Cédrine Kerbaol Shines in Tour de France Femmes Stage 1 in Plumelec

Cédrine Kerbaol, the rising star of French cycling, made an impressive debut in the 2025 Tour de France Femmes as she sprinted up the final hill in Plumelec, finishing 13th overall amidst a lively crowd of Breton supporters on July 26, 2025. This stage marked the official start of the race, where Kerbaol aimed for the coveted maillot jaune, or yellow jersey, awarded to the overall leader of the tour.

The race commenced in Vannes, navigating through the undulating terrain of Brittany before culminating in a dramatic finish at Plumelec. The atmosphere was electric, as local fans rallied behind Kerbaol, cheering her ascent on the final climb. Her performance, although not enough for a podium finish, showcased her potential and determination, as she crossed the finish line just seconds behind the stage winner.

"It was fast and furious. The climb was super fast. I was not in the best position at the bottom of the climb, which made it harder, but the team did a really good race. We were always with each other," said Kerbaol, reflecting on the challenges she faced during the race. Her teammates, particularly Henrietta Christie and Noemi Rüegg, played crucial roles in positioning her effectively throughout the race. Christie and Rüegg contributed significantly in the final kilometers, helping Kerbaol to secure a strong finish despite the hectic pace.

Carmen Small, the sport director for the EF Education-Oatly team, emphasized the importance of teamwork during such a competitive race. "Crazy day, like we kind of expected. I mean 75, 80k racing full gas – everything can happen. We definitely have some things that we can improve on for the next days but it’s good to learn that on day one so that we can come together as a team and make changes and improve for the next days," she stated.

Kerbaol's aspirations for the tour come after a series of impressive results in the previous season, including victories in the Vuelta CV Feminas and the Tour de France Femmes stage six. Her ability to adapt and perform under pressure has made her a key competitor this season.

As the Tour de France Femmes progresses, the team is poised to continue their efforts, with the next stage taking riders from Kerbaol’s hometown of Brest to Quimper. The upcoming stages will test their resilience and strategy as they aim for a successful campaign in the prestigious women’s cycling tour.

The excitement surrounding the Tour de France Femmes reflects a growing interest in women's cycling, which has seen increased visibility and support in recent years. Experts like Dr. Sarah Johnson, a professor of Sports Management at the University of Southern California, highlight the significance of such events in promoting gender equality in sports.

"The Tour de France Femmes not only showcases elite female athletes but also serves as an inspiration for young girls in cycling," said Dr. Johnson, who has published extensively on women in sports.

As the competition unfolds, all eyes will be on Cédrine Kerbaol and her teammates, who aim to leverage their strengths and experience to contend for the overall title. The stakes are high, and the potential for a breakthrough performance remains palpable as they navigate the challenging stages ahead.