- Belgian cyclist Ghekiere triumphs on the near-conclusion stage of the Tour
Belgian cyclist Justine Ghekiere seals Stage 7 triumph. Donning the polka-dot jersey, she clinched victory in a lone chase covering 166 kilometers from Champagnole to Le Grand-Bornand, crossing the line over a minute ahead.
In the Tour de France's overall standings, Poland's Katarzyna Niewiadoma retained her top spot following a fourth-place finish, but saw Dutch rider Demi Vollering close in as they crossed the finish line together. Despite a 1 minute and 15 seconds deficit, Vollering, who encountered difficulties earlier in the tour, remains a contender for the ultimate victory, currying favor with an eighth-place position. The final stage on Sunday, stretching 150 kilometers from Le Grand-Bornand to Alpe d'Huez, promises to determine the Tour champion.
During the Alpine stage to Le Grand-Bornand, boasting over 2,000 meters of elevation gain, a six-rider breakaway enjoyed a five-minute advantage over the main pack before the decisive segment. With 15 kilometers left and a 3-and-a-half-minute buffer, the lead group, incorporating Dutch Olympic silver medalist Marianne Vos, started to fray. Ghekiere struck and celebrated her success in the ski resort town, which also plays host to biathlon World Cup competitions.
Liane Lippert concluded the race in 21st position, 1 minute and 59 seconds adrift, and currently ranks 11th in the General Classification, trailing behind the leader by 1 minute and 47 seconds.
After securing her Stage 7 victory, Justine Ghekiere expressed her excitement to race on the same Alpine stage the following day. The upcoming Stage 10, culminating at the iconic Alpe d'Huez, serves as the final opportunity for riders to make a significant impact on the overall standings, with the stage's significant climb potentially shaping the Tour de France's ultimate champion.
