
England's Keira Walsh wants Spain's players to ‘enjoy' Euro 2025 final after World Cup controversy
Spain's victory over England was overshadowed by Luis Rubiales kissing Jenni Hermoso during their trophy celebrations without her consent, while star player Aitana Bonmati said their triumph was 'for nothing' as it changed little in the country.
By contrast, England's Euro 2022 win had a transformative effect on women's football and Walsh, who spent two-and-a-half years at Barcelona and has close ties with many in the Spain squad, said the Spanish players deserved more respect.
'The way our league [the WSL] jumped after we won the Euros and everything in and around it, if you compare it to Spain it probably wasn't the same and they won the World Cup,' Walsh said. 'They probably could have had more support.
'After the game there was a lot of controversy and I don't think, for them, there was enough spotlight on how incredible they played and how incredible some of their players were, it was all about the other stuff that had gone on.
'As a professional, that was disappointing to see. I have a lot of friends in that team and I think they probably deserved a little bit more than what they got.'
Walsh won two Champions League titles with Barcelona and saw first-hand how determined their star players, including two-time Ballon d'Or winners Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, have been to drive women's football forward in Spain.
Bonmati scored a sensational late winner in extra time as Spain defeated Germany 1-0 to reach their first European final. Spain. If Spain beat England on Sunday, they will hold the World Cup, Euros and Nations League titles at the same time.
'The way Barcelona are, and that they are always in the Champions League finals, especially that club in particular, they are really pushing women's football,' Walsh said.
'For the girls this time, as a friend and a fellow footballer, for them to just go and enjoy this final – they play incredible football and they deserve to be there. As a human being I just want them to go out and just enjoy the game of football.'
Walsh said England could not afford to only focus on stopping Bonmati and praised the other threats in their team, including Putellas, key midfielder Patri Guijarro and Arsenal forward Mariona Caldentey.
'Obviously [Bonmati] is an incredible player, but I think if you try and nullify her, Patri's been one of the best players at this tournament. So you can focus on Aitana and then you've got Patri, and then you've got Alexia and Mariona.
'I think for us we're not focusing on one player. We know what we can bring defensively and so we're just focusing on what we can do and then obviously we're going to have some chances as well that we need to take.'
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The Independent
a few seconds ago
- The Independent
Sarina Wiegman urges more investment in women's game at Downing Street reception
England head coach Sarina Wiegman called for further investment in women's football to ensure the country remains a 'trailblazer' as her side celebrated their Euro 2025 success at a 'very, very special' reception at 10 Downing Street. After successfully defending their European crown with a penalty shoot-out victory over Spain in the tournament's showpiece in Basel on Sunday evening, the England team flew home to attend a reception hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock. The team arrived just before 7pm, with Number 10 decorated for the occasion with St George's flags draped over windows and bunting along the railings. As Wiegman rose to speak to those gathered in the Downing Street garden she joked that 'this is different from standing next to a pitch'. She added: 'I have to make my apologies (for giving) you lots of heart attacks. You all made it through and we made it through and that's why we're here now. 'The team is just incredible, we won the Euros but making the final, we're already legendary, what the team has done and the team behind the team. 'Thank you so much for having us here. It's very, very special to be here and to be in this very nice garden with the way you set it up with all these pictures, it makes it more special, it's the first moment it sinks in a little bit because it was surreal what happened last night.' Wiegman then used the moment to call for further investment in the women's game, with the Government due to announce a new package of measures to boost access to grassroots football. 'This incredible team won the Euros and then straightaway sent a letter to you, the Government, asking for attention and asking for access to football for all girls,' Wiegman said. 'Steps have been taken but we're not done yet, we have to keep moving forward and we need a little bit more. 'I heard we need to change some things about taxes…I think we have that confirmation tonight. So let's move forward. 'We need some more investment. We're not there yet. In England we're up there but England needs to stay the trailblazer, it needs to be the big example. The players first but also the FA, the clubs, the Government, the country, the fans – let's keep being the trailblazers.' In her own speech, Rayner congratulated Wiegman's team on defending their title 'with grit, with determination and with skill'. 'You roared, and I know I wasn't the only one roaring with you,' Rayner said. Chloe Kelly scored the decisive penalty for England in the shoot-out after goalkeeper Hannah Hampton made two outstanding saves. The game had gone to extra time and spot-kicks after Alessia Russo cancelled out the opener from Arsenal team-mate Mariona Caldentey as it finished 1-1 following extra time. After almost a month of competition in Switzerland, the team's plane branded with the word 'home' touched down at Southend Airport on Monday afternoon. In a post on X, the team shared a photo of the Euros trophy draped in an England flag on a seat on the plane. Holding the trophy, captain Leah Williamson was first to step off the plane alongside Wiegman. Outside the airport, crowds were lined up to welcome the team and the trophy back home. A homecoming open-top bus parade follows in central London on Tuesday, where there will be a procession along The Mall and the celebration will finish with a staged ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace. A trip to the Palace or Windsor Castle may be on the cards for the winning squad as it is understood possible plans for a reception in the autumn are being explored by royal aides. Defender Jess Carter has not joined her team-mates for the celebrations in London as she has returned to the United States ahead of Gotham FC's NWSL match against the Chicago Stars on Saturday.


Daily Mirror
a minute ago
- Daily Mirror
Chloe Kelly incident that caused 'cocky gesture' controversy after Lionesses Euros win
Lionesses star Chloe Kelly has been on the end of some fierce criticism from the Spanish media after steering England to victory against Spain in the Euro 2025 final Chloe Kelly's celebration after her Euros-winning penalty triggered bitter criticism across the Spanish media, with some slamming her as 'cocky'. The Lionesses star netted the winning spot-kick in Switzerland on Sunday evening. And in the process, she ensured that Sarina Wiegman 's side would be returning with their European championship crown firmly in tow. And while her successful penalty triggered wild celebrations for her home nation, Kelly was not as popular in Spain. Members of the Spanish media slammed the Arsenal star for seemingly celebrating in front of Spain goalkeeper Cata Coll. They wrote: "This is unnecessary, my friend: Kelly's cocky gesture to Cata Coll after scoring the decisive penalty. The England specialist changed her run during her penalty celebration to get past the goalkeeper she had just beaten." Kelly, 27, has yet to speak out on her perceived 'cocky' celebration - but did explain her somewhat conventional run-up to her spot-kick that involved a skip and a jump. She said: 'To be honest, it started when I was at Everton, quite a few years ago now. "It's something that just works for me. I can't explain it too much. I actually spoke with one of the coaches the other day about it. 'It's just my routine that works for me. I take my time, I take my breath, and I'm confident in that. Taking a penalty normally would probably feel a bit weird to me. It's just my routine. Sometimes you miss, sometimes you score, but I was adamant I was not missing two on the bounce.' Meanwhile, she praised her teammates and boss Sarina Wiegman for making it back-to-back titles. She said: "I'm so proud to be English! ... Every girl out there with that dream: you can do it. Keep reaching for the stars." "I am so proud of this team,' Kelly added to BBC Sport. 'So grateful to wear this badge. So proud to be English. "Unbelievable. All the staff behind us and Sarina Wiegman - she has done it again! Unbelievable. It is going to be crazy. I hope the whole of England comes out to support us and shows their love to these girls as they deserve it." Despite the criticism from Spain, the celebrations continued once the Lionesses arrived back on home soil. They were given a warm welcome by supporters when they stepped off of their flight, while the team then received a red carpet reception at Downing Street on Monday. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.


The Guardian
9 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Tour de France Femmes 2025: Lorena Wiebes wins stage three sprint but Vollering suffers crash
Update: Date: 2025-07-28T16:31:04.000Z Title: That's all for today. Content: Lorena Wiebes won a chaotic sprint in Angers while Marianne Vos reclaimed the yellow jersey Blood, sweat and gears: best images from the men's race William Fotheringham on Tadej Pogacar | Email Amy Amy Sedghi Mon 28 Jul 2025 18.21 CEST First published on Mon 28 Jul 2025 13.15 CEST 6.21pm CEST 18:21 As predicted, stage three ended in a bunch sprint, and the favourite for the win, SD Worx-Protime's Lorena Wiebes, took the victory. But there were also unexpected developments. A four-rider breakaway spiced up the day, with punchy moves from EF Education-Oatly's Alison Jackson, Arkéa-B&B Hotels' Clémence Latimier, Movistar's Sara Martín and Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi's Catalina Soto Campos. In fact, Latimier – the only rider to be making her debut at the Tour this year and a professional for less than three months – was awarded the stage's most combative rider. There was also a dose of chaos, with a big crash at about 3.5km before the finish, which took down Demi Vollering. Looking very sore, she had to be helped up and pushed by her FDJ-Suez teammates towards the finish line. Thank you for reading today's live blog. There will be full race report from Jeremy Whittle posted here soon. 6.00pm CEST 18:00 Elise Chabbey (FDJ-Suez), 10pts Silke Smulders (Liv AlUla Jayco), 6pts Alison Jackson (EF Education-Oatly), 2pts Mavi García (Liv AlUla Jayco), 2pts Maud Rijnbeek (VolkerWessels Women's Pro Cycling Team), 2pts 5.57pm CEST 17:57 After the stage, Marianne Vos, who came second in the sprint finish and has regained the yellow jersey, spoke to reporters. Of the finish she said: It was very hectic … very fast. Of course everyone was fighting for potistion and I think when we went right on to the river there was a big crash behind me. I hope everyone is well. Asked about being back in the yellow jersey, the Visma-Lease a Bike rider said: That's a big bonus … I went from yellow to green to yellow. Updated at 6.09pm CEST 5.54pm CEST 17:54 Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime), 130pts Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike), 112pts Kim Le Court Pienaar (AG Insurance-Soudal), 55pts Demi Vollering (FDJ-Suez), 53pts Katarzyna Niewiadoma Phinney (Canyon/SRAM), 47pts 5.50pm CEST 17:50 Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike), 8hrs 19mins 6secs Kim Le Court Pienaar (AG Insurance-Soudal), +6secs Pauline Ferrand-Prévot (Visma-Lease a Bike), +12secs Katarzyna Niewiadoma Phinney (Canyon/SRAM), +16secs Demi Vollering (FDJ-Suez), +19secs Anna van der Breggen (SD Worx Protime), +21secs Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck), +21secs Pauliena Rooijakkers (Fenix-Deceuninck), +25secs Niamh Fisher-Black (Lidl-Trek), +25secs Chloé Dygert (Canyon/SRAM), +25secs 5.45pm CEST 17:45 1. Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) 2. Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike) 3. Ally Wollaston (FDJ-Suez) 4. Megan Jastrab (Picnic-PostNL) 5. Liane Lippert (Movistar) 5.39pm CEST 17:39 Lorena Wiebes unleashes her powerful sprint and she takes the win. Marianne Vos rolls over the line in second place. It was said before today's stage that this was Wiebes's to lose and it really was in the end. Updated at 5.42pm CEST 5.38pm CEST 17:38 1km to go: The lead outs for the sprinters are getting under way. Vos and Wiebes are in the mix. 5.36pm CEST 17:36 3km to go: Big crash at 3.4km to go. Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek) is down! None of the riders will lose time as it has happened in the 5km 'safe' zone but that's not of much solace to those that are hurt or wanting to compete in the sprint. Demi Vollering is also down and looks very sore. She's helped up by her team. Updated at 5.37pm CEST 5.33pm CEST 17:33 5km to go: The peloton are heading towards the finish, but have some speed bumps and road furniture to navigate. Lorena Wiebes is visible near the front. Updated at 5.34pm CEST 5.32pm CEST 17:32 7km to go: Soto Campos gets the jump on the other two in the breakaway and gets a small gap, but Jackson and Martín manage to catch her. Oh, and that's it for the break – the peloton, visible over their shoulders, has swallowed them up. A bunch sprint it is then! 5.29pm CEST 17:29 10km to go: Arkéa-B&B Hotels' Clémence Latimier has been dropped from the breakaway. EF Education-Oatly's Alison Jackson puts the power down again but the trio are playing about attacking each other. The peloton are going to have an easier job bringing down the time gap if they don't work together. 5.18pm CEST 17:18 18km to go: According to the Tour race centre, the average race speed so far is about 43km/h. The breakaway's lead has been whittled down by the peloton – it now sits at just 38secs. Seven riders, including Magdeleine Vallieres (EF Education-Oatly) and Eleonora Gasparrini (UAE Team ADQ), are about 30secs off the back of the main bunch. 5.14pm CEST 17:14 After 21 stages and 3,338km, this year's Tour de France came to an end in Paris on Sunday. Here are the Guardian's favourite images from the last three weeks: 5.05pm CEST 17:05 27km to go: The gap between the break and the peloton has dropped to 1min 32secs. Here are the full results from the intermediate sprint earlier: Intermediate sprint result: 1. Jackson, 25pts 2. Soto Campos, 20pts 3. Latimier, 17pts 4. Martín, 15pts 5. Wiebes, 13pts 6. Vos, 11pts 7. Vollering, 10pts 8. Van Agt, 9pts 9. Bredewold, 8pts 10. Vas, 7pts 11. Kopecky, 6pts 12. Swinkels, 5pts 13. Andersen, 4pts 14. Le Net, 3pts 15. Gillespie, 2pts 4.55pm CEST 16:55 36km to go: Demi Vollering attacks at the end of the intermediate sprint and a group of about ten riders follow. The peloton have it under control and they don't get away. There's a crash near the back of the bunch. Eugenia Bujak of Cofidis looked as if she hit the ground hard but gets stiffly back on her bike. 4.51pm CEST 16:51 38km to go: As the peloton approach the intermediate sprint, Vos moves up as does Chabbey. Wiebes doesn't want to be left behind and pushes out on the left, making a big jump which underlines the power this sprinter has, and she crosses the line first. Updated at 5.12pm CEST 4.48pm CEST 16:48 40km to go: The breakaway approach the intermediate sprint with EF Education-Oatly's Alison Jackson on the front. The group decide to carry on working together rather than sprint individually for the line. It means their rhythm and pace isn't disrupted. 4.42pm CEST 16:42 44km to go: I've just come back from a holiday in France, so watching the peloton move through the villages, town and countryside is soothing to watch. Not sure if they're feeling the same vibes. The peloton continue to smoothly ride together, preparing for the more hectic sections later on in the run in to the finish. The breakaway have 2mins 43secs on the bunch. 4.34pm CEST 16:34 49km to go: The 142 riders in the peloton are 2mins 20secs behind the breakaway of four: EF Education-Oatly's Alison Jackson, Arkéa-B&B Hotels' Clémence Latimier, Movistar's Sara Martín and Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi's Catalina Soto Campos. It's less than 10km now to the intermediate sprint. 4.21pm CEST 16:21 60km to go: SD Worx-Protime continue to drive the peloton, reducing that gap to the breakaway (now at 2mins 50secs). After a turn on the front, Martín moves over for Jackson to lead the breakaway. The four seem to be working well but there's still a way to go with the peloton after them. Updated at 4.35pm CEST 4.10pm CEST 16:10 67km to go: The peloton have been chipping away on the leading quartet's gap – it's down to 3mins now. Also, this is interesting via the race centre: Of the leading quartet, Clémence Latimier, is the only rider to be making her debut at the Tour this year. In fact the 21-year-old from Isère has been a professional for less than three months. 4.01pm CEST 16:01 Kim Le Court-Pienaar is loving being in the yellow jersey, so much so that she is also sporting a yellow helmet, bike and gloves today. Speaking to the race centre before stage three, the AG Insurance-Soudal rider said: It's incredible, I'm really happy. It was a bit of a surprise; I didn't expect to be in yellow. There are two sprint stages, today and tomorrow, and it's going to be tough. We can't stress too much or lose too much time; that's the goal today. If we lose the jersey tonight, that's fine. We'll try to regain it later when the course suits me a little better. I don't think my status in the peloton has changed. The others tell me it has. But I don't feel it! Updated at 4.27pm CEST 3.54pm CEST 15:54 80km to go: The breakaway (Jackson, Latimier, Martín and Soto Campos) are still plugging away – they've lost about another 15secs on their lead but still have more than 3mins on the bunch. It's less than 40km now until the intermediate sprint. 3.41pm CEST 15:41 88km to go: The gap between the peloton and the breakaway has decreased slightly. It now stands at 3mins 34secs. SD Worx-Protime are driving the bunch, with its sprinter Lorena Wiebes visible in her European champion jersey. Updated at 3.51pm CEST 3.33pm CEST 15:33 97km to go: Former professional road and track cyclist Dani Rowe has been speaking on TNT Sports about the possible dangers in the approach to the finish line. She says there is a narrow pinch point after a slight downhill, plus railway line or tramtracks to ride over in another section. Matt Stephens spoke to Lorena Wiebes about the finish and she said she was excited for it. The SD Worx-Protime said: The final will be super hectic … I like it when the final is a bit more technical. 3.25pm CEST 15:25 99km to go: With under 100km to go, the breakaway (Jackson, Latimier, Martín and Soto Campos) have almost 4mins on the peloton. Email me with your predicitions. Do you think one of these four could take today's stage or will the peloton bring it back for a bunch sprint finish? 3.14pm CEST 15:14 109km to go: Margot Vanpachtenbeke (VolkerWessels Cycling Team) tried to get away from the peloton and bridge across but it was a big ask when the breakaway are so far ahead. She's been caught. Morgane Coston (Roland Le Dévoluy) and Valentina Cavallar (Arkéa-B&B Hotels) drop off the back of the peloton and lag by 10secs. Maeva Squiban (UAE Team ADQ) and Marion Bunel (Visma-Lease a Bike) are caught up in a crash in the peloton but they swiftly remount their bikes to continue. 3.04pm CEST 15:04 114km to go: The gap between the breakaway and the peloton just keeps growing. It now stands at 3mins 50secs. Although the break threatens the ambitions of those hoping for a bunch sprint, the yellow jersey wearer, AG Insurance-Soudal's Kim Le Court Pienaar shouldn't be worried. The best placed rider in the quartet, Alison Jackson was 11mins 59secs behind her on the GC at the start of today's stage. Updated at 3.44pm CEST 2.56pm CEST 14:56 119km to go: And there it is; the peloton have caught Avoine and Brauße. The breakaway (Jackson, Latimier, Martín and Soto Campos) have a sizeable 3mins 23secs on the bunch. The race radio has just warned about narrow roads coming up. 2.53pm CEST 14:53 122km to go: That means Jackson gets her first QOM points, snagging two, while Martín gets one mountains classification point. The chasing pair (Avoine and Brauße) are only 12secs ahead of the peloton so it's looking likely that they'll get caught soon. Meanwhile, the breakaway are increasing their gap. Updated at 4.01pm CEST 2.50pm CEST 14:50 126km to go: Jackson was the first to reach the summit of the Côte de la Richardière, followed by Martín. The front four have almost 3mins on the peloton now. The chasing duo (Avoine and Brauße) trail by 2mins 40secs. 2.44pm CEST 14:44 A favourite for today's stage, Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) spoke to the Tour race centre before stage three. She said: I'm not too upset about yesterday, today's a new chance and also tomorrow so I'm excited for today's stage. The pressure [to win] is always there and we have to deal with it. It's not an easy job to finish it off. Sprint stages are always a bit tricky so we'll do our best and we'll go for the highest step of the podium. It's always special to win on the Tour de France, especially the first time when I won on the Champs-Élysées, it's something I will never forget. 2.38pm CEST 14:38 131km to go: As the riders head towards the only categorised climb of the day, the category four Côte de la Richardière (1.7km at 4.6%), the situation looks like this: Four riders (Jackson, Latimier, Martín and Soto Campos) have a gap of 2mins 35secs on the peloton, while behind the breakaway, the chasers (Avoine and Brauße) have joined together and are 1min 40secs behind the quartet. 2.33pm CEST 14:33 137km to go: The breakaway of four (Jackson, Latimier, Martín and Soto Campos) have increased the gap to the peloton and are now 1min 45secs ahead. Alison Avoine of St Michel-Preference Home-Auber93 gives chase as does Franziska Brauße (Ceratizit Pro Cycling). 2.27pm CEST 14:27 141km to go: Aude Biannic tries to join her Movistar teammate in the breakaway. She's 10secs ahead of the peloton but 55secs behind the four out front. 2.22pm CEST 14:22 144km to go: A group of counterattackers go after the four out the front but it's not long before they're caught up by the peloton. The gap to the bunch grows to 35secs for the breakaway. 2.20pm CEST 14:20 148km to go: Brauße's attack doesn't stick and she's also swallowed up by the peloton. It's been a lively start with plenty of small attacks but the peloton is on high alert. Saying that though, a group of four manage to get away. It includes, EF Education-Oatly's Alison Jackson, Arkéa-B&B Hotels' Clémence Latimier, Movistar's Sara Martín and Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi's Catalina Soto Campos. They have about 20secs on the bunch. 2.09pm CEST 14:09 154km to go: Franziska Brauße (Ceratizit Pro Cycling) is the next to give it a go. So far, she's managed a 10sec gap on the peloton. A couple of other riders try to bridge across. 2.06pm CEST 14:06 157km to go: Justine Ghekiere (AG Insurance-Soudal) attacks and manages to briefly get ahead, but the peloton swiftly reel her back in. 2.03pm CEST 14:03 160km to go: And we're off! Without Longo Borghini, 146 riders set off as the race flag is dropped. Updated at 2.28pm CEST 1.59pm CEST 13:59 Elisa Longo Borghini of UAE Team ADQ will not start today due to illness. The Italian champion's team issued this statement on social media: Unfortunately, Elisa Longo Borghini will not start stage three of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift due to a gastrointestinal infection. After fighting through the first two stages, her condition worsened and, together with the team, she made the tough decision to withdraw. Updated at 2.01pm CEST 1.53pm CEST 13:53 Stage three of the Tour de France Femmes 2025 is under way. The peloton have rolled out from La Gacilly. There's a short 2.6km neutralised section before the racing begins. 1.51pm CEST 13:51 The race radio has just chimed in, saying that racing on stage three will get under way in six minutes. There's no live TV coverage of today's stage for me until later, so updates will be coming via the official race radio and centre for the start. Updated at 1.53pm CEST 1.42pm CEST 13:42 And who's wearing which jersey: Yellow jersey – Kim Le Court Pienaar (AG Insurance-Soudal), 4hrs 37mins 25secs Green jersey – Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike), 71pts Polka dot jersey – Elise Chabbey (FDJ-Suez), 10pts White jersey – Julie Bego (Cofidis), 4hrs 38mins 13secs 1.36pm CEST 13:36 Here's a reminder of the top ten on GC after stage two: Kim Le Court Pienaar (AG Insurance-Soudal), 4hrs 37mins 25secs Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike), 4hrs 37mins 25secs Pauline Ferrand-Prévot (Visma-Lease a Bike), +6secs Katarzyna Niewiadoma Phinney (Canyon/SRAM), +10secs Demi Vollering (FDJ-Suez), +13secs Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck), +15secs Anna van der Breggen (SD Worx Protime), +15secs Pauliena Rooijakkers (Fenix-Deceuninck), +19secs Niamh Fisher-Black (Lidl-Trek), +19secs Chloé Dygert (Canyon/SRAM), +19secs Kim Le Court Pienaar (AG Insurance-Soudal) of Mauritius finished third in yesteday's stage so took the overall leader's yellow jersey. The Dutch rider Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike), who wore the leader's jersey after winning Saturday's opening stage, finished fifth and surrendered her overall lead to Le Court Pienaar. 1.27pm CEST 13:27 Stage three is the second longest stage of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. Here is the route profile: Updated at 1.27pm CEST 1.20pm CEST 13:20 Here's a look at today's stage, Monday 28 July: La Gacilly to Angers, 163.5km, with the race director of the Tour de France Femmes, Marion Rousse: La Gacilly hosted both the 2023 Tour de l'Avenir and this year's Tour de Bretagne. This stage start in front of the covered market is a logical and well deserved continuation of that trend. A little further on, memories of Tour stage starts in 1983 and 2004 will be rekindled at Châteaubriant, which is home to a well-renowned club and an operational velodrome. After racing on country roads with no significant difficulties, the riders are very likely to serve up a bunch sprint for the fans in Angers. 1.15pm CEST 13:15 Today's 163.5km flat stage is being heralded as a day for the sprinters, with flat roads to Angers resulting in a classic bunch sprint. There's a category four climb (1.7km at 4.6%) at 34km in and an intermediate sprint later on, at 123.9km. However, the final run to the finish line is technical, with a number of sharp corners in the last kilometre. The final is technical, though, with multiple sharp corners in the last 1.2 km of the stage. Eyes will be on SD Worx-Protime's Lorena Wiebes after she was denied a sprint finish on stage two by Mavi García's breakaway. Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek), Ally Wollaston (FDJ-Suez) and Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike) could be Wiebes's main challengers. I would love to know your thoughts on the race so far and any predictions you have for today's stage – you can get in touch via the email linked at the top of the page. The riders will begin with a neutralised start at 1.50pm CET/12.50pm BST, with the finish expected at approximateLy 5.30pm CET/4.30pm BST. While we wait for the peloton to get going, here's a recap of yesterday's events: