Maeva Squiban conquers Ambert mountain at Tour de France Femmes stage six
Squiban of UAE Team ADQ finished one minute and nine seconds ahead of compatriot Juliette Labous (FDJ-Suez) in the first French one-two in the history of the competition.
"It's an amazing feeling. I didn't expect to do that," Squiban told reporters after becoming the second French rider to claim a stage in the event after Cedrine Kerbaol took stage six last year.
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Squiban stayed in the peloton led by yellow jersey holder Kimberley Le Court Pienaar (AG Insurance-Soudal), as mountains classification leader Elise Chabbey (FDJ-Suez) led the arduous 10km climb to Col du Beal.
The 23-year-old broke away on the ascent to Col du Chansert and soon built a lead of over a minute and comfortably took the win in the 123.7km ride from Clermont-Ferrand to Ambert.
Mauritian Le Court, who won stage five, was the third to cross the finish line as she retained her lead in the general classification.
Pauline Ferrand-Prevot (Visma-Lease a Bike), another home favourite, finished seventh in the stage to remain second in the race for the yellow jersey, 26 seconds behind Le Court.
Points classification leader Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) fell back from the peloton during the first half of the stage and appeared to be content conserving her energy, as she retained the green jersey.
The Tour continues with a hilly 159.7km ride from Bourg-en-Bresse to Chambery.
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