Charlotte Kool Clinches Opening Stage of Tour de France Femmes

Dutch rider Charlotte Kool of Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL claimed victory in the opening stage of the Tour de France Femmes, securing the first yellow jersey. The 123km race from Rotterdam to The Hague saw Anniina Ahtosalo of Uno-X Mobility finish second, and Elisa Balsamo of Lidl-Trek in third place.

Dutch cyclist Charlotte Kool of Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL emerged victorious in the opening stage of this year's Tour de France Femmes, securing the coveted yellow jersey. The race spanned 123 kilometers, starting in Rotterdam and concluding in The Hague.

Uno-X Mobility's Anniina Ahtosalo clinched the second position, followed by Elisa Balsamo of Lidl-Trek in third. Notably, Marianne Vos claimed the green jersey by winning the intermediate sprint at Groeneweg.

A mass crash in the peloton with 69 kilometers remaining caused a stir, though no severe injuries were reported. The competition continues with stage two, a 69.7-km ride from Dordrecht to Rotterdam.

(With inputs from agencies.)