Marlen Reusser, a leading contender for the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, abandoned the race during the opening stage due to a recurring illness. The Swiss cyclist, who had recently achieved runner-up finishes at both the Vuelta Femenina and Giro d’Italia, along with victories at the Tour de Suisse and Vuelta a Burgos, faced significant health challenges leading up to the event.
On July 23, 2023, during the first stage that began in Vannes, Reusser struggled with her condition, falling behind the peloton after less than 80 kilometers. Her withdrawal marked a disappointing start for the Movistar team, which had high hopes for both Reusser and her teammate Liane Lippert. Movistar’s Director Sportif, Jorge Sanz, expressed frustration as the day unfolded, stating, “Today it started as a fight for the stage with Liane, also, if Marlen was okay to keep her for GC, but in a moment, boom, both go to shit.”
Reusser’s health issues originated during the Giro d’Italia earlier in the month, where she experienced stomach problems. Despite a brief recovery period, her condition deteriorated again shortly after arriving at the Tour. Sanz explained, “We think it comes from the Giro, the last three days she was suffering too much with the stomach issues.” The team had hoped she would be fully fit after resting, but the recurrence of her symptoms dashed those expectations.
The stage proved challenging for all competitors, featuring demanding climbs such as the Côte de Botségalo and Côte de Cadoudal. As the race unfolded, it became clear that Reusser was not in a position to compete, as she focused on aiding Lippert after a crash rather than conserving her own energy. Lippert ultimately finished in 116th place, over six minutes behind the leaders.
Reusser’s premature exit from the race not only impacts her personal ambitions but also significantly alters Movistar’s strategy for the remainder of the competition. Sanz acknowledged the setback, stating, “The sun rises tomorrow. First, we have to digest this day, and for sure, next day we’ll be thinking new options.” With eight stages remaining, the team remains determined to regroup and explore new strategies for success.
As the Tour de France Femmes continues, the cycling community will be watching closely to see how Movistar adapts after this challenging start. The race remains fiercely competitive, and each team will be looking to establish an advantage as the days progress.
