Maëva Squiban Secures Second Consecutive Stage Win at Tour de France Femmes
Maëva Squiban wins her second stage at the Tour de France Femmes, setting up intense competition for the upcoming stages.
Key Points
- • Maëva Squiban wins her second consecutive stage at Tour de France Femmes in Chambéry.
- • Squiban broke away during Col du Granier and finished solo.
- • Yellow jersey holder Kimberley Pienaar Le Court retains her lead despite challenges.
- • The next stage features a major climb at Col de la Madeleine, set for August 2.
Maëva Squiban of UAE Team ADQ continued her remarkable run at the Tour de France Femmes by clinching her second consecutive stage victory on August 1, 2025, in Chambéry. Known for her tenacity, Squiban showcased her climbing abilities by breaking away from the main pack during the demanding ascent of Col du Granier, finishing the stage in a stunning solo effort.
Squiban's impressive win follows her triumph in Ambert, marking a significant moment in this year's competition as she confirmed her status as a top contender. Despite the challenges posed by the climb, her performance further signifies a strong showing by French cyclists, contributing to consecutive French victories in the event. In the stage, Kimberley Pienaar Le Court, the yellow jersey holder, struggled on the final climb, losing over 30 seconds to her rivals but managed to hold on to her overall lead, a testament to her competitive spirit. Cédrine Kerbaol placed second in the stage, while Ruth Edwards secured third.
As the competition intensifies, the upcoming 8th stage on August 2 will cover 111.9 kilometers between Chambéry and Saint-François Longchamp and is already dubbed the 'queen stage' of the race. It features the first hors catégorie ascent of this edition at the Col de la Madeleine, which presents a substantial challenge with an average gradient of 8.1% over its 18.6 kilometers. Prominent riders like Katarzyna Niewiadoma and Demi Vollering are seen as favorites for the stage; however, Squiban's performance indicates that she should not be underestimated.
Commenting on her consecutive victories, Squiban expressed her resolve stating, “I’m ready to continue pushing my limits.” With fierce competitors closing in, the next stages will be crucial in determining the final overall standings. The stage is planned to begin with a fictive start at 13:45, with the actual race starting at 14:00 and an estimated finish around 17:15, further enticing cycling fans and adding to the excitement surrounding this year’s event.