The 2026 Tour de France Femmes has found a new leader. The 21-kilometer individual time trial with finish in Dijon has completely rewritten the general classification, consecrating the world champion in the discipline, Marlen Reusser (Moistar Team), who with a masterful performance has claimed both the stage victory and the yellow jersey.

The Swiss rider has once again demonstrated why she is considered the best interpreter of time trial racing. From the first time checks, she imposed an unsustainable pace for all her rivals, building a precious advantage ahead of the major mountains that will decide the Tour.

The time trial has revolutionized the race dynamics. Behind the new leader, only Demi Vollering resists, just 14 seconds behind, a gap that leaves the fight for final victory wide open.

On the provisional third step of the podium stands French rider Cédrine Kerbaol, who loses 54 seconds, confirming she can play an important role in the race at home.

The one who has the most reason to complain is Elisa Longo Borghini. The Italian champion was putting in a time trial of the highest level, but four kilometers from the finish she was forced to stop for a bike change after a chain slip. A mechanical mishap that cost her precious seconds and leaves her fifth overall with a deficit of 1'03" from the yellow jersey

Two expected protagonists, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot and Kim Le Court, have dropped out of the top ten, both penalized by a time trial performance well below expectations.

On the podium in Dijon, wearing the yellow jersey, Marlen Reusser did not hide all her emotion. "All of this makes me happy. The stage victory, the yellow jersey... to stand on this podium with this jersey is something truly special in my career – explained the Swiss champion - I had prepared for this moment and seeing that everything worked is a fantastic feeling".

The Swiss rider then analyzed the new classification situation, without letting enthusiasm carry her away. "I still need to look carefully at all the gaps. I heard some times, but I prefer to check calmly. I'm happy with the advantage, but the Tour is still very long".

Despite having gained ground on many of her most dangerous rivals, Reusser knows the race is far from over. "Honestly, I think everything is still possible. One bad day, a great day from an opponent, or even a mechanical problem. In cycling, anything can happen. Let's finish this Tour first, then we'll see who wins it".

The new leader is perfectly aware that by wearing the yellow jersey, she will become the target of all contenders.
"If no one attacked until the end of the Tour, that would be really strange. I expect many attacks. No one will let me arrive in Nice with this jersey without trying".

The Swiss rider's thoughts are already turning to the major alpine stages, where the fate of the Grande Boucle will be decided. "So far I've felt good. A huge climb is coming and I think anything can happen. It's the type of ascent I like, so I just hope to have good legs that day. I believe I'm in excellent form, but the road will tell us how much".

The Dijon time trial has thus marked the first major turning point of the Tour de France Femmes. Marlen Reusser has sent a powerful message to her rivals, claiming the yellow jersey with an authentic display of strength. But with Demi Vollering just 14 seconds behind and the mountains still to come, the race is far from decided. If the time trial has crowned a new queen, it will be the major climbs that will determine whether the world champion can truly carry that precious jersey all the way to Nice.