Sigrid Haugset has embarked on an impressive solo journey, ultimately securing victory in the third stage of the Women’s Tour de France and earning the coveted yellow jersey.

The Norwegian cyclist initiated her decisive break with over 85 kilometers remaining in the challenging 156.5-kilometer leg from Geneva to Poligny, which included four categorized climbs. Haugset made her move at the base of the category two Col de la Savine, setting the stage for her triumph.

She also claimed victory on the final categorized ascent of the day, the category four Côte de Chaux-Champagny, crossing the summit ahead of Lotte Kopecky, who trailed by approximately 30 seconds. A group of nine riders followed more than two minutes behind.

Former yellow jersey holder Lorena Wiebes, who had dominated the first two stages, found herself significantly behind, finishing 13 minutes after Haugset and ultimately placing over 20 minutes back, which dropped her to 67th in the overall standings.

As the race approached the final 10 kilometers, the competition intensified between Haugset and Kopecky, who had reduced Haugset’s lead to just 15 seconds. However, Haugset, aware of the looming threat, accelerated and successfully extended her advantage, finishing 1 minute and 24 seconds ahead of Kopecky.

With this victory, Haugset now leads the general classification by 2 minutes and 2 seconds over Kimberley Le Court from Mauritius, while the reigning Tour champion, Demi Vollering, sits in third place, just four seconds further back.

This year’s Women’s Tour, now in its fifth edition, spans a total distance of 1,175 kilometers over the course of nine days.