Elisa Longo Borghini claims a valuable third place on Mont Ventoux and takes another important step in the general classification of the Tour de France Femmes. The Italian champion finished the grueling stage behind winner Kasia Niewiadoma and Dutch rider Demi Vollering, while also managing to gain ground on Marlen Reusser.

A result that takes on particular significance for UAE Team L'IMAD, which has been at the center of various discussions in recent days regarding leadership management. On Ventoux, Longo Borghini and her young teammate Paula Blasi, seventh in the general classification, raced with great collaboration, managing together to reach Reusser in the final part of the climb.

«The pace was high from the start of the climb, congratulations to Kasia. She rode a fantastic climb», Longo Borghini said at the end of the day.

The Piedmont native chose not to be swept up in the frenzy of her rivals and preferred to follow her own pace. A tactic that paid off. «I followed my own rhythm and didn't look too much at the others. Paula and I worked very well together. We took turns and that's how we managed to reach Marlen Reusser».

The final result speaks for itself: third place on the stage, 1'42" behind Niewiadoma, and a performance that allows Longo Borghini to consolidate her position in the upper reaches of the classification. «I finished third, I can't complain. We showed we are a team».

Words that also seem to be an indirect response to discussions about the strategy of the Emirati team. On Ventoux, the team indeed showed effective management of its resources, with Blasi alongside the Italian champion at the decisive moment. Mont Ventoux tested all the protagonists of the Tour. The climb left no room for mistakes and required above all the ability to manage effort.

Elisa Longo Borghini interpreted the climb with care, without giving in to the temptation to respond to every acceleration.

«I liked the climb, even though it was tough. You have to be patient, use your head and have good legs». At the finish line, only Niewiadoma and Vollering held on ahead of her. The Polish rider claimed an extraordinary victory and the new yellow jersey, while Longo Borghini gained precious ground against some of her main rivals. The Italian champion is now fourth in the general classification, 2'59" behind Niewiadoma.