Cédrine Kerbaol makes history as the first Frenchwoman to win a stage at the 2024 Tour de France Femmes, ending a 35-year drought. Discover how her calculated solo attack secured a legendary victory and inspired the next generation of cyclists.
In a breathtaking display of strength and strategy, Cédrine Kerbaol became the first Frenchwoman to win a stage at the revived Tour de France Femmes, ending a 35-year drought for her nation in this prestigious race.
The 23-year-old’s stunning solo victory on stage six not only secured her a place in history but also provided inspiration for the next generation of female cyclists.
A French Triumph: Breaking the Dutch Dominance
Since the reintroduction of women’s racing under the Tour de France name in 2014, Dutch cyclists have dominated the event, with stars like Marianne Vos, Anna van der Breggen, Annemiek van Vleuten, and Demi Vollering consistently topping the podiums. However, Kerbaol’s victory has shifted the spotlight back to France, rekindling memories of Jeannie Longo’s last French stage win in 1989.
| Year | Stage Winner | Nationality | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Jeannie Longo | French | Aix les Bains |
| 2024 | Cédrine Kerbaol | French | Morteau |
“It’s a bit crazy. I mean, the first French winner at the Tour de France Femmes, it’s something super cool,” said Kerbaol during her post-race press conference. “I’m thinking a lot about the next generation coming, and I hope it gives them a lot of motivation.”
The Winning Move: A Calculated Attack
Kerbaol’s victory was a masterclass in timing and execution. With 14.6 kilometers remaining, after the final climb up Côte des Fins, Kerbaol seized her opportunity. While general classification favorites Kasia Niewiadoma (Canyon-SRAM) and Demi Vollering (SD Worx-Protime) kept a close eye on each other, Kerbaol launched a decisive attack.
| Key Moments | Details |
|---|---|
| Attack Point | 14.6 km from the finish, after the Côte des Fins climb. |
| Rival Response | Pauliena Rooijakkers (Fenix-Deceuninck) joined but couldn’t sustain the pace. |
| Final Descent | Kerbaol’s superior descending skills allowed her to build a 21-second lead. |
| Finish | Solo victory in Morteau, with the crowd cheering her on. |
“It was the plan to attack at some point, but not particularly there. The goal was to feel the race and do something,” Kerbaol explained. “When I attacked, we were two, but I noticed Rooijakkers couldn’t keep up on the descent, so I just focused on going as fast as I could.”
A Win for the Ages: What It Means for Kerbaol and France
Kerbaol’s triumph is not just a personal achievement but a significant moment for French cycling. After winning the best young rider’s white jersey last year, this stage win elevates her status to a new level. The victory was particularly sweet as it was the first French stage win in the modern era of the Tour de France Femmes, coming after two years and six stages of the race’s revival.
| Kerbaol’s Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| 2023 Tour de France Femmes | Best Young Rider’s White Jersey |
| 2024 Tour de France Femmes | Stage 6 Winner; Second Overall in GC |
“It’s legendary. I have never won a race like this before, and being the first French winner is something very special,” Kerbaol said with pride. “I was just focused on turning the pedals and pulling as many watts as I could.”
Looking Ahead: General Classification Ambitions
Despite her historic win, Kerbaol remains focused on the bigger picture—the general classification. Currently sitting just 16 seconds behind GC leader Kasia Niewiadoma, Kerbaol is in a strong position to challenge for the yellow jersey. However, she is cautious about setting specific targets, preferring to take each stage as it comes.
| Current GC Standings | Rider | Time Gap |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Kasia Niewiadoma (Canyon-SRAM) | 0:00 |
| 2nd | Cédrine Kerbaol (France) | +0:16 |
“I don’t want to put myself under pressure for a result. I’m just living every moment as it comes,” Kerbaol emphasized. “I want to be clever in our strategy, give my best, and see where that takes us.”
Conclusion: A New Chapter in French Cycling
Cédrine Kerbaol’s victory at the Tour de France Femmes marks a pivotal moment in French cycling history. Her solo triumph not only ends a decades-long wait for a home stage win but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for the future. As she continues to ride with passion and determination, the young French star has already etched her name into the annals of the sport.
Stay connected for more in-depth coverage of the 2024 Tour de France Femmes, where we bring you the latest updates, expert analysis, and behind-the-scenes stories from every stage.