Tour de France Femmes: Riders tackle Mont Ventoux in decisive queen stage

The peloton of the Tour de France Femmes is poised for a dramatic showdown on the "Giant of Provence," Mont Ventoux, in what is being billed as the race's queen stage. For the first time, the women's peloton will tackle the legendary climb, a moment anticipated with excitement by the riders.

As the race approaches the iconic ascent, an 11-rider breakaway is currently leading the charge. However, these riders are reportedly struggling on the climbs, with the main peloton, notably featuring Marianne Vos and Sophie Von Bersword, closing the gap. The peloton is currently 1 minute and 35 seconds behind the leaders.

Earlier, Kim Le Court secured victory in the sixth stage, crossing the finish line in a sprint at Tournon-sur-Rhône. French rider Cédrine Kerbaol and Dutch cyclist Puck Pieterse followed. Despite the stage win, Swiss rider Marlen Reusser successfully defended her yellow jersey, maintaining her overall lead heading into the crucial Mont Ventoux stage.

French contender Pauline Ferrand-Prévot expressed her determination for the upcoming stage, stating her goal is to "climb the Ventoux as fast as possible." While acknowledging the difficulty, she aims for a strong performance and to leave the stage without regrets, even if overall victory in the Tour seems distant this year.

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The plan today is to climb the Ventoux as fast as possible. I also think it will be complicated. But, already, to manage to do a good climb and, arriving at the top without any regrets will be a great victory!