Movistar issues reassuring Marlen Reusser update after Tour de France Femmes crash

Crashes unfortunately marked the opening day of the Tour de France Femmes. The incidents led to one withdrawal, as Laura Tomasi of Uno-X Mobility did not reach the finish with a suspected concussion. Home favourite Marlen Reusser came through the Swiss opening stage in far better shape, despite suffering a worrying late crash.

Reusser hit the ground alongside teammate Arlenis Sierra in the run-in to the finale after the Cuban rider appeared to misjudge a corner. The Movistar leader had nowhere to go and was sent tumbling over her teammate, giving the Spanish squad and her supporters a major scare with just over 20 kilometres remaining.

Both riders were able to get back on their bikes immediately, and Sierra then helped Reusser regain contact with the other favourites before the final climb in Lausanne. On the closing uphill section, the powerful Swiss rider stayed with the other contenders for overall victory and crossed the line in tenth place, meaning she avoided losing any road time to her main general-classification rivals.

Movistar issued a medical update after the finish. “Marlen safely came through a stage that became complicated by a crash just over 20 kilometres from the finish. However, she was unhurt,” the Spanish team said, confirming that the incident had caused no apparent injury.

“Our leader, well protected by her teammates, crossed the line in tenth place, completing the group that contested the stage victory, and keeps all her chances intact for the days ahead,” Movistar concluded. Reusser therefore remains fully in contention as the Tour de France Femmes continues from Switzerland into France.