Shock victory for Clara Copponi in Women's Tour as favourite Lorena Wiebes crashes late on during Stage 1

Clara Copponi (FDJ Nouvelle-Aquitaine Futuroscope) was the major beneficiary of a crash in the closing metres of the first stage in this year’s Women’s Tour to take the first professional victory of her career. The crash, which occurred at high speed on the tight final turn in Bury St Edmunds, saw stage favourite Lorena Wiebes slide out and into the barriers.

Four other riders, including Coryn Labecki (Jumbo Visma) were also eliminated from the sprint. Ad/> Copponi, who had been several riders back in the line, was able to avoid the incident, carry her speed through the corner on the wheel of Sofia Bertizzolo (UAE Team ADQ) and come round the Italian for an impressive victory.

Critérium du Dauphiné‘Too soon’ – Roglic praises ‘big champion’ Dumoulin after retirement decision34 MINUTES AGO With it came the first leader’s jersey of this year’s race, the second for the Frenchwoman in as many editions of the race. Beginning in estuary-adjacent Essex and finishing in the Suffolk lowlands, the stage profile was perfectly programmed to bring the race home to in a single, elongated unit.

With temperatures below average for the time of year and precipitation somewhat above the norm, attacks were conspicuous by their absence as riders opted instead to huddle together for elemental shelter, warmth and protection. Despite lacking in undulation, the 142km course was not without challenges.

The narrow lanes of southern England repeatedly squeezed and stretched the peloton, taking in multiple changes of direction, and meant the riders were advised to keep their wits about them at all times. ‘Too soon’ – Roglic praises ‘big champion’ Dumoulin after retirement decision Vuillermoz edges Stage 2 of Dauphine as breakaway beats bunch to