France, July 31 -- Kim Le Court Pienaar held off the challenge of the 2023 champion Demi Vollering on Wednesday to claim the fifth stage of the 2025 women's Tour de France and retake overall lead of the race. The victory also furnished the 29-year-old Mauritian with the accolade of first African to win a stage at the race which was launched in 2022.

After the second day of racing on 27 July, the AG Insurance-Soudal Team cyclist became the first African to wear the yellow jersey of the race leader.

She lost the honour after stage three to the Dutch rider Marianne Vos who held onto the vest until Wednesday's 168.km run between between Chasseneuil-du-Poitou Futuroscope and Gueret in central France.

Le Court Pienaar completed the course in...