Enlarge image
Winner Lorena Wiebes (right) and Marianne Vos at the finish
Photo:
JEFF PACHOUD / AFP
Lorena Wiebes from the Netherlands sprinted into the yellow jersey at the comeback of the women's Tour de France.
The Dutchwoman, who was the favorite before the stage, prevailed in a mass sprint on the Parisian Champs-Élysées on Sunday ahead of her compatriot Marianne Vos and the Belgian Lotte Kopecky.
The best German on the 82-kilometer stage that started at the Eiffel Tower was Lisa Brennauer in 19th place.
The stage started in Paris a few hours before the traditional arrival of the men on the magnificent boulevard.
Twelve times it was in front of the atmospheric backdrop in a round course on the famous avenue before the decision was made in a mass sprint.
Heavy fall on the asphalt
The start was overshadowed by a heavy fall by Alana Castrique.
The Belgian fell 13 kilometers from the finish on the cobblestones of the Champs-Élysées and had to be taken away by ambulance.
Christine Majerus (SD Worx) also fell in the situation.
Five kilometers from the finish, Laura üßmilch also fell, but was able to continue the race.
The second stage on Monday will cover 136.5 kilometers from Meaux to Provins.
Expect another sprint on the completely flat section to the east of Paris.
The tour ends on Sunday in the Vosges on the Planche des Belles Filles.
The previous version of the women's Tour de France was held from 1984 to 2009.
Last year there was already a mini comeback as a one-day race as part of the tour.
Tour participant Vos had already campaigned in 2013 together with some colleagues for the ASO to organize a stage race for women again parallel to the men's Tour of France.
The top favorite for the overall victory is Giro winner Annemiek van Vleuten from the Netherlands.
Stages, favourites, teams: Read everything you need to know about the Tour de France Femmes here
ngo/dpa
