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In a groundbreaking moment for African cycling, 29-year-old Mauritian rider Kim Le Court-Pienaar sprinted her way into the history books on Wednesday, becoming the first African rider ever to win a stage at the Tour de France Femmes. Her sensational victory came on the fifth stage, the longest of the 2025 edition and also saw her reclaim the coveted yellow jersey, marking her as the current overall leader.
A Defining Moment in Women’s Cycling
The 166-kilometer stage, which began in the scenic Brittany region, concluded in dramatic fashion with a high-speed sprint involving top contenders such as the Netherlands’ Demi Vollering and Poland’s Katarzyna Niewiadoma. But it was Le Court who crossed the line first, beaming with joy and disbelief.
“It’s really been a dream start to the Tour. The stage win, the yellow jersey, it’s unbelievable,” Le Court told reporters at the finish. “When we started in Brittany, I wasn’t even thinking about this.”
From Mauritius to the World Stage
Le Court-Pienaar’s path to this moment has been anything but conventional. Born and raised in Mauritius, a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, she picked up cycling at an early age, inspired by her family’s love for the sport. But the leap from local talent to international contender was daunting.
“Coming from a small island, turning pro in Europe always felt like a far-off dream,” she said in a recent interview with BBC Sport Africa.
After an initial move to Europe in 2015, Le Court faced immense challenges, financial strain, lack of support, and cultural isolation. Her first stint in Europe was brief, and she returned to Africa discouraged, but not defeated.
It was in South Africa, surrounded by the vibrant mountain biking scene, that she began to rebuild her confidence and strength. Her passion for road racing remained, and in 2024 she signed with the Belgian team AG Insurance–Soudal, which marked a turning point in her professional career.
Trailblazer for African Women in Sport
In July 2024, Le Court had already made headlines by becoming the first African woman to win a stage in the Giro d’Italia Donne, a prestigious women’s cycling event. Her win on Wednesday cements her position as one of the most exciting and inspirational figures in women’s cycling today.
“I’m super hungry for more and for new beginnings,” she said, hinting at her growing ambition.
As for whether she can hold the yellow jersey until the final stage?
“We’ll see what happens next. I still don’t know my limits in the mountains,” she added with a smile.
The Road Ahead in Tour de France Femmes 2025
This year’s Tour de France Femmes features a grueling nine-stage route covering 1165 kilometers with an elevation gain of 17.2 km, the most demanding yet in the race’s short but rapidly evolving history.
Cyclists will continue battling it out until the overall winner is crowned on Sunday, and all eyes are now on Le Court as a genuine contender for the overall title. Should she maintain her form, she could not only win stages but potentially become the first African overall winner of the Tour de France Femmes.
More Than a Victory
Kim Le Court-Pienaar’s win isn’t just a personal triumph, it’s a watershed moment for African women in sport. Her story of perseverance, cultural transition, and rediscovery is likely to inspire a new generation of cyclists across the continent and beyond.
As the race continues, Le Court stands not just as a yellow jersey wearer but as a symbol of what’s possible when talent meets grit and opportunity.
“To anyone out there doubting themselves because of where they come from, I’m proof it’s possible,” Le Court said.
The world will be watching closely as this trailblazer pedals toward more records and possibly, history.
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