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WEB 2024 Rankings after stage 7: Demi Vollering retains yellow jersey
A dramatic time trial sees Vollering extend her lead
Demi Vollering (SD Worx) has extended her lead in the 2024 Tour de France Femmes after a stunning time trial performance on stage 7. The Dutch rider was the last to start the 23.3km course from Champagnole to Le Grand-Bornand, but she set a blistering pace to finish 10 seconds ahead of her nearest rival, Annemiek van Vleuten (Movistar Team).
Vollering's victory gives her a 16-second lead over Van Vleuten in the general classification, with Elisa Longo Borghini (Trek-Segafredo) a further 12 seconds back in third. Vollering is now the firm favorite to win the overall title, with just two stages remaining.
Vollering's dominance continues
Vollering has been in dominant form throughout the 2024 Tour de France Femmes. She won the opening stage, and has held the yellow jersey ever since. She has also won two other stages, and has been on the podium in every stage of the race so far.
Vollering's success is a testament to her all-round ability. She is a strong climber, time trialist, and sprinter. She is also a tactically astute rider, and has been able to use her strength to her advantage throughout the race.
Van Vleuten and Longo Borghini still in contention
Despite Vollering's dominance, Van Vleuten and Longo Borghini are still in contention for the overall title. Van Vleuten is a former winner of the Giro d'Italia Donne and La Course by Le Tour de France, and is one of the most experienced riders in the peloton.
Longo Borghini is also a former winner of the Giro d'Italia Donne, and is a strong climber. She will be hoping to attack Vollering on the two remaining mountain stages, which could give her a chance to win the overall title.
The final two stages
The Tour de France Femmes concludes with two mountain stages in the Alps. Stage 8 will take the riders from Le Grand-Bornand to Morzine, and will feature three categorized climbs, including the Col de la Colombière. Stage 9 will be the queen stage of the race, and will take the riders from Sallanches to Annemasse, and will feature four categorized climbs, including the Col de Joux Plane.
The final two stages will be decisive in determining the overall winner of the 2024 Tour de France Femmes. Vollering will be the favorite, but Van Vleuten and Longo Borghini will be hoping to attack her on the climbs and take the yellow jersey.