Vollering wins stage to claim Tour lead before final day

Demi Vollering claimed victory in stage eight of the Tour de France Femmes, taking the lead in the race and winning her second win of the year. The stage, a 171.9km flat ride from Sisteron to Nice, saw Vollering attack on the final climb and break away from the chasing group, allowing her to stretch her lead over the other riders.

The chase duo of Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney and Elisa Longo Borghini finished 17 seconds and 3 minutes 5 seconds behind Vollering respectively, with Niewiadoma-Phinney retaining the yellow jersey. Vollering expressed her excitement about starting the next stage in yellow, acknowledging that the last day of the race could bring unexpected changes but emphasizing her focus on the upcoming challenge.

Defending champion Pauline Ferrand-Prevot withdrew from the race due to illness, leaving the stage nine to be a crucial one for Vollering to maintain her lead.