In the challenging terrain of Livradois-Forez, French rider Maëva Squiban (UAE Team ADQ) secured a solo victory in Ambert at the end of the sixth stage of the 2025 Tour de France Femmes. Juliette Labous (FDJ-SUEZ) finished second on this mountain stage, while Kim Le Court-Pienaar hung on to finish third and retain her yellow jersey.
A decisive offensive in Chansert
Maëva Squiban’s attack, more than 30 kilometres from the finish line, took place in the Col du Chansert (6.3 km at 5.5%). In the final stretch, Juliette attempted a counterattack, breaking away from a group of favourites about ten kilometres from the finish line with her teammates Demi Volleirng and Evita Muzic. Although she was unable to completely close the gap, the Frenchwoman secured a fine second place, confirming her excellent form on this mountainous terrain.
Behind them, the yellow jersey group was beaten in the sprint by Kim Le Court, who took third place in the stage.
With its 123.7 kilometres and more than 2,000 metres of elevation gain, this stage marked the peloton’s serious entry into the mountains. The Col du Béal (10.2 km at 5.6%) initially stretched out the positions, before things heated up in the final climbs of Chansert and Valcivières. The finish in Ambert, after a fast descent and a final 400-metre straight, provided a finale where the climbers were able to impose their pace.
The top four in the overall standings remain unchanged but slightly closer together. Demi Vollering, fourth in Ambert, remains well placed, 31 seconds behind the yellow jersey. Evita finished in the same group as Demi and is in the top 10 in the GC. Elise, meanwhile, retains her polka dot jersey after putting in a lot of effort throughout the stage.
Stage 6 classification:
- Maëva Squiban (UAE Team ADQ) — 3h20’46”
- Juliette Labous (FDJ-SUEZ) — +1’09”
- Kim Le Court-Pienaar (AG Insurance-Soudal) — +1’13”
- Demi Vollering (FDJ-SUEZ) — mt
Overall standings after stage 6:
- Kim Le Court (AG Insurance-Soudal), en 18h29’05”
- Pauline Ferrand-Prevot (Visma-Lease a Bike), +26″
- Katarzyna Niewiadoma (CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto), +30″
- Demi Vollering (FDJ-SUEZ), +31″
Broadcast: 3:35 p.m. on France Télévisions and Eurosport