In Morteau, France, Cedrine Kerbaol achieved a significant victory, marking the first time a French rider has won a stage in the three-year history of the women’s Tour de France. During the sixth stage from Remiremont to Morteau, covering a challenging 159.2 kilometers, Kerbaol secured the win with a solo effort. The 23-year-old athlete broke away from the main group at the top of the final climb, maintaining a strong lead to finish 21 seconds ahead of Marianne Vos and Liane Lippert.

Kerbaol’s triumph not only earned her a memorable win but also propelled her to second place in the general classification, trailing Kasia Niewiadoma by only 16 seconds with two stages remaining in the mountainous terrain. American rider Kristen Faulkner claimed the third spot, finishing 19 seconds behind Niewiadoma.

Polish cyclist Niewiadoma took over the overall lead after the previous yellow-jersey holder and defending champion, Demi Vollering, suffered a crash during the fifth stage, losing over a minute to her competitors.

As the race heads into the final stages, the penultimate stage on Saturday presents a challenging 166.4-kilometer course from Champagnole, featuring five categorized climbs with a summit finish at Le Grand-Bornand. The competition concludes on Sunday with a demanding ascent up Alpe d’Huez and its renowned 21 hairpin bends.