Tour de France Women: Dutch cyclist Charlotte Kool wins the first stage on home soil

Charlotte Kool Wins First Stage on Dutch Soil

The Dutch sprinter Charlotte Kool (DSM-Firmenich PostNL) claimed victory in the first stage of the 2024 Tour de France Femmes, from Rotterdam to The Hague. Despite being delayed due to the Paris 2024 Olympics, the race started smoothly, with Kool crossing the finish line ahead of Anniina Ahtosalo (Uno-X Mobility) and Elisa Balsamo (Lidl – Trek). The stage saw little excitement apart from a brief escape attempt by Italian cyclist Cristina Tonetti, leading to a sprint finish.

Charlotte Kool’s Triumph and Lorena Wiebes’ Misfortune

With a record of eighteen victories this season, Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) was the favorite for the stage but faced a setback with a chain issue during the sprint. Kool, seizing the opportunity, achieved her first Tour victory. Overcoming earlier struggles with her form, Kool expressed her joy at winning the stage, calling it the most beautiful day of her life.

Upcoming Stages and Favorites for Tour 2024

In the upcoming stages of the race, participants will face two more challenges across the Netherlands. Following Lotte Kopecky’s absence due to the Olympics, Dutch cyclist Demi Vollering, the defending champion, is a strong contender for victory in the eight-stage race ending in Alpe-d’Huez.