'It's going to be brutal' – judgement day beckons for Marlen Reusser on Mont Ventoux at Tour de France Femmes

Marlen Reusser, the current leader in the Tour de France Femmes, faces a crucial test on the upcoming stage six, a grueling climb up Mont Ventoux. This mountain stage, the subject of much speculation and anticipation, could determine the outcome of the race. Reusser, dressed in the coveted yellow jersey, has already completed 150km and climbed 2,500m through the Ardèche region in scorching 33°C heat.

The coming day's challenges are familiar territory for the French rider, who recently tested her skills on a steep downhill, describing the experience as both impressive and terrifying due to strong gusts.

Reusser admits that Mont Ventoux will be "brutal," but she believes it suits her riding style better than previous climbs. This confidence, coupled with her 12-second lead over the current podium riders Demi Vollering and Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, has fueled hopes that she might secure the stage victory. However, the race director Kelvin Dekker is even more optimistic, predicting that Reusser will not only follow the leaders but also try to beat them on Mont Ventoux, with the aim to ultimately win the stage.

Despite the mounting pressure, Reusser remains unfazed, emphasizing that winning the Tour de France is her ultimate goal. She maintains a sense of perspective, emphasizing that cycling, and the race in particular, is just a fun thing to do. Reusser's next move is to focus on recovery, with the big day of Mont Ventoux on Friday.