Published on : 08/03/2026
The third stage of the Tour de France Femmes, contested between Geneva and Poligny, featured a hilly course ideal for attacks. Once again, the Cofidis riders distinguished themselves at the front of the race.
Nikola Nosková, who has been a standout since the Grand Départ in Lausanne, continued her strong start to the Tour. Involved in the early breakaways, the Czech rider earned valuable points in the mountains classification on the day’s first climbs. This strong performance allowed her to climb to 2nd place in the mountains classification, just four points behind the leader, Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck).
Up front, the day’s breakaway riders managed to hold off the peloton’s chase to battle it out for the win. Behind them, the group of favorites arrived a few moments later, including two Cofidis riders: Nikola Nosková and Malwina Mul. Having already finished ninth in the second stage, our young Polish rider confirmed her excellent form by securing a second consecutive Top 10 finish. She once again took 9th place, a promising performance for her first appearance in the Tour de France Femmes.
After three stages, the Cofidis team continues to make waves in this women’s Tour de France. Between Nikola Nosková’s quest for the polka-dot jersey and Malwina Mul’s consistency at the finishes, there are plenty of reasons to be pleased as the race continues.
The reaction
Malwina Mul: "A second Top 10 finish—I wasn’t expecting that. I’m very proud of my teammates’ work. They’re with me during the climbs, and they ask me if I need anything. I struggled during the climbs; I tried to stay with the lead group as long as possible. I got dropped at one point, I fell, and I fought to catch up to the lead group. I was very close, and then my chain broke. I thought to myself, “Oh no, not again!” I kept trying for a long time—I was between the cars—so I told myself I had to get back, and yes, I did. Every climb was very difficult."