France, Aug. 6 -- The 34-year-old took command of one of the circuit's most prestigious races on Tuesday.

The Movistar rider finished Wednesday's fifth stage between Macon and Belleville-en-Beaujolais in second place behind the 2023 champion Demi Vollering to maintain a 12-second overall lead over Vollering.

The Canyon//SRAM rider Katarzyna Niewiadoma-Phinney finished the 140-km fifth stage in third place.

"I somehow made it," said Vollering after completing the ride in three hours, 53 minutes and 54 seconds. "I think it was a relief after the finish line.

Vollering said the last four days of the race would be a fight

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