Why We Love the Tour de France Femmes

Uncover the thrilling world of women’s cycling with the Tour de France Femmes. With cycling superstars and stunning French scenery, this race is a must-watch for any cycling fan. Here’s all the reasons why we love the TDFF!

What is the Tour de France Femmes?

The Tour de France Femmes is on the rise! Since its revival in 2022, the race has captivated audiences with the incredible athleticism and determination of the world’s top female cyclists. The one week race crosses the iconic roads of France, visiting many of the same famous climbs and locations as the men’s Grand Tour. Winners face off for the yellow jersey, an unmistakable symbol of the Tour de France! With each edition of the TDFF, the event reaches a bigger pool of viewers in Europe and beyond.

Women’s cycling gets the spotlight at TDFF

Cycling has experienced a remarkable surge in popularity among women, both at the pro and amateur levels. More women than ever before around the globe are taking to the roads and trails by bike! Increased media coverage of major women’s races like the Tour de France Femmes has also played a crucial role in inspiring and empowering female cyclists to take their racing to the next level. The growth of women-specific cycling events, apparel, and equipment fuels this positive trend. The end result is a more inclusive and supportive environment for female riders at every level.

And cycling fans should celebrate women’s cycling! While the popularity and broader awareness of men’s racing like the Grand Tours is undeniable, women’s cycling is so important for the well-being of the sport. So when we support female riders and races, we contribute to the growth and inclusivity of the cycling community as a whole. If you love watching the Tour de France, this year, make the Tour de France Femmes a part of the way you watch cycling, too!

Read more: Everything to Know about Tour de France Femmes (Liv Cycling)

Wait, why did the Tour de France Femmes only begin in 2022?

You may be very surprised to learn that this is only the third edition of the modern women’s Tour. In fact, the Tour de France Femmes is the culmination of decades of efforts to establish a women’s equivalent to the Tour de France! Most previous attempts faced financial challenges and limited media coverage. The one-day La Course by Le Tour de France was a big step forward. But ultimately, it fell short of a true stage race.

The Tour de France Femmes hosted in 2022 was a massive milestone. While TDFF doesn’t yet meet the UCI’s definition of a Grand Tour, it has the potential to become a true Tour de France equivalent as its growth continues.

Read more: Bigger than bike racing: the importance of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift (Rouleur magazine)

So what are the major differences between the Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes?

While the Tour de France Femmes shares a name with its male counterpart, there are a few significant differences between the two races. The women’s event is only eight stages in length, with each individual stage shorter as well. The women’s route typically visits a few major landmarks from the men’s race, although that isn’t always the case.

Many would argue that just like the Tour de France, the Tour de France Femmes is one of the toughest races on the cycling calendar. However, the challenging facets between a three-week Grand Tour and a one-week stage race are different. Thus, the course profiles vary to focus on showcasing different terrain and challenges.

One feature missing from the Tour de France Femmes is a final promenade in Paris. However, this year’s Tour de France also lacked a promenade stage because of conflicts with the Olympics. For both races this year, the final GC standings can be decided even on the very last day of racing.

Despite their distinctions, both races demand fantastic athleticism and showcase the pinnacle of professional cycling!

What do we love about the Tour de France Femmes? Here are four things we adore about the year’s most exciting women’s cycling event!

1. The Grand Départ in Rotterdam.

The Grand Départ is the spectacular opening stage of the Tour de France. It’s a massive event that marks the start of the world’s most famous cycling race. Because the Grand Départ is typically held in a different city or region each year, it draws huge crowds from the host country and more international attention.

This year, the women’s version of Le Tour isn’t going to miss out on their own Grand Départ! The 2024 Tour de France Femmes will host its Grand Départ in Rotterdam, Netherlands. 2024 marks the first time the modern version of the race will start outside of France. With the bright cycling culture in the Netherlands, fans can expect an electric atmosphere as the riders embark on this prestigious event.

The first three stages of the TDFF will be hosted in the Netherlands. The race starts out with a 138km stage from Rotterdam to The Hague. The second day features a doubleheader: a 73km road stage from Dordrecht to Rotterdam, followed by a 6km individual time trial in Rotterdam. These opening stages promise a thrilling start to the race with a mix of flat terrain and a challenging time trial.

2. The biggest names in women’s cycling making an appearance.

The Tour de France Femmes has rapidly become a showcase for the world’s top female cyclists. Just like the men’s race, it attracts a star-studded lineup of athletes. From seasoned cycling veterans to emerging talents, the Tour de France Femmes offers an incredible opportunity to witness the sport’s biggest names in action and cheer on your favorite riders.

The reigning champion, Dutch rider Demi Vollering, is the favorite to win. Known for her exceptional climbing and time trialing abilities, she’s a formidable force in women’s cycling. However, her biggest rivals include Kasia Niewiadoma, Gaia Realini, and Juliette Labous, who are all excellent riders in their own rights. Niewiadoma is a highly accomplished Polish cyclist known for her consistent top performances. She’s a strong climber and overall stage racer who has consistently challenged for the Tour de France Femmes podium, finishing third in both 2022 and 2023. Her versatility and aggressive racing style make her a threat to Vollering’s GC defense.

Sprint contenders make a splash.

Hey, don’t forget about the sprinters! Just like in the Tour de France, sprint specialists come to the TDFF seeking a stage win — or the green jersey. Lorena Wiebes is the top contender for the sprint stages of the Tour de France Femmes. Known for her incredible speed, she has already won 18 races this season. Her main competitors in the sprint stages include Charlotte Kool, Marianne Vos, Elisa Balsamo, and Chloe Dygert. Kool already wowed the crowd with a win during the first stage, a wonderful milestone for her career and team.

All of these big names will make for a spectacular sprint show on the roads of France!

Read more: Chasing Demi: Tour de France Femmes Top-10 Favorites (Velo)

3. The beautiful route designed to test riders’ abilities to the max.

The Tour de France is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes. The race captivates viewers with stunning vistas as the peloton navigates through regions. These qualities are preserved in the Tour de France Femmes. From the rolling hills of the countryside to majestic mountain peaks, scenery is key to TDFF’s appeal. The 2024 edition promises to be no exception. The Grand Départ in the Netherlands will introduce viewers to the country’s picturesque canals and windmills, as well as the vibrant urban city of Rotterdam!

In France, the race will pass through Ardennes, Vosges, Jura and Alps for a variety of mountain terrains. Stage 6, through the Vosges, is expected to be particularly decisive, as it offers opportunities for attacks and time gaps for the GC contenders. The grand finale culminates with a demanding stage to the iconic Alpe d’Huez. This stage will serve as the ultimate test of climbing prowess and overall race strategy. During this stage, the peloton will also pass over the gorgeous Col du Galibier, often featured in the men’s Tour.

The race increases in difficulty as the week progresses, so the riders will have a big challenge on their hands by the final climb. Only the strongest will make it over Alpe d’Huez and finish the race!

What about two stages in one day?

Finally, we have to talk about the elephant in the room! While it’s very uncommon to have two stages in a single day in modern professional cycling, the 2024 Tour de France Femmes will feature this unique format. On the second day of racing, the riders will race an additional ITT stage in the Netherlands near Rotterdam. This exciting addition to the race schedule will add an extra layer of excitement for both riders and fans.

Read more: Love the Tour de France? Us too! Check out our Tour de France tag for more articles about our favorite races in the cycling season.

4. The race strategy and stories from an action-packed week of racing.

SD Worx has emerged as the dominant force in women’s cycling, posing a significant challenge for all their rival teams. With a roster boasting multiple world-class riders across various disciplines, they’ve consistently excelled in both one-day classics and stage races. Their depth of talent, strategic prowess, and ability to control races have made them the team to beat. At the TDFF, superstar Demi Vollering is the top favorite to win the GC and the yellow jersey. With the race starting in her home country and finishing on a climb that suits her well, she has ideal conditions to defend her title. As a result, the Tour de France Femmes will undoubtedly see other teams strategizing and collaborating to counter SD Worx’s dominance. They want to create opportunities for their own riders to shine.

On the green jersey side, Lorena Wiebes is the top contender. Her exceptional sprinting ability isn’t likely to be matched by anyone else in the race. However, Marianne Vos is also a strong competitor for the points classification. The first few stages, including the first stage, will give viewers a better idea of how the green jersey battle is likely to play out!

What stories will this year’s TDFF have to tell?

Narratives play a crucial role in shaping the culture of cycling. The stories of athletes build a connection between viewers and the sport and create a sense of community among cyclists and those who love it. We’re excited to see the strategic and personal narratives emerge over the course of the Tour de France Femmes this year!

Photo from Priyanshu Kumar (via Unsplash)

Where can I watch the Tour de France Femmes?

The broadcast availability of the Tour de France Femmes depends on your location. Here’s a general guide:

Europe

• Eurosport/Discovery+: Offers widespread coverage across many European countries.
• Free-to-air options: Many countries have free-to-air channels broadcasting the race, such as France TV, RTBF (Belgium), NOS (Netherlands), and others. Look at your local listings to learn more.

United Kingdom

• Eurosport/Discovery+: Provides live coverage and on-demand options.

Australia

• SBS TV and SBS On Demand: Offers free live coverage and on-demand streaming.

United States

• The Tour de France Femmes is available to watch on Peacock. This streaming platform also hosts the Tour de France in the United States. Visit our Tour de France guide to learn more about how to watch!

Read more: How to Watch the 2024 Tour de France in the United States (CyclingScoop)

Coverage details can change! Check with these TV providers or streaming services for the most up-to-date information, including broadcast start times and replay times.

We hope this article has ignited your excitement for the Tour de France Femmes! The women’s peloton is captivating cycling fans worldwide. And this world-class race does so much to build the momentum of the sport. We can’t wait to see what the rest of the TDFF has in store!

Are you looking forward to watching the TDFF this week? Which stage are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments! We’d love to hear from you. ★