PARIS — The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift continued Wednesday with a mountainous stage through the Alps toward a summit finish. The Amaury Sport Organisation, which runs the race, had billed the day as pivotal to the overall standings.

The 2026 edition has drawn record attention, including the participation of Harshita Jakhar of Rajasthan, who became the first Indian woman to ride the event. Her presence has expanded the race's global following and drawn coverage across Indian media outlets.

The general classification has tightened as the peloton reached the high mountains, where time gaps between leading contenders typically open. Team directors from SD Worx-Protime and Lidl-Trek said the climbing stages would decide the yellow jersey.

Crowds lined the mountain roads, with spectators gathering near the final ascent hours before the leaders arrived. The ASO has promoted the women's race as a centrepiece of its expanding investment in women's professional cycling.

"The mountains always tell the truth in a Grand Tour," said an ASO race spokesperson, describing the stage as one of the most demanding of the week.