July 12/25 11:49 am - Norwegian Rider Wins First Stage of Inaugural Women's Abitibi

Posted by Editoress on 07/12/25
 

The first edition of the women's Tour de l'Abitibi saw 43 competitors from six nations (nine teams in total) on the start line for Stage 1 on Friday. The 91.5 kilometre race from Amos to Val d'Or was won by Marte Dulven of Team Norway in a field sprint, with Abigael Fortier (Equipe du Quebec) finishing second and Clemence Cousineau (Team Canada) in third, all the same time.

Attacks began in the opening kilometres, starting with Alexandra Fangeat (Liftow - KW Cycling Academy), who broke away solo in the second kilometre, eventually gaining 33 seconds on the peloton before she was reeled back in after 12.5 kilometres away. Attacks continued, with Jeanne Tennier (Equipe du Quebec) escaping for two kilometres near the halfway mark before being brought back after two kilometres away. The finish in Val d'Or saw 18 riders contesting for the podium, with another nine five seconds behind.

Dolven takes the Leader's jersey, three seconds ahead of Cousineau, with Fortier at four seconds, after intermediate sprint bonus seconds are factored in. All three riders are in the same order for the Points jersey (Cousineau will wear it for Stage 2). Dolven also holds the Climber's jersey, tied at eight points with Justine Baud (France); Baud will wear the Polka Dot for Stage 2. Zoe Bihan (France), fourth overall, holds the Best Young Rider jersey, with the same time as Fangeat.

Stage 2, on Saturday, will cover 98.6 kilometres, starting in Senneterre and finishing on the Val d'Or circuit for five laps of the 5.2 kilometre course.

Le Tour de l'Abitibi, Femmes: Stage 1