Marlen Reusser of the SD Worx squad won the gravel-heavy 4th stage of the 2022 Tour de France Femmes for the biggest win of her career. Reusser attacked with 23km remaining and held off the chasers over the final climbs to take the win.
G.C. leader Marianne Vos (Jumbo-Visma) finished with the main pack to defend the yellow jersey.
Évita Muzic (FDJ-SUEZ-Futuroscope) took second place ahead of Alena Amialiusik (Canyon SRAM Racing) and Veronica Ewers (EF Education-TIBCO-SVB).
“We did it. The team had the plan to make a hard race and not let it come down to an easy final. We said to attack and one would go, and I lucky it was me,” Reusser said at the finish.
“We have our GC leaders, and we always keep them in front. This team is always aggressive and open race strategy, so everyone is capable of winning a stage if it’s possible. Today I was the lucky one who could go, and I am very grateful. I think every day is so far in this Tour. This stage suits the kind of rider that I am, it was hard, but not harder than other stages. I don’t know if this is the best. For sure it is super good.”
The stage was marred late in the race when Spanish national champion Mavi García, riding for UAE Team ADQ, was thrown to the ground after being struck by her own team car.
Garcia had already punctured twice and was chasing back to the main bunch in the last of the four gravel sectors when she was struck her from behind. As would be expected, she lost contact with the leaders in the decisive stage.
She did manage to finish the stage despite being knocked down heavily on her shoulder her back.
2022 Tour de France Femmes: Stage 4 Brief Results
- Marlen Reusser (Team SD Worx) @ 3h 16′ 30″
- Evita Muzic (FDJ-SUEZ-Futuroscope) @ 1’24”
- Alena Amialiusik (CANYON//SRAM Racing) s.t.
- Veronica Ewers (EF Education-TIBCO-SVB) s.t.
- Marianne Vos (Team Jumbo-Visma) @ 1’40”
General Classification After Stage 4
- Marianne Vos (Team Jumbo-Visma) @ 11h 48′ 46″
- Silvia Persico (Valcar-Travel & Service) @ 16″
- Katarzyna Niewiadoma (CANYON//SRAM Racing) s.t.
- Elisa Longo Borghini (Trek-Segafredo) @ 21″
- Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio (Team SD Worx) @ 51″
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