In the seventh stage of the French stage race, all eyes were on Mont Ventoux, a brutal 15-kilometer climb with an average gradient of 8.8%. Eleven riders tried to reach the legendary climb with an advantage, but their breakaway was brought back just before the start of the ascent.

At that moment, Team Visma | Lease a Bike was still well represented at the front, but the team was unable to challenge for the stage victory. Bunel fought her way up the climb and eventually crossed the finish line in eleventh place. Niewiadoma proved to be the strongest and claimed the victory, taking over the race lead from Reusser.

"Of course, I was hoping for more, but I gave everything today. That’s why I think I can be satisfied with this performance", said Bunel. "It’s a special day in the history of women’s cycling, and I feel honoured to be part of it. I also want to say that I’m incredibly proud of my teammates. I want to thank them for the way they rode today."

Pauline Ferrand-Prévot said she enjoyed her day. "It might sound strange, but even though I couldn’t fight for the victory, I still enjoyed it. It was a beautiful climb, and it was even more special to see Marion perform so well", said the French rider, who is already looking ahead to tomorrow. "We haven’t won a stage in this Tour yet, but there are still two stages to come. We will do everything we can to take that victory."

Team manager Rutger Tijssen remained realistic after the stage. "Today, we simply weren’t good enough. We will have to analyse in the coming period exactly why that was", said the Dutchman, who remains confident. "Tomorrow we will make a new plan. A new day, a new opportunity. The riders who climbed more conservatively today are ready to show something tomorrow."