The 2026 Tour de France Femmes gets underway under the sign of Lorena Wiebes. The Dutch superstar of SD Worx-Protime claimed the first stage of the Grande Boucle with another display of strength, winning on the Lausanne finish line and thus donning the first yellow jersey of the 2026 edition.

In a nervous, explosive finale packed with attacks, Wiebes confirmed once again that she is the reference sprinter in the women's peloton, ahead of Kim Le Court (AG Insurance-Soudal) and Demi Vollering (FDJ United-Suez), who completed the day's podium.

On the eve of the race, the talk was mainly about the battle for the general classification and the anticipated duel between the main favorites. Few, however, imagined that already in the first stage the race would deliver such a spectacular and fiercely contested finale.

Among continuous changes of pace and attacks in the final kilometers, Lorena Wiebes was not caught off guard, making perfect use of her SD Worx-Protime team's work.

«I can't believe it. The team worked so hard. Even Anna Van der Breggen was up front pulling just one kilometer from the finish. It was a truly extraordinary collective performance», said the Dutch sprinter after crossing the line, words that perfectly capture the strength of SD Worx-Protime, capable of working as a unit both for the general classification and to put their sprinter in ideal conditions to fight for victory.

The decisive action came in the final kilometers, when Demi Vollering tried to anticipate the sprint with an acceleration. «When Demi attacked, I immediately told myself: 'I have to follow her'. The sprint was very long, but I'm really thrilled with this result», explained the stage winner.

The Dutch champion expected an aggressive race and had prepared every detail. «I was expecting attacks. After Célia Gery's first move I still felt good. Then I told myself that there was only one kilometer left and that I had to hold on, without losing ground».

The final meters were particularly tricky. Wiebes had to find the right gap while several teams were trying to organize their own sprint. «For a moment I was a bit boxed in because the EF Education-EasyPost Oatly girls were launching their move on the right. In the end, though, a space opened up. It was perhaps a bit early to go, but I told myself: now I have to go», said the general classification leader.

A perfect decision. Her acceleration was irresistible and none of her rivals managed to catch her in the final meters.

This victory, the 132nd of her career, has a special taste for Lorena as she wears the first yellow jersey of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes, a symbol that every athlete dreams of wearing at least once in their career.

Behind her, Kim Le Court and Demi Vollering, finishing 4 and 6 seconds back respectively, proved they are already in great form, sending important signals ahead of the battle for the general classification, which promises to set the French race on fire.