The day after the battle of the Massif Central, the favourites of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift are all set this Friday for the first of three Alpine stages.
While its profile seems less daunting than the two days that follow - with Col de la Madeleine on Saturday and Col de Joux Plane on Sunday - this seventh stage in truth remains no less tricky and promises to produce a great battle.
The final third of the 159.7-km route is a roller coaster, with a dizzying plunge towards Chambery. At the summit of Col du Granier, which the riders will reach following an 8.9 km climb at 5.3% (Category 2), they'll have to be brave for what comes next: a 17 km descent to reach the finish.
To win the stage, they'll have to take risks. Even if it means losing everything? This is the dilemma that will arise for the top guns, who are all still neck and neck with three days to go.
For the GC leader, Kim Le Court (AG Insurance-Soudal Team), thanks to the time bonuses gained on Thursday, the Mauritian has increased her lead by eight seconds. Her advantage is now 28" over her closest challenger, Pauline Ferrand-Prevot (Visma|Lease a Bike).
For her part Ferrand-Prevot will perhaps be inspired by the victory yesterday of Maeva Squiban, the first Frenchwoman to win a stage at this year's Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. The big battle has only just begun. Stage 7 will see more fireworks for sure.
