Lorena Wiebes won the opening stage of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes on Saturday [1].
The victory marks a strong start to an edition designed to showcase new terrain. Organizers moved the start to Switzerland to increase the international profile of the women's race [2, 5].
The first stage covered 138 km [1] and concluded in Lausanne [1, 4]. Riders navigated the course through Swiss landscapes before a final sprint to the finish line. During the closing moments of the race, commentary noted that the peloton had 500 m remaining until the end of the neutralized sector [1].
Wiebes secured the win in a competitive finish. While she took the first stage, other favorites remain central to the overall competition. Prior to the start, some analysts said Demi Vollering is the woman to watch [3].
The 2026 route is characterized by significant climbing. The overall race features an elevation gain of nearly 19,000 m [2]. This vertical challenge is expected to test the endurance of the peloton as they move from the Swiss start into the heart of France.
The shift to a Swiss start represents a strategic move by race organizers to diversify the geography of the event. By introducing different terrain in the opening stages, the Tour de France Femmes aims to attract a wider global audience, and challenge riders with varied landscapes [2, 5].
“Lorena Wiebes won the opening stage of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes”
The decision to start the 2026 Tour de France Femmes in Switzerland signals an expansion of the race's operational scope beyond French borders. By incorporating high-elevation Swiss terrain and international cities like Lausanne, the event is evolving from a national tour into a broader European showcase, likely increasing its commercial appeal and athletic difficulty.
