After the boys’s Tour de France, after which the Paris Olympic Video games, an incredible summer time of sport continues with the third version of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.
In addition to the later begin date of August 12, which permits the Olympics to fit in simply after the boys’s Tour, the Tour de France Femmes has a barely completely different format for 2024.
It forgoes its ordinary Sunday begin (once more, the Olympics has muscled in right here, with its closing ceremony on August 11), the TDFF begins on a Monday and ends, after seven days, on the Sunday.
Seven days – however eight phases. This time spherical the ladies’s Tour will see two phases in a single day – a ‘cut up stage’ – on the Tuesday.
That is one thing that hasn’t been completed for the reason that males’s race in 1990, and sees the riders tackle a brief street stage within the morning adopted by a 6.3km time trial within the afternoon.
One other TDFF ‘first’ is the international Grand Départ, held in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The race will spend three phases within the area, earlier than heading south into Belgium, lastly arriving in France on stage 5.
With its early flat phases and a few severe mountain motion coming within the second half because the riders attain the Jura and the Alpes, there’s something right here for each type of rider. That is mirrored within the line-up for the race, with everybody from tremendous sprinters to stage hunters to GC challengers current. Included within the latter are final yr’s winner Demi Vollering (SD Worx), who will likely be hoping to do the double after representing the Netherlands within the ladies’s Olympic street race.
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The race will end on the high of Alpe d’Huez within the French Alps, a legendary biking climb that has seen many battles within the males’s race, and which is that includes within the ladies’s race for the primary time.
Overview
| Dates | Mon Aug 12 > Sunday Aug 18 |
| Complete distance | 949.7km |
| Variety of phases | Eight |
| Begin location | Rotterdam |
| End location | Alpe d’Huez |
| UCI rating | Girls’s WorldTour |
| Version | third |
| Complete climbing | 13,566m |
| Chief’s jersey color | Yellow |
| Final yr’s winner | Demi Vollering (SD Worx) |
| TV protection (US) | NBC, Peacock TV |
| TV protection (UK) | (ITV4, Discovery Plus) |
(Picture credit score: ASO / Tour de France Femmes)
Tour de France Femmes 2024: Route overview and phases
What higher time to go on your first ever international Grand Départ than when your ordinary host nation is taking a collective post-Olympics breath and gathering itself in preparation for a 3rd main sporting showdown in six weeks?
The Tour de France Femmes will duly take itself off to the Netherlands for the primary three-and-a-half phases whereas France breathes out, with three phases in and round Rotterdam, together with that progressive split-stage on day two.
After that, following a switch to Valkenberg within the far south of the Netherlands, there come two lumpy transition phases because the race finds its means into France for the stage 5 end in Amnéville.
One other switch sees the race poised to cross the Vosges and Jura mountains in the midst of two phases, with the parcours turning into progressively harder because it delivers the riders lastly to the fringes of the Alps.
A brilliant-tough outing from Le Grand Bornand to Alpe d’Huez rounds off the race on stage eight, crossing the hors-category Col du Glandon on the way in which.
Except the GC chief has a serious time benefit over her rivals going into this stage, today ought to nonetheless go away all to play for, with the ultimate yellow jersey very presumably being fought for, head-to-head, on the fabled slopes of Alpe d’Huez.
Stage 1 | Mon Aug 12 | Rotterdam > La Haye, 123km
That is the primary time in its quick historical past that the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift has loved a international Grand Départ. At this time is the primary of three phases within the Netherlands, earlier than the race heads into Belgium after which, lastly, into France for the second half of the race. Curiously, the race features a split-day on the Tuesday, which we’ve not seen right here earlier than – or certainly on the males’s Tour de France for a really very long time.
This primary stage is the very definition of flat, with simply 284m of ascent over its 124km size. What it takes away in climbing it’s seemingly to present again by way of wind, although, and groups must be on guard for echelons all through the uncovered central a part of the stage.
It begins with a southward loop from town which passes by means of the model new River Scheur tunnel on the way in which out, and once more because the race comes again and heads north into probably the most uncovered a part of the race. It is a technical and twisting route with loads of onerous turns, a lot of it in city areas however showcasing the well-known Dutch tulip fields as nicely.
The parcours straightens out because it begins the method to the end at La Haye, with a near-straight closing 3km giving the sprinters and their groups loads of time to get arrange for the ultimate kick. Speaking of which, that is positively a stage for the quick finishers, with riders reminiscent of Charlotte Kool (DMS-Firmenich PostNL) and Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) prone to be duking it out for the win. Assuming that they handle to keep away from any race-splitting echelons, after all.
Stage 2 | Tues Aug 13 | Dordrecht > Rotterdam, 69.7km
This quick and billiard-table-flat stage is the primary of two in the present day, which sees a 30-year throwback to a time when ‘cut up phases’, as they had been referred to as, had been widespread fare within the Tour de France. It is an attention-grabbing idea that forces riders to think about what is perhaps developing that afternoon and maybe not burn too many matches – particularly when the afternoon stage is a time trial, as it’s in the present day.
This hop from Dordrecht to close by Rotterdam is at the very least lots quick sufficient, however it’s flat and close to the coast, so the riders are usually not getting off scot-free by any means. It additionally encompasses a tight and technical city-centre end to maintain the sprinters and their groups on their toes.
With festivals galore on all year long, Dordrecht has been named the “liveliest city” within the Netherlands, and the Tour de France Femmes actually will not do something to harm that moniker when it waves the riders off in the present day. From right here the race jinks in a normal west to north-west route, crossing a number of rivers because it does so, on the way in which to Rotterdam – town round which the race is predicated for these first three Dutch phases.
It is a stage for the sprinters, nearly actually, however they are going to actually be cautious of being caught out by the wind throughout what’s a collection of modifications in route. Little doubt Dordrecht’s very personal Lucinda Model would fancy a go at in the present day’s stage, however sadly it’s not actually her bag. We’re much more prone to see two different Dutch riders, Charlotte Kool (DSM-Firmenich PostNL) and Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime), going head-to-head for victory within the centre of Rotterdam.
General winner Demi Vollering using the ultimate stage time trial in final yr’s TdFF
(Picture credit score: Getty Pictures / Jeff Pachoud)
Stage 3 | Tues Aug 13 | Rotterdam > Rotterdam, 6.3km
You may assume that by the top of this stage, the riders would have gotten to know Rotterdam slightly nicely, however within the crimson warmth of a motorbike race, taking within the environment is near-impossible. That could not apply extra to in the present day’s very quick however very intense tour of town, throughout which the riders might want to have their coronary heart charges and their ache thresholds turned as much as 11.
That is solely the second time in its three-year historical past that the race has featured a time trial, and the primary time the parcours has been something like as quick as this. Final yr noticed a time trial, primarily based on Pau, to spherical off the race – however that was 22km lengthy. As intense a bodily check it is going to absolutely be, in the present day’s time trial is unlikely to open any huge gaps within the normal classification – it merely is not lengthy sufficient.
With solely two dash phases up thus far, half the race may very well be on the identical time on the high of the GC, separated solely by their end placings on the stage. So in the present day’s check will at the very least serve to parse out the sphere – if not by very a lot – forward of the hilly phases to return. Squeezing in a TT additionally permits the race to retain its eight-stage standing regardless of the Paris Olympic Video games seeing it decreased to seven days this yr.
A time trial this quick opens up the pool of potential winners past the same old suspects ‘contre-la-montre’, with big-engined GC riders and fast-finishers alike in a position to deliver to bear their respective skills to focus on a excessive inserting right here. The terrain will get quite a bit tougher after in the present day, so any sprinter nonetheless to attain is perhaps particularly eager to name these fast-twitch muscle tissue into motion in a final gasp try to win a stage.
Stage 4 | Weds Aug 14 | Valkenberg > Liège, 122.7km
The Tour de France Femmes lastly leaves the Netherlands in the present day, crossing into Belgium after round 35km. It does not get fairly so far as France, although, ending in Liège, house of the long-lasting Monument, Liège-Bastogne-Liège. It is also the primary hilly stage of the race, giving the climbers their first alternatives to stretch their legs, and there is sufficient substance right here too for the GC hopefuls to reveal their enamel as nicely.
The parcours, which heads south out of the Netherlands earlier than looping round to the west and into Liège, options eight categorised climbs, together with a few of the most well-known from Liège-Bastogne-Liège, reminiscent of La Redoute and La Roche aux Faucons, which come late within the stage. This pair are the one second-category climbs en route, with the others being thirds and fourths. A quartet of those are available in a flurry close to the start of the race, earlier than it even reaches Belgium (who stated the Netherlands is flat?), with the ultimate 4 beginning up once more with round 50km to go.
These would be the key battlegrounds for the stage, with the cat-three Mont Theux coming first (2.8km at 5.6%). Subsequent up is the well-known Côte de la Redoute – launchpad for thus many profitable strikes at ‘La Doyenne’. This cat-two climb is brief however sharp at 1.6km and 9.4%. The riders crest this with 89km ridden, after which have lower than 10km earlier than they begin climbing the penultimate ascent, the Côte des Forges, which is 1.3km lengthy at a mean 7.8%. Lastly comes the hardest of all of them, the Côte de la Roche aux Faucons (1.3km at 11%). This leaves round 14km for any breakaways to attempt to make their gaps stick and their rivals to chase them down. It is these 4 climbs which can be prone to resolve the eventual winner, who will in all probability be an escapee or a GC rider slightly than a bunch sprinter.
Demi Vollering wins Liège-Bastogne-Liège final yr over a few of stage 4’s roads
(Picture credit score: Getty Pictures / Luc Claessen)
Stage 5 | Thurs Aug 15 | Bastogne > Amnéville, 152.5km
At this time the race and its protagonists lastly attain its nation of origin, passing into France from Belgium 63km into the stage and occurring to complete at Amnéville within the nation’s Moselle area. The TDFF’s personal classification for the stage is ‘flat’, however there will not be a bunch dash in the present day. The stage encompasses a scattering of category-three and -four climbs, with two coming close to the end, and the ultimate kilometre into Amnéville can also be all uphill, fairly steeply to start with.
Leaving Bastogne – one other key level, after all, within the Liège-Bastogne-Liège Monument – the route continues its inexorable path south, then south-east, on its option to the end. The 5 categorised climbs alongside the way in which are small and pretty unfold out, however they’re robust sufficient, and the primary, the Côte de Hott, as the only cat-three, is the hardest – 1.2km at a steep 7.9% common.
The riders have loads of time to get well, although, with the Côte de Saint Pancré not beginning till 54km later. That stated, in the present day’s route isn’t really flat. The riders will consistently must dig into their reserves because the street bucks and rolls like a schooner in a storm. One other categorised climb turns up in brief order this time, the Côte de Fermont coming 10km later. The ultimate pair are positioned the same distance aside – the riders will crest the Côte de Briey and the Côte de Montois-la-Montagne at 125km and 137km respectively.
That robust closing kilometre begins on a 6% grade earlier than easing to 3-4% all the way in which to the road. That may seemingly be sufficient to discourage the pure sprinters and, together with all of the climbing, will make in the present day fertile breakaway territory – with that closing kilometre additionally proving decisive there.
Stage 6 | Fri Aug 16 | Remiremont > Morteau, 159.2km
At this time’s stage presents the riders a style of what is to return, heading into the Jura mountains and venturing above 1,000m for the primary time. As in yesterday’s stage, there are 5 categorised climbs to deal with, however 4 of them come within the second half, together with the second-category La Roche du Pretre, onto which piggybacks the cat-three Côte des Fins, making for a severe wad of climbing that’s solely accomplished 15km earlier than the end.
The two,222m of climbing on in the present day’s route is in reality inside 200m of yesterday’s ‘flat’ stage. However clearly this crosses some form of threshold, as organiser ASO awards in the present day’s stage a ‘hilly’ ranking. After a brief switch south from yesterday’s end at Amnéville, the riders go away the Vosges city of Remiremont on a near-unbroken southward trajectory. As soon as the Col du Mont de Fourche is handled, simply 11km in, the riders are bothered by little in the way in which of hills for the remainder of the primary half of the stage.
At 84km the lumpy stuff begins, and there is little respite till the top. The riders are eased within the with the cat-four Col de Ferrière (2.6km at 4.7%), with an intermediate dash coming on the foot of the descent – simply in time for the riders to begin climbing once more as they hit the cat-three Côte de Laviron (5.7km at 4.1%). Then there is a shallow and drawn-out descent, and even a couple of kilometres of near-flat earlier than the primary dish of the day. The Pretre-Fins double includes 24km of virtually strong climbing, with only a kilometre or two of respite alongside the way in which earlier than the kick as much as the latter. It might present a testing floor for the GC favourites forward of the mountains correct, however with breakaways eyeing the chance, it might go both means.
Stage 7 | Sat Aug 17 | Champagnole > Le Grand Bornand, 166.4km
Lastly, the excessive mountains arrive on the Tour de France Femmes. Prefer it did yesterday, the race joins up two completely different mountain ranges – this time the Jura and the Alps, with a end on the sides of the latter.
At this time’s stage does not provide up the dizzy heights of tomorrow’s escapade to the likes of the Col du Glandon and Alpe d’Huez. Nonetheless after a five-day phoney conflict, these with GC intentions will likely be licking their lips in anticipation of a end on the double category-two ascents of the Col de Saint Jean de Sixt and Le Grand Bornand, which come instantly after each other and ship the riders to a summit end at 1,285m on the finish of what’s the longest stage of the race.
As soon as once more, the riders are confronted by 5 categorised ascents: a cat-one, a 4, a 3 and the double cat-two the end. A little bit of every thing, in different phrases. The riders are literally climbing for just about the primary 30km, although the categorised climbs do not begin till 45km in, once they hit the cat-one Col de la Croix de la Serra (12km at 5.1%).
A superb place for an early break to determine itself. There follows a much less intense mid-section the place they are going to nonetheless must tackle the cat 4 Côte de Bois d’Arlod, and the cat-three Côte de Cercier, that are prone to pare down any breakaway that’s out entrance.
The massive check comes with round 20km to go, when the riders meet that fiendish pairing of two category-two climbs. The GC riders will nearly actually be seeking to put time into one another right here. Can the breakaway survive?
(Picture credit score: Getty Pictures / Alex Broadway)
Stage 8 | Solar Aug 18 | Le Grand Bornand > Alpe d’Huez, 150km
At this time’s stage is the fruits of per week’s racing, and options two of biking’s most legendary climbs within the Col du Glandon and Alpe d’Huez. The latter particularly has seen a few of the most enjoyable stage finishes within the males’s Tour, and will probably be fascinating to observe the ladies do battle on its slopes for the primary time within the Tour de France Femmes.
There are simply the three climbs in the present day: a category-two to start with after which the 2 beasts, one after the opposite, on the finish. That is positively the Queen stage, and can see some very drained legs on the finish. Beginning the place they left off yesterday at Le Grand Bornand, the race scoots over the comparatively small Col du Marais earlier than setting out on the cat-two Col de Tarnie (9km at 4%) at simply 14km in.
As soon as they’ve climbed and descended it, they will be 36km into the race. There follows a 40km interval of near-flat, which sees one final probability for the sprinters to seize some factors in an intermediate dash, earlier than the Col du Glandon begins at 77km.
It is a full-fat hors-category monster and the peloton is prone to have been shredded by the point they crest the summit. An extended-drawn-out descent will give some riders time to regain the bunch, simply in time for all of it to begin once more on the foot of Alpe d’Huez at Bourg d’Oisan. The Alp is lengthy and steep at 13.1km and eight.1%, and may see a scintillating battle between the GC ladies as they go all-in for victory.
Tour de France Femmes 2024: Groups and riders
(Picture credit score: Getty Pictures / Alex Broadway)
Visma-Lease a Bike
Nationality: Dutch
Sponsor: Visma – enterprise software program; Lease a motorbike – bike leasing.
Supervisor: Rutger Tijssen
DS: Jan Boven
Web site: teamvismaleaseabike.com
Instagram: teamvisma_leasabike_women X: @visma_lab_women
Searching for? Stage wins and high 10 GC
Visma-Lease a Bike have had a strong begin to the yr and can head to France with all their assets firmly behind Marianne Vos. Whereas they proceed to depend on the Dutchwoman for victories, different riders are getting the prospect too, with younger climber Rosita Reijnhout bagging the staff’s first win in January, whereas others have additionally tasted success. Although unlikely to stray from backing Vos, Visma have real looking choices for achievement elsewhere, and will probably be attention-grabbing to see whether or not, ought to Vos not ship, the squad pivots its targets.
One goal should absolutely be a powerful GC for Riejanne Markus, the 29 year-old typically employed in assist of Vos. The Dutchwoman is a greater than ample climber, is outstanding towards the clock and can seemingly be focusing on at the very least the highest 10 when the race arrives in Alpe d’Huez.
One other profitable time triallist is Anna Henderson who reclaimed her British title, regardless of an early season blighted by harm. She was second within the uphill end on the nationwide street championships and was second general on the Tour of Britain. Henderson’s drawback, although, is that her expertise are so much like Vos’s that she’s going to spend a lot of the race performing as a leadout, and provided that catastrophe strikes the chief will she get a chance.
Star: Marianne Vos
There’s not quite a bit to be stated about Vos. The perfect, most versatile and profitable feminine rider not solely of her technology, however in all probability ever. Aside from the Tour, she’s gained every thing there’s to win.
Regardless of having racked up nicely over 250 victories, the 37-year-old is hungry for extra and, whereas mountain phases at the moment are past her, you need to count on her to be among the many protagonists in all the opposite phases, looking for the inexperienced jersey she gained in 2022. In recent times, she has typically begun her run of wins in the summertime, however 2024 has already been profitable with victories in Omloop het Nieuwsblad, Amstel Gold and phases of the Vuelta España. We will count on extra subsequent week.
Canyon-SRAM
Nationality: German
Sponsor: Canyon – bike producer; SRAM – bike part producer
Supervisor: Ronny Lauke
DS: Magnus Backstedt
Web site: wmncycling.com
Instagram: @wmncycling, X: @WMNcycling
Searching for? Stage and GC victory
For some time, Canyon-SRAM had been the bridesmaid, not the bride – usually populating WorldTour podiums however not often the highest step. They typically gained staff classifications however not often phases. Latest seasons have seen that change. After three years with out a WorldTour win, final yr they gained three, which they’ve already equalled this yr.
The staff are benefitting massively from an inflow of extremely gifted younger riders, illustrated completely by the their efficiency eventually month’s Giro d’Italia. There, after a double ascent of the brutal Blockhaus climb, Neve Bradbury gained stage seven, and the 22-year-old Australian finally took third general, the staff inserting two ladies underneath 23 within the high six.
Canyon-SRAM had two riders in high six on the Tour de Suisse too, Bradbury as soon as once more taking a stage and this time second on GC. Eventually yr’s Tour, one other of the staff’s crop of younger climbing stars Ricarda Bauernfeind took a stage and ninth on GC in her first WorldTour season. Add the massively aggressive dash and time trial expertise of American Chloe Dygert and the staff have winners all through. On the Tour de France Femmes, count on them to be up there in each phases and the final classification, and it’s not too nice a stretch of creativeness they might win general.
Star: Kasia Niewiadoma
The Polish rider has lengthy been the staff’s chief, and already has a victory to her identify this yr, success at Flèche Wallonne ending a four-year win drought. She won’t be the profitable machine different groups have on their roster, however personifies the staff, consistently there or thereabouts. This yr alone she has 16 top-10 finishes to her identify, together with fourth at Strade Bianche, second on the Tour of Flanders, fifth in Liège and fourth general on the Tour de Suisse. What’s extra, she completed third general eventually yr’s Tour, taking second place on the Col du Tourmalet stage. Niewiadoma is a flexible rider, and has the arrogance required to be a real menace for general victory this yr.
SD Worx-Protime
Nationality: Dutch
Sponsor: SD Worx and Protime – workforce and personnel options
Supervisor: Erwin Janssen
DS: Danny Stam
Web site: teamsdworx.com
Instagram: @teamsdworxprotime, X: @teamsdworx
Searching for? Stage and GC victory
Because the long-standing dominant staff, SD Worx-Protime are clear favourites for general victory, and will even carry yellow from begin to end as they did once they gained 4 phases and the GC final yr. Nevertheless, for those who believed some reviews in the course of the spring, you’d have thought the world’s finest staff had misplaced their mojo. Slightly than the whole domination we’d change into used to, the Dutch squad gained solely 4 of the 11 one-day WorldTour races, and missed victory at any of the Ardennes classics for the primary time ever.
Nevertheless, they solely missed one podium, at Flanders, and had been again to their devastating finest when stage racing kicked off, profitable six consecutive WorldTour stage races from the Vuelta España to Tour de Suisse. Certainly, of 26 particular person phases, they gained 17, and had been by no means outdoors the highest 10. That stated, their monopoly was damaged eventually month’s Giro, the place they gained solely two of the eight phases, Lotte Kopecky managing solely second general. The Belgian completed second on GC in France final yr, however won’t be using the Tour, as an alternative concentrating on the Olympics.
The staff will likely be additional depleted by the absence of Marlen Reusser, the Swiss rider affected by publish infectious syndrome. That leaves the squad gentle on climbing back-up for the favorite, Demi Vollering, and victory will not be so easy.
Star: Demi Vollering
In case you like a secure guess, put your cash on Demi Vollering. The Dutchwoman has had a stellar season, profitable each stage race she began this spring, taking eight phases on the way in which. However it’s not been all plain crusing for the 27-year-old. She got here shut, however didn’t win by means of the Classics marketing campaign, and although she’s come good since, the announcement of her departure on the finish of the yr can not have helped.
There’s no disharmony between the 2 events, however Vollering’s departure should show a distraction, even when the staff are heading to France with all their eggs within the Vollering basket and she or he has the shape to bag consecutive yellow jerseys.
(Picture credit score: Getty Pictures / Jasper Jacobs)
DSM-Firmenich PostNL
Nationality: Dutch
Sponsor: DSM-Firmenech – vitamin, well being and sweetness; PostNL – Dutch postal service
Supervisor: Iwan Spekenbrink
DS: Albert Timmer
Web site: teamdsmfirmenich-postnl.com
Instagram: dsmfirmpostnl, X: @dsmfirmpostnl
Searching for? Stage wins and podium GC
The Dutch squad has invested and believed in younger expertise for a few years, consistently regenerating its squad, however they now have a settled group of leaders who’re positive to affect this yr’s Tour. Contemplating the power of their squad, 2024 has not been form to DSM-Firmenich-PostNL, with out a WorldTour race win to their identify, and solely two decrease stage victories all season. It’s not that they haven’t come shut, having scored a number of podium finishes, however the high step has remained stubbornly elusive.
The staff will likely be in search of early wins from sprinter Charlotte Kool, however it’s with Frenchwoman Juliette Labous that they are going to hope to influence the final classification. Now 25, Labous has been with the staff since turning skilled in 2017 and is a category act, a earlier winner of the French time trial title, a self-discipline through which she has completed fifth on the World Championships. She’s the present French nationwide champion the place she benefited from sterling work by commerce team-mate Eglantine Rayer.
One other of the staff’s leaders is the massively versatile British champion Pfeiffer Georgi, who joined the squad aged 18. As street captain, the Brit makes the squad tick, and whereas phases three and 4 may go well with her model, staff duties are prone to come first.
Star: Charlotte Kool
Robust and astute, Kool is likely one of the world’s high sprinters and is anticipated to be the Dutch squad’s chief winner. Nevertheless, 2024 has been a troublesome season, Kool ready till final month for her first win and ending second or third behind Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) eight instances this yr alone, solely beating her former staff mate as soon as.
Kool will be capable to depend on among the best lead-outs within the peloton for positioning, and will likely be determined to place issues proper with an early assertion. With the yellow jersey on the road, the opening stage will likely be a lot coveted, however house roads will likely be Kool’s most popular location for redemption after a season of close to misses.
FDJ-Suez
Nationality: French
Sponsor: FDJ – lottery; Suez – water and waste administration
Supervisor: Stephen Delcourt
DS: Nicolas Maire
Web site: fdj-suez.fr
Instagram: fdj_suez, X: @FDJ_SUEZ
Searching for? GC podium and stage wins
You don’t must look too far again in time to search out this staff working as little greater than fodder at WorldTour stage, however in current seasons they’ve stepped up and at the moment are one of many strongest and most profitable squads within the bunch. FDJ-Suez have constructed a squad designed for achievement on the Tour, however whereas they’ve loads of wins to their identify this yr, 2024 has not been straightforward for them. Of their huge names, Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig broke her sacrum at Omloop het Nieuwsblad and Marta Cavalli, nonetheless not again to her world-class kind after a horror crash on the 2022 Tour, has barely raced and was just lately knocked off her bike whereas coaching.
Of their most gifted climbers, solely Evita Muzic has had an untroubled season. The 25-year-old Frenchwoman has been threatening greatness for some time, taking the staff’s first WorldTour victory on the 2020 Giro. Now after two disrupted years she seems near her finest, out-sprinting Demi Vollering to win the mountain-top end at stage six of the Vuelta in Might, finally taking fifth general.
In her closing season earlier than retirement, Grace Brown is likely one of the world’s strongest time triallists, has a powerful kick and, whereas she will not be classed as a climber, she goes nicely on gnarly programs. After her Liège-Bastogne-Liège victory in April, the Australian will certainly be eyeing stage 4’s close to equivalent end.
Star: Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig
There’s much more to the 28-year-old Danish than amusing post-race interviews. Certainly, she is the French staff’s solely Tour de France stage winner, taking victory in Epernay in stage three of the 2022 race. Harm meant she missed nearly three months racing this yr, however managed eighth general on the Giro final month, solely dropping from the rostrum positions on double ascent of Blockhaus on the penultimate stage. This regardless of being within the sport’s second tier of climbers. Whereas she might discover herself supporting Muzic, and even Cavalli, within the mountains, she is the type of rider who can influence any race and stays totemic for the staff.
(Picture credit score: Getty Pictures / Ben Stansall)
Lidl-Trek
Nationality: US
Sponsor: Lidl – grocery store chain; Trek – bike producer
Supervisor: Luca Guercilena
DS: Ina-Yoko Teutenberg
Web site: lidltrek.com
Instagram: lidltrek, X: @LidlTrek
Searching for? Common classification and stage victories
If any staff can problem SD Worx-Protime it’s Lidl-Trek. They head to Rotterdam with arguably the strongest, most skilled staff within the peloton, filled with winners in a position to dictate the race and win all however the flattest phases. Constantly profitable, the American outfit are the one staff to have knocked SD Worx off the the highest of the UCI rankings since 2016, and have pushed the Dutch squad shut each different yr. Directed from the automotive by Ina-Yoko Teutenberg, this yr they’ve added extra tactical astuteness within the type of Jeroen Blijlevens.
It’s not as if the riders want an excessive amount of route, although; their expertise on the street means efficient tactical choices could be made within the peloton. For the Tour, Lidl-Trek have constructed their staff to assist Elisa Longo Borghini deep into the mountain phases later within the race. Gaia Realini’s Giro journey confirmed simply how good she is the mountain domestique function, and Amanda Spratt is a nicely established climber. At 22, Shirin van Anrooij is the youngest within the roster, however is herself a GC rider of the longer term, with victory eventually yr’s Tour de l’Avenir underneath her belt. Such experience might even relegate Lizzie Deignan to pulling on the flat, however don’t put a stage win previous the Brit.
Star: Elisa Longo Borghini
Elisa Longo Borghini will not be as prolific as a few of her rivals, however she is at the moment one of many greats of the game. Her first huge win got here 11 years in the past, so it could be a shock she solely has 46 victories on her palmarès, although success is now extra common for the 32-year-old. Regardless of her starvation for the highest spot of the rostrum having been questioned at instances, her outcomes have improved as she has labored on her dash. This yr alone, she has six wins, together with the Tour of Flanders, a stage and the general on the Giro d’Italia, the place she was in a position to match Lotte Kopecky’s dash on the finish of lengthy sizzling days. The Italian won’t win the GC, however she will likely be up there.
Movistar
Nationality: Spain
Sponsor: Movistar – telecommunications
Supervisor: Sebastian Unzue
DS: Tim Harris
Web site: movistarteam.com
Instagram: movistar_team, X: @movistar_team
Searching for? Stage victories
It’s not been a terrific yr for the Spanish WorldTeam. For the previous couple of seasons, they’ve been assured wins from the machine that was Annemiek van Vleuten, however for the reason that Dutchwoman retired on the finish of final season, the staff have struggled for achievement. A sign of that wrestle is the look ahead to a top-tier race victory, it got here within the type of Liane Lippert’s stage victory eventually month’s Giro d’Italia.
Lippert joined the squad final yr and the staff had hoped for large issues from the German and the opposite big-name signing for 2023, Floortje Mackaij, however not solely did they reside within the shadow of Van Vleuten final yr, harm has curtailed their hopes in 2024. Even so, the Spanish staff haven’t stood nonetheless since they joined.
After years as a journeywoman, Mareille Meijering joined the squad in Might 2023 after the mid-season collapse of the Zaaf Biking. A helpful climber, she has impressed, starting her tenure with a collection of high 15 placings, and rode brilliantly at this yr’s Giro, ending eleventh general.
Becoming a member of this yr, Olivia Baril is one a tranche of Québécoise riders on the high of the game, and is one other completed climber. Her finest outcomes both come at house in Canada or within the Basque Nation the place she lives, however she is comparatively inexperienced and can develop.
Star: Liane Lippert
That is the German’s second season with Movistar and she or he will likely be hoping to recreate her stage win from final yr’s Tour, the place she gained the uphill dash in Mauriac on stage two. Such a closing is ideal for the 26-year-old who retains her punch on the high of quick, sharp climbs. Lippert’s current Giro stage win got here on precisely such a end and, although she deserted on the Queen stage, she has the shape to ship. Don’t count on to see her within the first couple of days, however phases 4, 5 and 6 will likely be in her sights.
Jayco-AlUla
Nationality: Australian
Sponsor: Jayco – tenting and caravan rent; Alula – Saudi Arabian resort
Supervisor: Brent Copeland
DS: Martin Vestby
Web site: greenedgecycling.com
Instagram: @greenedgecycling, X: @GreenEDGEteam
Searching for? Stage wins and high 5 GC
For years Jayco-Alula’s forebear groups had been a part of the Australian Institute for Sport, and whereas there have been notable international riders – Emma Johansson and Annemiek van Vleuten, as an illustration – the staff’s riders had been largely home-grown. That hardly modified once they grew to become a full a part of the boys’s squad, however in 2020 the staff began turning into extra worldwide, now there are solely 5 Australians on the 16-woman roster.
Of the international riders, normal classification rider Mavi García is maybe the highest-profile, with quite a few victories and podium finishes on the Giro and a tenth place on the 2022 Tour. She just lately positioned ninth on the Giro, however although she was aggressive, was unable to stay with the perfect climbers.
The squad will not be all in regards to the international riders; in her two years with the staff, nationwide street champion Ruby Roseman-Gannon has proved herself as each a prepared domestique and powerful sprinter, profitable the ultimate stage of the Tour of Britain earlier this yr. Lastly, the lack of Georgia Baker and Alex Manly to the Australian observe staff for Paris 2024 will likely be keenly felt, however Jayco-Alula now have the depth to be on the entrance with out them.
Star: Urška Žigart
Slovenian champion towards the clock and on the street race, Zigart is a category act and was inexplicably not noted of the Olympic squad, so there’s some pent up frustration to show the selectors unsuitable. Now 27, she was comparatively nameless on her earlier groups, however has developed into a really sturdy climber since becoming a member of the Australian squad in 2021, with notable leads to the mountain phases of the 2022 Tour de France. This yr she was ninth general on the Tour de Suisse, earlier than taking twelfth general on the Giro whereas working for Mavi García. She does have points descending and positioning within the bunch so is weak to being caught out, however is assured to be to the entrance within the Alps.
(Picture credit score: Getty Pictures / Alex Broadway)
UAE Workforce ADQ
Nationality: UAE
Sponsor: UAE – nation state; ADQ – Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund
Supervisor: Cherie Pridham
DS: Alejandro Gonzalez-Tablas
Web site: uaeteamadq.com
Instagram: uaeteam_adq, X: @UAETeamADQ
Searching for? Stage wins and high 10 on GC
This staff was created after the takeover of the Alé BTC Ljubljana squad in 2022, and for some time it appeared they may problem the highest of the game. There have been a few WorldTour wins that yr, and an inflow of expertise from the Italian Valcar staff introduced extra success final yr. However the victories haven’t fairly come this season, and their GC hopeful Silvia Persico has appeared out of types.
We’ve seen loads of aggression, although, and Karlijn Swinkels has proven herself on the climbs, selecting up third general on the Vuelta Burgos. Eleonora Gasparrini and Dominika Włodarczyk have scored podiums, and sprinter Chiara Consonni bagged their solely WorldTour win on the Giro.
Star: Eleonora Gasparrini
With Chiara Consonni using the Olympic observe occasions, Eleonora Gasparrini ought to be allowed loads of probabilities. Not a pure sprinter, so the early phases are prone to be past her, however she’s good on gnarly terrain the place she retains her kick, so look out for her in the course of the week.
AG Insurance coverage-Soudal
Nationality: Belgian
Sponsor: AG Insurance coverage – insurance coverage; Soudal – silicones, sealants, adhesives
Supervisor: Jurgen Fore
DS: Jolien D’hoore
Web site: aginsurance-soudal.com
Instagram: aginsurancesoudal, X: @agsoudal
Searching for? Stage wins and GC podium
The brand new children on the block, this Belgian squad have solely been in existence since 2020, beginning life as a improvement staff and graduating to WorldTeam standing for this season. They’ve advanced in a short time, from attacking and animating to real contenders, with 4 top-tier race wins to date this yr. In Sarah Gigante and Justine Ghekiere, they’ve depth for the mountain phases in addition to the riders to affect flatter days too.
Star: Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio
Moolman-Pasio has been within the peloton for nicely over a decade and has been constant all through, at all times current within the mountains. She’s not an everyday winner, although, taking her first WorldTour success solely in 2022. Sickness and harm have blighted her 2024, and she or he’s not raced for the reason that begin of June, however whereas her kind is unknown, you will notice her on the climbs.
Uno-X Mobility
Nationality: Norwegian
Sponsor: Uno-X – sustainable mobility
Supervisor: Thor Hushovd
DS: Alex Greenfield
Web site: unoxteam.com
Instagram: unoxmobility, X: @UnoXteam
Searching for? Stage wins and breakaways
Of their third yr, this Norway-registered WorldTeam are but to win a WorldTour race, and this yr’s successes are restricted solely to nationwide championships and .1 stage races. That stated, it’s not simply their shiny jerseys which are a magnet for consideration, combative using does too.
Anouska Koster is an everlasting attacker, and so they have choices is the sprints with Susanne Andersen, Maria Giulia Confalonieri and Finnish champion Anniina Ahtosalo
Star: Katrine Aalerud
Norwegian climber Katrine Aalerud joined her home-registered staff this season after 4 years working with Annemiek van Veluten at Movistar. That interval actually benefited her, and she or he collected some good outcomes in the course of the late spring, particularly at Volta Catalunya, the place she was third general. The 29-year-old gave the impression to be using inside herself eventually month’s Giro and is prone to be flying the Norwegian staff’s flag on the Alps subsequent week.
(Picture credit score: Getty Pictures / Luc Claessen)
Roland
Nationality: Swiss
Sponsor: Roland – biscuits and truffles
Supervisor: Ruben Contreras
DS: Sergey Klimov
Web site: rolandcycling.com
Instagram: rolandcyclingteam, X: @RolandCycling
Searching for? Stage wins and breakaways
Now working with out the assist of Israel Premier Tech, this Swiss quad have made a small change in technique this yr, opting to not race each WorldTour race. Although they picked up loads of UCI factors on the early season Tour of El Salvador, the place Elena Hartmann gained the general, the staff taking 4 of the 5 phases, their technique has affected their WorldTour rating and they’re now the lowest-ranked WorldTeam.
Hartmann will carry out nicely on the hillier days, whereas Canadian Maggie Coles-Lyster will tackle the sprinting duties.
Star: Tamara Dronova
The Russian rider has been with this staff since its inception, and in that point has proved their most constant rider. She’s versatile, too, good towards the clock and in a position to combine it in bunch sprints and go nicely on extra gnarly terrain. The 33-year-old will seemingly journey as their GC rider and will do nicely on the undulating phases which populate the center of the race.
St Michel-Mavic-Auber 93
Nationality: French
Sponsor: St Michel
Supervisor: Stéphane Javelet
DS: Charlotte Bravard
Web site: auber93cyclisme.com
Instagram: auber93cyclisme, X: @auber93cyclisme
Searching for? Breakaways
Whereas this small, Paris-based staff have misplaced a few promising younger riders, the addition of Roxane Fournier final yr and Victoire Guilman this yr, have introduced much-needed expertise to the 10-woman roster. And although Fournier retired after the nationwide championships, she has left her mark.
In solely their third season, they’ve punched nicely above their weight this yr, incomes high 10 normal classification leads to 4 WorldTour stage races to date this yr.
Star: Marion Bunel
Eighth general eventually yr’s Tour de l’Avenir, Bunel is a pure climber and is liable for the staff’s solely victory this yr, beating established WorldTour rider Evita Muzic (FDJ-Suez) and junior world champion Julie Bego (Cofidis) on the Alps Gresivaudan Traditional.
Nonetheless solely 19, Bunel completed forward of some huge names when bagging seventh place on the opening mountain stage of this yr’s Tour de Suisse. If Bunel can survive the opening phases with some kind, count on her to go nicely within the Alps – and to be snapped up by an enormous staff subsequent yr.
Human Powered Well being
Nationality: US
Sponsor: Human Powered Well being – Athletic Efficiency
Supervisor: Ro De Jonckere
DS: Giorgia Bronzini
Web site: humanpoweredhealthcycling.com
Instagram: hphcycling, X: @hphcycling
Searching for? Stage wins and breakaways
Human Powered Well being have been constructing steadily since turning into a WorldTeam in 2022, with enhancing outcomes. They may not have gained as many races as final season, but, however there are much more top-10s. Whereas they’re unlikely to influence the final classification, they now have the depth and high quality to influence the race, particularly with former French champion Audrey Cordon-Ragot using her closing Tour earlier than retirement.
Star: Ruth Edwards (née Winder)
After two seasons racing gravel within the US, Edwards returned to the street at first of this yr. Discovering her ft within the early season races, she’s been flying since Might, bagging two top-five finishes on the US nationals. In June, she gained the final classification at Thüringen Women Tour, earlier than using aggressively on the Giro, taking second on two phases. The bunch wants to make sure she is given much less freedom on the Tour or she’ll win a stage.
Fenix-Deceuninck
Nationality: Belgian
Sponsor: Fenix – inside design supplies; Deceuninck – home windows
Supervisor: Philip Roodhooft
DS: Michel Cornilisse
Web site: fenix-deceuninck.com
Instagram: fenixdeceuninck, X: @FenixDeceuninck
Searching for? Levels and GC high 5
With one of many largest rosters of all of the WorldTeams, together with a raft of sturdy riders, the actual fact Fenix-Deceuninck begin the Tour with out a victory to date this yr is stunning. They’re a squad with a disproportionately excessive variety of multi-discipline riders, that means some don’t journey a full street calendar, however they preserve loads of street specialists for all events. Anticipate them to go nicely within the mountains, and if Yara Kastelijn will not be impressing Pauliena Rooijakkers will likely be after a stellar Giro.
Star: Yara Kastelijn
Although she is leaning in direction of a extra road-based calendar as of late, in step with the staff’s DNA, Kastelijn additionally competes on the cyclocross discipline. Whereas she has retained the explosiveness wanted for that self-discipline she can also be in a position to climb very nicely and has improved this yr, with some glorious outcomes. Two top-10s within the hilly Classics prefaced an impressive Vuelta the place she bagged a second and third on successive uphill finishes, taking eighth general.
EF-Oatly-Cannondale
Nationality: US
Sponsor: EF – language schooling; Oatly – oat milk; Canondale – bike producer
Supervisor: Johan Pettersson
DS: Carmen Small
Web site: efprocycling.com
Instagram: @ef.oatly.cannondale X: @EF_Oatly_Cdale
Searching for? Stage wins and breakaways
As a first-year staff, created from scratch over the winter, US outfit EF-Oatly-Cannondale had been unable to use as a WorldTeam, however have raced like one nonetheless. With a cleverly chosen, sturdy roster they’re in a position to affect, if not dictate, races and have choices for all sorts of parcours.
Not solely have they bagged extra wins than a few of their WorldTeam rivals, together with a stage of the Giro, they’ve are available in mountain phases, sprints and on lumpy days, proving the staff’s versatility.
Star: Kristen Faulkner
A former rower who solely began aggressive biking in 2017, the American is unlikely to win the Tour, however she’s going to make it entertaining. Aggressive and fearless, the 31-year-old has an enormous engine, and whereas she might not climb with one of the best, she goes uphill nicely, and even gained a Giro mountain stage on her personal.
Tashkent Metropolis Girls Skilled Biking Workforce
Nationality: Uzbekistan
Sponsor: Capital Metropolis
Supervisor: Farrukh Khudolykulov
DS: Ruslan Ueynnov
Web site: velosport.uz
Instagram: cycling_uz
Searching for? Survival
The Uzbek staff certified for automated choice by dint of factors accrued largely away from the game’s European hotbed. This proved controversial and resulted in different, arguably higher outfitted groups being excluded. This yr they’ve made their first forays into the lion’s den that’s European WorldTour racing, and have left licking their wounds.
None of them completed Strade Bianche, and solely the skilled Olga Zabalenskaya survived till stage three of Tour de Suisse, when she was disqualified for holding on to the staff automotive. Unsurprisingly solely one among their seven starters received by means of the Giro d’Italia.
Star: Yanina Kuskova
The one rider who made it by means of Giro was Yanina Kuskova, ending eighty fifth general. The 22-year-old all-rounder was aggressive within the early season stage races, just lately reclaimed the Uzbek street title and is liable for the overwhelming majority of the staff’s finest outcomes. These embrace sixth general on the Tour of the Gila within the US, ninth at Italian Trofeo Ponente in Rosa stage race.
Lotto-Dstny
Nationality: Belgian
Sponsor: Lotto – Belgian Lottery; Dstny – Enterprise cloud expertise
Supervisor: Kurt Van De Wouwer
DS: Grace Verbeke
Web site: lottodstny.be/nl/staff/girls
Instagram: lotto.dstny, X: @lotto_dstny
Searching for? Breakaways and stage high 10s
Lotto-Dstny has launched the careers of many high riders, Emma Pooley and Lizzie Deignan to call two, however didn’t hold tempo as the ladies’s sport grew. New administration means they’re now on their means again up. That stated, they’re massively reliant on Thalita De Jong for high outcomes, and in some races with out her have appeared tactically naive, throwing riders at a state of affairs till they’ve none left with no return.
Star: Thalita de Jong
Eight years in the past, the 30-year-old Dutch lady was an everyday podium finisher, profitable phases of the Giro and even the cyclocross world championships, however harm drastically curtailed her profession. After some years within the wilderness she is again. This season has been her finest for years, and although she has not gained a race, she has a collection of high 10s in lumpy races, even ending seventh general within the hilly Itzulia Girls.
Cofidis
Nationality: French
Sponsor: Cofidis – banking
Supervisor: Cédric Vasseur
DS: Mélanie Briot
Web site: equipecofidis.com
Instagram: teamcofidis, X: @teamCOFIDIS
Searching for? Breakaways and stage high 10s
For a staff with out a WorldTour win of their three-year historical past, Cofidis have constructed an skilled and gifted staff, sturdy sufficient to win phases. Trying on the French staff’s successes, such an evaluation may appear fanciful. Their finest win thus far is Hannah Ludwig’s on the Navarra Girls’s Elite Traditional in Might, however Victoire Berteau has ridden brilliantly this yr, eighth at Paris-Roubaix her finest outcome to date.
They’ve ladies like Sarah Roy, a stage winner on the Bretagne Women Tour and the attacking nous of Nikola Nosková to enhance the climbing expertise of Julie Bego and Morgane Coston.
Star: Julie Bego
A 19-year-old can’t be anticipated to win a stage of the largest race on the earth, even when she is the junior world champion, however since profitable in Glasgow final summer time Julie Bego has bagged some first rate leads to mountainous races. The Tour will give her indication of the place she stands for the longer term.
Ceratizit-WNT
Nationality: German
Sponsor: Excessive tech machine instruments
Supervisor: Claude Solar
DS: Dirk Baldinger
Web site: ceratizit-wnt-pro-cycling.com/
Instagram: ceratizit_wnt, X: @ceratizit_wnt
Searching for? Stage wins and high 5 on GC
This German squad have at all times been entertaining, animating races and creating breakaways, however for years relied fully on Lisa Brennauer for WorldTour victories. Because the German’s retirement, although, others have stepped up and so they deserve their new WorldTeam standing.
Whereas they’ll nonetheless be seen animating races, their well-drilled leadout just lately delivered three bunch kick victories on the Thüringen Women Tour, so you possibly can count on to see their sprinters within the flat early phases.
Star: Cedrine Kerbaol
Having taken her first race wins in 2023, when she additionally gained one of the best younger rider classification, this season has seen the Bretonne rider proceed her upward trajectory, profitable two robust, hilly races within the Basque nation. She’s not solely good uphill, but additionally towards the clock, and the staff will give attention to her for his or her GC effort, although whether or not her Giro DNF was a precaution or an issue is unknown.
Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi
Nationality: Spanish
Sponsor: Laboral Kutxa – Banking firm; Fundación Euskadi – Basque sporting basis
Supervisor: Aitor Alonso
DS: Ion Lazkano
Web site: fundacioneuskadi.eus
Instagram: laboral_kutxa_team
Searching for? Breakaways and high finishes within the mountains
Since their inception in 2020, this Basque outfit have steadily progressed and have a clearly said ambition to go to the WorldTour. They’ve recruited cannily, with plenty of smart heads becoming a member of, together with Lourdes Oyarbide and Ane Santesteban and the staff are hitting their straps at this key a part of the season.
Regardless of these riders bringing a wealth of WorldTour expertise, and Santesteban’s tenth place at Flèche Wallonne, it’s the youthful riders who’ve flown the staff’s flag with best vigour. In Might, Iurani Blanco beat a powerful discipline on the hilly GP Ciudad de Eibar in Spain’s Basque Nation, earlier than ending second behind team-mate Usoa Ostoloza on the Spanish nationals.
Star: Usoa Ostolaza
The 26 year-old climber impressed vastly at Tour of the Pyrénées in Might, out-thinking and out-riding her rivals. The next week she took the Spanish street title, and has confirmed all spherical talents to on the very least present herself.
Arkea B&B Resorts Girls
Nationality: French
Sponsor: Arkéa – banking and insurance coverage; B&B Resorts – worth hospitality
Supervisor: Franck Renimel
DS: Grégoire Le Calve
Web site: team-arkea-bbhotels.fr
Instagram: arkeaprocyclngteam, X: @arkeabbhotels
Searching for? Breakaways and high displaying within the mountains
Actually one of many smaller groups, but additionally one on a gentle upward trajectory, recruiting expertise to create a rounded squad, able to having an influence on most parcours. Progress however, they’ve failed to bother the highest 20 in any of their WorldTour appearances, and regardless of the Tour being a house race, there isn’t any cause to count on a sudden turnaround in fortunes.
Their most skilled new arrival is a number of Swedish champion Emilia Fahlin, who will likely be a relaxing affect, even when she’s not raced the Tour earlier than. The staff are usually not with out power, and you’ll count on the likes of Lotte Claes and Michaela Drummond to be among the many motion.
Star: Valentina Cavallar
The staff have clearly seen Cavallar’s promise, signing her till 2027 in solely her first yr in racing internationally. A former worldwide rower, the 23-year-old Austrian is a gifted climber, ending second on the Col d’Aubisque on the current Tour of the Pyrénées. Aggressive and tactically astute she is bound to be on the transfer within the mountain phases.