The individual time trial reshuffles the general classification

The individual time trial reshuffles the general classification

Kim Le Court-Pienaar gave everything in Tuesday's individual time trial at the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. The AG Insurance - Soudal Team rider limited her losses on a course that did not suit her strengths, finishing 2:22 behind stage winner Marlen Reusser and moving to 15th in the general classification.

Stage 4 was always expected to play a decisive role in the battle for the overall classification. Starting the day in second place, Le Court-Pienaar went all-in to defend her GC position on a course dominated by the race's strongest time trial specialists.

With the team's focus fully on supporting Le Court-Pienaar's ambitions in the general classification, the remaining AG Insurance - Soudal Team riders approached the stage at a controlled pace, saving valuable energy for the demanding road stages still to come.

Le Court-Pienaar produced a committed ride from start to finish but was unable to match the pace of Marlen Reusser, who powered to both the stage victory and the yellow jersey. The Mauritian crossed the line 2:22 behind the Swiss rider and now sits 15th overall, 2:15 adrift of the race lead.

Sports Director Jolien D'hoore: "We prepared thoroughly for this time trial and knew we were likely to lose time to the specialists. Of course, it's never easy to see Kim drop places in the general classification, but we have to accept today's result.

The Tour is far from over and there are still plenty of opportunities ahead, both for stage victories and to race aggressively. We remain positive. As the saying goes: a lost battle is not a lost war."

Although the time trial reshuffled the overall standings, AG Insurance - Soudal remains fully motivated for the remainder of the Tour de France Femmes. With several demanding stages still to come, the team will continue to look for opportunities to make its mark over the coming days.