Tour de France Femmes rides Mont Ventoux in historic stage

The Tour de France Femmes will make history on Friday, August 7, 2026, as the women's peloton tackles the legendary Mont Ventoux for the first time in the race's modern era. The iconic summit finish on stage seven is widely expected to decide the general classification in what riders anticipate will be a brutal and decisive battle.

The 146.8-kilometer stage from La Voulte-sur-Rhône will conclude with the famed ascent from Bédoin, a 15.7-kilometer climb averaging 8.8 percent gradient. The route's upper slopes, a barren, wind-swept landscape, present a unique and formidable challenge. Race director Marion Rousse has called the mountain emblematic and said its inclusion will write history in women's cycling. Officials confirmed the stage will proceed as planned despite previous wildfire concerns, though several sections will have restricted fan access.

The general classification is tightly poised heading into the climb. Marlen Reusser holds the yellow jersey, leading Demi Vollering by 12 seconds. Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney sits third, 1 minute and 57 seconds behind Reusser. Defending champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévot trails by over five minutes after losing time earlier in the week.