In a thrilling turn of events at the 2024 Tour de France Femmes, defending champion Demi Vollering claimed the lead after a stellar performance in the stage three time trial. Vollering, representing SD Worx, completed the 6.3km course in Rotterdam in 7 minutes 25 seconds, overtaking compatriot Lorena Wiebes in the general classification.
Vollering’s triumph came after Charlotte Kool had earlier won her second consecutive stage in a dramatic bunch sprint. Kool surged past Wiebes during the final moments of the 67km stage from Dordrecht to Rotterdam, marking her second victory of the race.
Despite Kool’s impressive sprinting form, finishing 33rd in the time trial, she remains fifth overall, trailing by five seconds. Vollering’s dominant time trial performance not only earned her the leader’s yellow jersey but also solidified her position ahead of American Chloe Dygert and Wiebes.
“I didn’t expect this at all,” Vollering remarked. “It’s incredible to be in yellow. Now, it’s up to the other teams to try to take it from me.”
The race will continue with a 122.7km hilly stage from Valkenburg to Liege on Wednesday, as the competition moves from the Netherlands into Belgium and then France.
Stage Results and General Classification:
- Demi Vollering (Ned/SD Worx): 4hrs 27mins 54secs
- Lorena Wiebes (Ned/SD Worx): +3secs
- Chloe Dygert (US/Canyon–SRAM): +5secs
- Loes Adegeest (Ned/FDJ–Suez): Same time
- Charlotte Kool (Ned/DSM-Firmenich PostNL): +6secs
Selected Others:
- 11. Anna Henderson (GB/Team Visma): +11secs
- 18. Pfeiffer Georgi (GB/DSM-Firmenich PostNL): +16secs
- 29. Lizzie Holden (GB/UAE Team ADQ): +23secs
- 99. Lizzie Deignan (GB/Lidl-Trek): +49secs
The race now heads into its crucial stages, with the mountain terrains set to challenge the leaders as they vie for the prestigious title.
