What a ride! The 5th Women’s Tour of Portugal just got a massive shake-up. Switzerland’s Jasmin Liechti, riding for NEXETIS, delivered a stunning solo victory on Saturday. She powered away from the pack to claim the fourth and second-to-last stage. This incredible effort also handed the 22-year-old the coveted yellow leader’s jersey. The race is now hers to lose with just one day left.
Liechti conquered the 103.6-kilometer route between Coruche and Loures, in the Lisbon district. She finished in 2 hours, 55 minutes, and 10 seconds. This dominant performance saw her cross the finish line a remarkable 28 seconds ahead of the chasing group.
In that chasing group was Denmark’s Amalie Dideriksen (Cofidis). Dideriksen had won the very first stage of this tour. She took second place on this stage and further cemented her lead in the points classification. The third spot on the podium for the day went to Canada’s Kiara Lylyk, representing Winspace Orange Seal.
The day was tough for American Heidi Franz of Team Cynisca. She finished fifth on the stage. More importantly, she lost her overall lead and handed the yellow jersey over to Liechti. Liechti’s strong attack also knocked Portugal’s Raquel Queirós off the general classification podium. Queirós, riding for Atum General-Tavira-Farense, was the winner of the very first edition of this tour.
Now, Queirós sits in fourth place overall. She is 24 seconds behind the new leader. This is the same time gap held by Spain’s Ariana Gilabert (Eneicat-CM), who is currently in third place. Heidi Franz is now second overall, trailing by 14 seconds. Liechti’s decisive attack came in the final third of the stage. This strategic move could very well mark the biggest stage race victory of her career. Remember, in 2024, she earned the silver medal in the U23 time trial world championship.
Sunday brings the final stage of the tour. This last ride won’t be as challenging in terms of climbs. It covers 89.2 kilometers, starting in Marvila, Lisbon. The race will conclude in Póvoa de Santa Iria, where the overall winner of the fifth edition of the Women’s Tour of Portugal will be crowned.
In the other classification battles, Amalie Dideriksen continues to wear the red jersey as the points leader. Heidi Franz holds onto the blue jersey, leading the mountain classification. Jenaya Francis (Winspace Orange Seal) is the best young rider, wearing the white jersey. In the team competition, Team COOP-Repsol remains in the lead.