Ladies Thalita de Jong fourth in time trial and stronger in pink at Tour Féminin de l'Ardèche

The riders had to complete a hilly and therefore tough 16.76-kilometer time trial between Goudargues and Méjannes-le-Clap. A 7.5-kilometer climb was the decisive factor in stage four of this Tour Féminin de l'Ardèche. "Not very steep, but definitely tough and long," says Thalita de Jong. "Once at the top, we entered an open area where the wind blew incredibly hard. A difficult finale, in other words. I kept a good rhythm, but once at the top, it became a real grind."

De Jong eventually finished fourth and gained more time on the other contenders. "I'm a bit disappointed with my performance, but in the end, I’ve strengthened my position in the leader's jersey, so that's good."

Tomorrow, a 103-kilometer stage between La Canourgue and Mont Lozère is on the schedule. A tough mountain stage that will further shape the standings. "It’s going to be a hard stage, that's for sure. Right after the start, we face a third-category climb. After a flat section, three more second- and third-category climbs follow. I hope we can get to the finish with a select group, but it’s just as likely that a group will break away early on. It’s hard to control or keep up with everyone. However, I’ll do everything I can to defend my leader's jersey."