Maeva Squiban's Back-to-Back Triumph at Tour de France Femmes

Maeva Squiban thrilled French cycling enthusiasts by claiming her second consecutive stage win at the Tour de France Femmes, a feat matched by only three others in the event's history. On Friday, Squiban separated herself from the peloton during a challenging ascent on the Col du Granier, securing a solo victory in Stage 7.

The day's 159.7-kilometer journey from Bourg-en-Bresse was initially animated by a determined 17-rider breakaway. Among them, Ireland's Fiona Mangan impressively clinched an intermediate sprint victory, etching her name into Irish cycling history.

In the closing kilometers, Squiban's audacious attack on the Cote de Saint-Franc proved decisive. Although Mauritian Kim Le Court Pienaar conceded some time on the final incline, she retained the prestigious yellow jersey heading into Saturday's grueling mountain stage from Chambery to Saint-Francois-Longchamp.

(With inputs from agencies.)