Lorena Wiebes (Team DSM) was the only sprinter to win the opening stage and take the first leader's jersey at the Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift.

The race was a tough one, as potential winners Marianne Vos (Jumbo Visma), Lotte Kopecky (SD Works), and world champion Elisa Balsamo (Trek-Segafredo) all lost their opening chances on Sunday on the Champs-Elysées.

"I can't blame myself. Lorena deserved to win today. We all know how hard it is for her to win, so it feels good to get that close," the boss said in goal.

"In the last two races she kept me in front to keep me out of trouble. I did everything I could to win, but unfortunately it wasn't to be."

Vos sprinted from the 300m mark on the Champs Elysees, but Weaves reacted quickly and outkicked his compatriot to win by nearly a bike length.

Despite the loss, Vos said she enjoyed the opening 82-km circuit race that sparked the long-awaited return of the women's Tour de France.

"It was a great day. I'm focused on winning, but at the same time I'm having a lot of fun," Vos said.

Kopecký said he was satisfied with his performance, even though the opening race had the important goal of a stage win and a double yellow jersey.

"I am happy with this third place. This sprint will give me confidence for the future. It was a nerve-wracking day. It was fun to see so many people along the course. Getting the points for the green jersey went as planned. I'm glad it worked out," said Kopecky, who earned points for the green jersey in the intermediate sprint.

Vives now leads the battle for the green jersey with 70 points, with Kopecký in second place with 60 points and Vos in third with 55.

Balsamo took two wins and two third-place finishes at the Giro Donne in the spring.

The world champion said she did not have the legs to make up the difference in the sprint across the wide streets of the Champs-Elysées. She will be looking for another chance on Monday for the second stage, Meaux to Provins.

"I'm a little disappointed, but it's still the first stage. We tried to have a good leadout, but we were a little bit behind and in the end we were completely outclassed. Tomorrow we will try again," Balsamo said.