The third place conquered yesterday at the Quimper finish line allowed Kim Le Court to leap to the top of the Tour de France Femmes general classification and wear the yellow jersey. The 29-year-old Mauritian from AG Insurance - Soudal Team thus managed to write another small but significant piece of sports and national history, from that small island - mainly known as a tourist destination - where everyone looks with pride at the achievements of the cyclist born in Curpipe.

Le Court, who leads the women's Grande Boucle general classification with the same time as Marianne Vos, expressed herself thus after the awards ceremony: "It's an emotional day, at the finish line I didn't think I had won the yellow jersey and was ready to go to the bus to change. I want to thank the entire team, because without them this would not have been possible. I am proud of this result and happy at the same time. It's an incredible day for myself, for our team, and for my country."

Congratulations and compliments arrived for Kim from the authorities of Ile Maurice. Navin Ramgoolam, Prime Minister of the Island, published this message on his social profiles: 'Congratulations to Kimberley Le Court-Pienaar for this extraordinary performance that highlights Mauritius beyond its borders. Kim is a source of inspiration for our youth and a huge national pride. Thank you for bringing our country's colors so high.'

The Mauritian Cycling Federation, which had already publicly applauded the national champion on Saturday for her second place in the opening stage, posted a simple but emotional message: a video clip showing Le Court crying with joy and the caption 'She wore the yellow jersey, Kim is the first African to do so. Well done, make our small island shine at the top of cycling world'.

In an emotional day, celebrations and toasts with teammates and AG Insurance - Soudal Team staff were inevitable. But we are sure that at this moment Kim will be focused and ready to give her best in the stage that will conclude in Angers.