Cédrine Kerbaol Wins Stage Six of Tour de France Femmes

The sixth stage of the Tour de France Femmes saw Cédrine Kerbaol become the first French rider to win a stage in the race's three-year history. Kerbaol attacked after the final climb and maintained her lead during a spectacular descent to Morteau, finishing 20 seconds ahead of the chasing peloton.

Marianne Vos won the sprint for second place, securing the green jersey. Kasia Niewiadoma retained the yellow jersey, though her lead was briefly threatened by Kerbaol's attack.

The 159.2km stage from Remiremont to Morteau began with high-paced racing and multiple attacks. A breakaway of 18 riders eventually formed, including notable names like Vos, Grace Brown, and Niamh Fisher-Black. The group's advantage grew to nearly three minutes before being reeled in on the second-category climb of La Roche du Prêtre.

The final climb, Côte des Fins, saw several attacks, including one from local rider Juliette Labous. Puck Pieterse crested the climb first but lost the polka-dot jersey to Justine Ghekiere.

Kerbaol launched her decisive attack 14.5km from the finish. Only Pauliena Rooijakkers initially followed, but Kerbaol distanced her on the descent. The French rider's advantage grew to 40 seconds before the chasing group, led by Niewiadoma's teammate Neve Bradbury and FDJ-Suez riders, reduced the gap.

Kerbaol, 23, celebrated her biggest career victory and moved to within 16 seconds of the overall lead. She expressed surprise at her performance and promised to give her all in the final two stages.

The stage reshuffled the points classification, with Vos taking the green jersey from Charlotte Kool. Ghekiere claimed the polka-dot jersey for the mountains classification.

With two stages remaining, the general classification remains tight, setting up an exciting finale to the Tour de France Femmes. Niewiadoma leads, but Kerbaol's performance has put her in contention for a high overall placing.