A wave of hope suddenly invaded cycling enthusiasts in Switzerland. The hope of seeing a Swiss woman triumph for the first time in the Tour de France, the most prestigious competition of the year. By winning the time trial in Dijon this Tuesday, Marlen Reusser took the leader’s yellow jersey. Enough to dream of a historic coronation on Sunday in Nice.
Before getting carried away, a question arises: Is Marlen Reusser a credible candidate for final victory? “Yes, she is in great shape and she has just won the Tour de Suisse, where she won a very difficult mountain stage in Villars-sur-Ollon. So I believe in it,” replies Richard Chassot, former professional rider and boss of the Tour de Romandie.
Mont Ventoux
Same story from Daniel Atienza, consultant for RTS. “Taking the yellow jersey in Dijon was expected and Marlen Reusser held his place. It evolves in the continuity of his Tour de Suisse, and ultimately his career,” explains the ex-pro.
The one who started in the professional world in 2017, at the age of 26, after six years of medical studies, has long been considered a pure specialist in individual effort. She notably won the world title in 2025. However, the Bernese also knows how to climb and win stage races, such as the Tour de Suisse (2023, 2025 and 2026) or the Tour of the Basque Country (2023).
To triumph in Nice, Marlen Reusser will first have to tame the legendary Mont Ventoux this Friday. “In my opinion, this will be the test of truth,” says Richard Chassot. The start of the climb is extremely steep and Demi Vollering, her main competitor, will perhaps have an advantage. Ventoux is very exposed to the wind, the conditions of the day will be important.
Just one competitor to watch
For Daniel Atienza, Mont Ventoux will look like a hill time trial that Marlen Reusser might like. “This Wednesday’s stage will be the most difficult for her. The runners will be up and down, all day, he analyzes. There will be very explosive climbs and very little recovery.”
The situation in the general classification still offers an advantage to the Swiss, believes the specialist. “Pauline Ferrand-Prévot (editor’s note: the 2025 winner) is far away. Marlen will “only” have Demi Vollering to watch over. If she resists and is still in yellow this Wednesday evening, it will be possible to dream of the final victory.
We will therefore have to wait a few hours before being able to let ourselves be overcome by the hope of seeing Marlen Reusser win the Grande Boucle.
