Veteran Spanish cyclist Mavi García triumphed in the second stage of the Tour de France Femmes on Sunday, securing a solo victory in Quimper after a challenging 110.4 km ride from Brest. The 41-year-old rider, representing Liv-AlUla-Jayco, made her decisive move with 10 km remaining, establishing a gap of approximately 20 seconds over the chasing group. García maintained her lead through a final climb, crossing the finish line just three seconds ahead of her competitors.
In a tightly contested finish, Lorena Wiebes of Team DSM claimed second place, while Kim Le Court Pienaar, riding for AG Insurance-Soudal, secured third place and took the overall leader’s yellow jersey. Following the stage win on Saturday, Dutch star Marianne Vos from Visma-Lease a Bike finished fifth, relinquishing her lead to Le Court Pienaar.
The stage witnessed significant action, particularly during the final climb. Local favorite Juliette Labous of FDJ-Suez led the charge with her strong attack on the second ascent of the Cote du chemin de Troheir. Demi Vollering, another favourite for the overall title, responded with a powerful acceleration 5 km from the finish but ultimately finished seventh, closely behind Kasia Niewiadoma of Canyon/SRAM, the defending champion.
Stage Highlights and Future Challenges
García’s victory marks an important moment in her career, showcasing her resilience and experience on the demanding terrain. The stage unfolded with a steady pace until the final kilometers, where the tension escalated as riders vied for position. García’s strategic move in the latter part of the race proved decisive, allowing her to seize the moment when it mattered most.
As the Tour de France Femmes progresses, the competition intensifies. The third stage, set for Monday, promises to feature additional rolling terrain, setting the stage for thrilling confrontations ahead. Riders will face more formidable challenges as the week unfolds, leading to the anticipated mountain battles later in the competition.
With the Tour gaining momentum, the performances of both seasoned cyclists and emerging talents continue to captivate fans worldwide. The dedication and skill displayed by García and her competitors highlight the growing prominence of women’s cycling, drawing attention to the sport’s evolving landscape.
