The Tour de France Femmes, also known as the Women's Tour de France or La Course by Le Tour de France, is an annual women's professional road cycling stage race held in France. The event was introduced in 2014 as a single-day race. Still, in recent years, it has expanded into a multi-stage format, mirroring the renowned men's Tour de France structure.

The 2023 Tour de France Femmes was a momentous event in the world of women's professional cycling, showcasing the dedication and athleticism of some of the finest female riders in the sport. The 8th stage, a gripping time trial, proved to be a defining moment in the competition, as cyclists vied for glory in the picturesque town of Pau, making it an unforgettable spectacle for fans and participants alike.

Stage 8 started and ended in Pau, a city that had not been featured in the Tour de France Femmes since 2019. The course design presented a daunting challenge for the cyclists, with a 1.5km climb in the centre of the circuit boasting a steepness of 6.3%. This climb tested the riders' strength and endurance, pushing them to their limits before leading them to the town of Bosdarros. 

The 22.6km circuit also featured another demanding climb, just 400m before the finish line, promising an intense and exhilarating race.

As the stage commenced, riders from across the globe geared up to make their mark. Italian cyclist Vittoria Guazzini set the initial benchmark time, completing the circuit in 30 minutes and 36 seconds. However, her lead was short-lived when Australian Grace Brown put forth a stellar performance, surpassing Guazzini's time by finishing in 29 minutes and 55 seconds.

All eyes were on Marlen Reusser, the Swiss time-trial sensation and European Champion, who was considered the favourite for this stage. Riding for Team SD Worx, Reusser had been a force to be reckoned with throughout the tour. Despite facing an unexpected obstacle when one of the course cars briefly blocked her path, Reusser showcased her brilliance, securing the top spot with an astonishing time of 29 minutes and 15 seconds

The 2023 Tour de France Femmes had its share of standout performers, and one such rider was the Belgian powerhouse Lotte Kopecky. Her exceptional riding abilities earned her the stage victory at Claremont Ferrand and the prestigious yellow jersey, making her a fierce contender for the overall title. Kopecky continued to impress as the tour progressed, displaying unwavering determination and skill.

Stage 8 was no exception, as Kopecky battled her way up the challenging climbs with remarkable poise. Crossing the finish line, she managed to secure a well-deserved spot on the podium above Grace Brown, leaving spectators in awe of her prowess. With every turn of the pedal, Kopecky solidified her position as one of the sensations of the tour, garnering respect and admiration from fans and fellow cyclists alike.

Katarzyna Niwiadoma, the queen of the mountain on the Col de Tourmalet, faced the crucial task of delivering a strong performance in the final time trial. With an impressive track record, the Polish cyclist aimed to capitalize on her earlier success and secure a strong finish. Crossing the finish line in 9th place, ahead of Lucinda Brand from the Netherlands, Niwiadoma demonstrated her skill and determination, leaving a lasting impression on the tour.

Meanwhile, wearing the coveted yellow jersey, Demi Vollering of Team SD Worx was under immense pressure to deliver a top-notch performance. Although she couldn't replicate her extraordinary performance on the Col de Tourmalet, Vollering displayed unwavering focus and determination, finishing with an impressive time of 29 minutes and 25 seconds, securing the second-place position. Her effort was remarkable, falling short of the stage win by a mere 10 seconds yet showcasing her potential for future success.

The 2023 Tour de France Femmes witnessed the rise of a dominant force in women's professional cycling: Team SD Worx. Their riders' collective strength, skill, and teamwork were unparalleled throughout the tour, culminating in a stunning display of their abilities in the time trial.

The top three positions of Stage 8 and the overall 2023 Tour de France Femmes were entirely dominated by Team SD Worx riders. Marlen Reusser, Demi Vollering, and Lotte Kopecky took the top honours, showcasing the formidable prowess of their team. Their seamless collaboration and unwavering support for one another were evident in every pedal stroke, further solidifying the team's reputation as a powerhouse in the cycling world.

1. Demi Vollering - SDW - 25:17:35

2. Lotte Kopecky - SDW - 3:03

3. Katarzyna Niewiadoma + 3:03

4. Annemiek van Vleuten + 3:59

5. Juliette Labous + 4:48

6. Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio + 5:21

7. Cecile Uttrup Ludwig + 9:09

8. Ane Sesteban + 9:36

9. Ricarda Bauernfeind + 9:56

10. Amanda Spratt + 10:14