lose mental strength as well," Despite this setback, the duo held off the chasing group to reach the finish line with their advantage intact.

Thanks to the times bonuses at the intermediate sprint and the finish, Le Court leads Faulkner by five seconds in the overall standings, with Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) third at 14 seconds. Le Court emphasised the importance of every second in stage races without major mountain climbs.

"In our team meeting yesterday, we said every second counts in a race like this," Le Court said. "I've lost a podium at Volta a Catalunya last year by just two seconds because I missed bonus seconds."

The Tour of Britain Women continues on Friday with stage 2 from Hartlepool to Saltburn.