Overview
- Marlen Reusser won the 21 km individual time trial in Dijon and claimed the overall lead on Tuesday, finishing the course in 27:30.
- Strong, variable winds produced uneven conditions on the course and made pacing difficult, giving powerful flat-speed riders an advantage over lighter climbers.
- The general classification now has Reusser in yellow with Demi Vollering 14 seconds back and Cédrine Kerbaol close behind, while Lieke Nooijen and Vollering were among the fastest on the stage.
- Antonia Niedermaier lost 1:34 on the stage and title defender Pauline Ferrand-Prévot lost 2:12, moves that leave pure climbers needing aggressive mountain days to recover time.
- The race turns hillier immediately with a 140 km stage featuring eight climbs and a Mont Ventoux test to follow, which are the clear opportunities for contenders to overturn the time-trial gaps.