Here we have it, you’re ultimate guide to this year’s edition of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. A race that came down to an absolute nail-biter last year, four seconds separated the eventual winner, Kasia Niewiadoma, and Demi Vollering. It was a blinder of a race, and think, that four seconds was half, no, demi, of the eight seconds that separated Greg Lemond and Laurent Fignon back in the 1989 Tour. Sorry, bad joke!
Ok, enough with the terrible French jokes, what have we got in store this year? Well, you are in luck as I’ve pulled together a beginner’s guide to the race, a Shoddy Guide, shall we call it? I’m here in Vannes for the start of the race, in beautiful Brittany, a region that if France were a cycling body, it would be its beating heart. Brittany is the cycling center of France, despite its geographical location in the northwest of the country.
In this video, one that I’ve filmed for those that may not be clued up on who’s who in the women’s peloton, I break down who you should be watching out for, what stages should be the decisive ones and if that extra ninth stage that they’ve added for 2025 will make any difference.
The Tour de France Femmes is one of the highlights of not just the women’s peloton but the entire racing calendar, full stop. It’s shorter stages (than the men’s) and with more than just two contenders vying for the yellow jersey, making for a much more open race. If the past three editions are anything to go by, we should be in for more fireworks than the French dole out on Bastille Day. It is that good. Last year’s final stage, as many of you will be aware, was a highlight of the season.
If you’re looking for more information on the race, something a bit more in-depth, then I recommend heading here, where Shane Stokes has put together a great piece on the race.
But if visuals are more your thing, then hit that play button.
Cheers,
Dave