The Tour de France Femmes is officially underway! Our squad was determined to leave a mark on the opening stage. A 138-kilometer loop beginning lakeside in Lausanne, the course featured three category 3 climbs and a kicker to the finish. Four riders went up the road and our squad stayed safe in the bunch. The high pace in the final 20 kilometers saw the peloton shed riders left and right. Kristen put in a massive effort to get the squad into position. As the reduced bunch with the GC favorites stormed toward the finish line, Cédrine led Noemi out. Our Swiss ace, in her first day of racing since crashing in the Vuelta in May, kicked with everything she had, finishing in fifth place.

“It was brutally brutal. Super, super fast finish this last climb. We were going full gas from the bottom and I just suffered until the line. It was a bit of a gamble when to go and I didn’t really trust to go earlier. Cédrine did an amazing lead out. I think we can be happy, also looking where I was three months ago but of course we wanted more. The whole team was super committed from the bottom of the last descent, just smashing it at the front. We were always in great position and Cédrine did an amazing leadout so I’m super thankful for the commitment of the girls.

“Insane! Thank you so much to everyone who came to cheer. I could totally feel the support and everyone was screaming. Just amazing to see all Swiss fans.” - Noemi Rüegg

“I think we played good and that way, Noemi could sprint. It was nice to see. It’s a really nice feeling. I can feel that all the team is super committed. We are having a lot of fun on the bike but also off. We spent months together, between altitude camp and camp in Girona now so the vibe is good and the spirit is really good as well.” - Cédrine Kerbaol

“The team did super well today. Alice, Henri, and Nina followed some moves in the beginning but the break formed quite quickly with smaller teams so we were happy with that situation. It was all in for Noemi for the final and the girls did a crazy lead out into the last climb. Cédrine did a super lead out in the final. It was really cool to see. Noemi, it’s cool to have her back in the bunch after such a long time getting back from her shoulder injury so it was nice to see that she’s there and super strong. The team did a super job today.“ - Magdeleine Vallieres

“So we kind of knew this stage going into it.
It could either be ridden really hard and aggressive, or they let a break out, and then it's controlled, and then more of a sprint finished with Wiebes. I was glad to see a break went, and no one was controlling. I was happy to see Trek be super aggressive because it opened up the race again and made it really hard on the climbs, which was helpful for us. So that was pretty good. And then our plan was just to be all together at the bottom of the descent to do a lead out into the last climb for Noemi and that worked out well. The girls did an amazing job today. Really strong. They definitely lost a bit of control alongside the lake and got a bit swarmed with two of our girls kind of too far back, unfortunately, but they did a good job. Kristen hung in there. She brought them out into good position so we were actually safe entering the climb with Noemi and Cédrine. They rode it really hard. It was mostly GC riders on top part of that climb and with Noemi there, so that was super strong. Cédtine did an amazing lead out Wiebes is Wiebes. It was a little bit too hard to beat her. But that's for everybody. But I think the girls did a really good job, good showing, good teamwork. Good commitment to one another. So I think it was a very successful day, even though we didn't win, of course.” - Carmen Small, sports director

When she checked her Wahoo after the stage, Noemi was not surprised to see she had set a new one minute heart rate record in the closing sprint. With the final two kilometers averaging 5.5%, Noemi stayed on Cédrine’s wheel until she launched herself toward the line. In the final 60 seconds, she sustained 190 bpm. 

With the race kicking off in Lausanne, we couldn’t resist a visit to the Musée Olympique. Covering the ancient Games in Greece up to the modern incarnation, the museum, perched on a hill just in front of Lake Geneva, is home to over 10,000 artifacts. One of the permanent exhibits invites visitors to test out their agility and balance, hallmark traits of Olympic medalists. Let’s just say you won’t see our Communications department winning any medals too soon.

For tonight’s dinner, Owen served up a beautiful caprese salad. With the temperature in the low 30s Celsius, he knew the riders would appreciate a salad that’s satisfying without sitting heavily in their stomachs. Enjoy this light, fresh Caprese with a citrus lift that’s ideal alongside a main course for cyclists.

Serves 7

Ingredients

900 g ripe mixed tomatoes (heritage, cherry, plum), sliced or halved

350 g fresh mozzarella, torn into bite-sized pieces

70 g wild rocket

15 g fresh basil leaves

10 g fresh mint leaves

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (30 ml)

1 tbsp aged balsamic vinegar (15 ml)

½ tsp flaky sea salt

Freshly cracked black pepper

Method

1. Arrange the tomatoes on a large platter and season lightly with the salt.

2. Scatter over the torn mozzarella.

3. Add the rocket, basil and mint, leaving some herbs whole and tearing a few larger leaves.

4. Finely grate the lemon zest evenly over the salad.

5. Whisk together the olive oil and balsamic until lightly emulsified.

6. Drizzle over just before serving.

7. Finish generously with freshly cracked black pepper.

Chef’s tips

Let the tomatoes sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving for maximum flavor.

If serving after a hard ride, keep the balsamic light so the tomatoes stay bright and fresh.

A final sprinkle of flaky salt just before service makes the tomatoes pop without needing extra dressing.

Literally translated from French as the big start, the Grand Départ is the first stage of a major race like the Tour de France Femmes. There’s always an added air of excitement around the start of a race and cities and countries often vie for the honor of hosting. Switzerland has earned the privilege of hosting the 2026 Grand Départ and in fact the race doesn’t enter France until the opening kilometers of stage 3. With its stunning scenery, smooth roads, varied terrain, and devoted cycling fans, Switzerland is an ideal choice for the Grand Départ.