After the lads’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 lads’s Tour, the Tour de France Femmes has a barely totally different format for 2024.
It forgoes its normal 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 achieved because the males’s race in 1990, and sees the riders tackle a brief highway 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 critical mountain motion coming within the second half because the riders attain the Jura and the Alpes, there’s something right here for each sort 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 12 months’s winner Demi Vollering (SD Worx), who might be hoping to do the double after representing the Netherlands within the girls’s Olympic highway race.
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The race will end on the prime 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 girls’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 | Ladies’s WorldTour |
| Version | third |
| Complete climbing | 13,566m |
| Chief’s jersey color | Yellow |
| Final 12 months’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 to your first ever international Grand Départ than when your normal 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 revolutionary 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 method 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 changing into progressively more durable because it delivers the riders lastly to the fringes of the Alps.
An excellent-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 best way.
Except the GC chief has a serious time benefit over her rivals going into this stage, at the present time ought to nonetheless depart 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 brief historical past that the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift has loved a international Grand Départ. At present 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 probably to offer again when it comes to 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 best way out, and once more because the race comes again and heads north into essentially 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 strategy to the end at La Haye, with a near-straight last 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 resembling Charlotte Kool (DMS-Firmenich PostNL) and Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) more likely 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 brief and billiard-table-flat stage is the primary of two at this time, which sees a 30-year throwback to a time when ‘cut up phases’, as they had been known as, had been common fare within the Tour de France. It is an fascinating idea that forces riders to think about what could be developing that afternoon and maybe not burn too many matches – particularly when the afternoon stage is a time trial, as it’s at this time.
This hop from Dordrecht to close by Rotterdam is no less than lots brief sufficient, nevertheless it’s flat and close to the coast, so the riders will not be getting off scot-free by any means. It additionally incorporates 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 definitely will not do something to harm that moniker when it waves the riders off at this time. From right here the race jinks in a normal west to north-west course, crossing a number of rivers because it does so, on the best way to Rotterdam – town round which the race relies for these first three Dutch phases.
This can be a stage for the sprinters, nearly definitely, however they’ll definitely be cautious of being caught out by the wind throughout what’s a sequence of modifications in course. Little question Dordrecht’s very personal Lucinda Model would fancy a go at at this time’s stage, however sadly it’s not actually her bag. We’re way more more likely 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 12 months’s TdFF
(Picture credit score: Getty Photographs / Jeff Pachoud)
Stage 3 | Tues Aug 13 | Rotterdam > Rotterdam, 6.3km
You may assume that by the tip of this stage, the riders would have gotten to know Rotterdam slightly nicely, however within the purple warmth of a motorcycle race, taking within the environment is near-impossible. That could not apply extra to at this time’s very brief 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 brief as this. Final 12 months noticed a time trial, primarily based on Pau, to spherical off the race – however that was 22km lengthy. As intense a bodily check it’s going to absolutely be, at this time’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 so far, half the race might be on the identical time on the prime of the GC, separated solely by their end placings on the stage. So at this time’s check will no less than serve to parse out the sector – if not by very a lot – forward of the hilly phases to come back. Squeezing in a TT additionally permits the race to retain its eight-stage standing regardless of the Paris Olympic Video games seeing it lowered to seven days this 12 months.
A time trial this brief 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 carry to bear their respective skills to focus on a excessive putting right here. The terrain will get lots tougher after at this time, so any sprinter nonetheless to attain could be particularly eager to name these fast-twitch muscular tissues 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 at this time, crossing into Belgium after round 35km. It would not get fairly so far as France, although, ending in Liège, residence 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 tooth 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 among the most well-known from Liège-Bastogne-Liège, resembling 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 therefore many successful 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 median 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 might be more likely to resolve the eventual winner, who will most likely be an escapee or a GC rider slightly than a bunch sprinter.
Demi Vollering wins Liège-Bastogne-Liège final 12 months over a few of stage 4’s roads
(Picture credit score: Getty Photographs / Luc Claessen)
Stage 5 | Thurs Aug 15 | Bastogne > Amnéville, 152.5km
At present 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 at this time. The stage incorporates a scattering of category-three and -four climbs, with two coming close to the end, and the ultimate kilometre into Amnéville can 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 technique to the end. The 5 categorised climbs alongside the best way are small and pretty unfold out, however they’re powerful sufficient, and the primary, the Côte de Hott, as the only real 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, at this time’s route isn’t truly flat. The riders will consistently need to dig into their reserves because the highway 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 powerful last kilometre begins on a 6% grade earlier than easing to 3-4% all the best way to the road. That can probably be sufficient to discourage the pure sprinters and, together with all of the climbing, will make at this time fertile breakaway territory – with that last kilometre additionally proving decisive there.
Stage 6 | Fri Aug 16 | Remiremont > Morteau, 159.2km
At present’s stage affords the riders a style of what is to come back, 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 sort out, 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 critical wad of climbing that’s solely accomplished 15km earlier than the end.
The two,222m of climbing on at this time’s route is in actual fact inside 200m of yesterday’s ‘flat’ stage. However clearly this crosses some kind of threshold, as organiser ASO awards at this time’s stage a ‘hilly’ ranking. After a brief switch south from yesterday’s end at Amnéville, the riders depart 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 best way 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 tip. 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 start out 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 just a few kilometres of near-flat earlier than the principle dish of the day. The Pretre-Fins double entails 24km of virtually strong climbing, with only a kilometre or two of respite alongside the best way 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 method.
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 totally different mountain ranges – this time the Jura and the Alps, with a end on the sides of the latter.
At present’s stage would not provide up the dizzy heights of tomorrow’s escapade to the likes of the Col du Glandon and Alpe d’Huez. However after a five-day phoney battle, these with GC intentions might 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 all the things, 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’ll nonetheless need to tackle the cat 4 Côte de Bois d’Arlod, and the cat-three Côte de Cercier, that are more likely 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 definitely be seeking to put time into one another right here. Can the breakaway survive?
(Picture credit score: Getty Photographs / Alex Broadway)
Stage 8 | Solar Aug 18 | Le Grand Bornand > Alpe d’Huez, 150km
At present’s stage is the end result of every week’s racing, and options two of biking’s most legendary climbs within the Col du Glandon and Alpe d’Huez. The latter specifically has seen among the most enjoyable stage finishes within the males’s Tour, and it will likely 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 at this time: 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’re going to 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.
This can be a full-fat hors-category monster and the peloton is more likely to have been shredded by the point they crest the summit. A protracted-drawn-out descent will give some riders time to regain the bunch, simply in time for all of it to start out 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 girls as they go all-in for victory.
Tour de France Femmes 2024: Groups and riders
(Picture credit score: Getty Photographs / Alex Broadway)
Visma-Lease a Bike
Nationality: Dutch
Sponsor: Visma – enterprise software program; Lease a motorcycle – bike leasing.
Supervisor: Rutger Tijssen
DS: Jan Boven
Web site: teamvismaleaseabike.com
Instagram: teamvisma_leasabike_women X: @visma_lab_women
On the lookout for? Stage wins and prime 10 GC
Visma-Lease a Bike have had a strong begin to the 12 months and can head to France with all their sources 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 group’s first win in January, whereas others have additionally tasted success. Although unlikely to stray from backing Vos, Visma have practical choices for fulfillment elsewhere, and it will likely be fascinating 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 sufficient climber, is phenomenal in opposition to the clock and can probably be concentrating on no less than 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 damage. She was second within the uphill end on the nationwide highway championships and was second general on the Tour of Britain. Henderson’s downside, although, is that her abilities are so just like Vos’s that she is going to spend many of the race appearing as a leadout, and provided that catastrophe strikes the chief will she get a chance.
Star: Marianne Vos
There’s not lots to be stated about Vos. The very best, most versatile and profitable feminine rider not solely of her era, however most likely ever. Aside from the Tour, she’s gained all the things 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 anticipate her to be among the many protagonists in all the opposite phases, in the hunt 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 are able to anticipate extra subsequent week.
Canyon-SRAM
Nationality: German
Sponsor: Canyon – bike producer; SRAM – bike element producer
Supervisor: Ronny Lauke
DS: Magnus Backstedt
Web site: wmncycling.com
Instagram: @wmncycling, X: @WMNcycling
On the lookout for? Stage and GC victory
For some time, Canyon-SRAM had been the bridesmaid, not the bride – commonly populating WorldTour podiums however hardly ever the highest step. They typically gained group classifications however hardly ever phases. Latest seasons have seen that change. After three years and not using a WorldTour win, final 12 months they gained three, which they’ve already equalled this 12 months.
The group are benefitting vastly from an inflow of extremely proficient 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 ultimately took third general, the group putting two girls below 23 within the prime six.
Canyon-SRAM had two riders in prime six on the Tour de Suisse too, Bradbury as soon as once more taking a stage and this time second on GC. Eventually 12 months’s Tour, one other of the group’s crop of younger climbing stars Ricarda Bauernfeind took a stage and ninth on GC in her first WorldTour season. Add the vastly aggressive dash and time trial expertise of American Chloe Dygert and the group have winners all through. On the Tour de France Femmes, anticipate them to be up there in each phases and the final classification, and it’s not too nice a stretch of creativeness they may win general.
Star: Kasia Niewiadoma
The Polish rider has lengthy been the group’s chief, and already has a victory to her title this 12 months, success at Flèche Wallonne ending a four-year win drought. She won’t be the successful machine different groups have on their roster, however personifies the group, consistently there or thereabouts. This 12 months alone she has 16 top-10 finishes to her title, 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 12 months’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 risk for general victory this 12 months.
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
On the lookout for? Stage and GC victory
Because the long-standing dominant group, 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 12 months. Nonetheless, if you happen to believed some experiences throughout the spring, you’d have thought the world’s greatest group had misplaced their mojo. Fairly than the whole domination we’d turn out to be 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.
Nonetheless, they solely missed one podium, at Flanders, and had been again to their devastating greatest when stage racing kicked off, successful 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 exterior 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 12 months, however won’t be using the Tour, as a substitute concentrating on the Olympics.
The group might be additional depleted by the absence of Marlen Reusser, the Swiss rider affected by submit infectious syndrome. That leaves the squad gentle on climbing back-up for the favorite, Demi Vollering, and victory is probably not so simple.
Star: Demi Vollering
Should you like a secure guess, put your cash on Demi Vollering. The Dutchwoman has had a stellar season, successful each stage race she began this spring, taking eight phases on the best way. Nevertheless it’s not been all plain crusing for the 27-year-old. She got here shut, however did not 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 12 months can’t have helped.
There’s no disharmony between the 2 events, however Vollering’s departure should show a distraction, even when the group are heading to France with all their eggs within the Vollering basket and he or she has the shape to bag consecutive yellow jerseys.
(Picture credit score: Getty Photographs / Jasper Jacobs)
DSM-Firmenich PostNL
Nationality: Dutch
Sponsor: DSM-Firmenech – diet, well being and wonder; PostNL – Dutch postal service
Supervisor: Iwan Spekenbrink
DS: Albert Timmer
Web site: teamdsmfirmenich-postnl.com
Instagram: dsmfirmpostnl, X: @dsmfirmpostnl
On the lookout 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 12 months’s Tour. Contemplating the power of their squad, 2024 has not been sort to DSM-Firmenich-PostNL, and not using a WorldTour race win to their title, 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 prime step has remained stubbornly elusive.
The group might be on the lookout for early wins from sprinter Charlotte Kool, however it’s with Frenchwoman Juliette Labous that they’ll hope to influence the final classification. Now 25, Labous has been with the group since turning skilled in 2017 and is a category act, a earlier winner of the French time trial title, a self-discipline wherein 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 group’s leaders is the vastly versatile British champion Pfeiffer Georgi, who joined the squad aged 18. As highway captain, the Brit makes the squad tick, and whereas phases three and 4 may go well with her fashion, group duties are more likely to come first.
Star: Charlotte Kool
Sturdy and astute, Kool is without doubt one of the world’s prime sprinters and is anticipated to be the Dutch squad’s chief winner. Nonetheless, 2024 has been a tough season, Kool ready till final month for her first win and ending second or third behind Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) eight occasions this 12 months alone, solely beating her former group mate as soon as.
Kool will have the ability to depend on the most effective lead-outs within the peloton for positioning, and might be determined to place issues proper with an early assertion. With the yellow jersey on the road, the opening stage might be a lot coveted, however residence roads might 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
On the lookout for? GC podium and stage wins
You don’t must look too far again in time to seek out this group working as little greater than fodder at WorldTour stage, however in latest 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 fulfillment on the Tour, however whereas they’ve loads of wins to their title this 12 months, 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 lately knocked off her bike whereas coaching.
Of their most proficient climbers, solely Evita Muzic has had an untroubled season. The 25-year-old Frenchwoman has been threatening greatness for some time, taking the group’s first WorldTour victory on the 2020 Giro. Now after two disrupted years she seems near her greatest, out-sprinting Demi Vollering to win the mountain-top end at stage six of the Vuelta in Could, ultimately taking fifth general.
In her last season earlier than retirement, Grace Brown is without doubt one of the world’s strongest time triallists, has a powerful kick and, whereas she is probably not 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 an identical end.
Star: Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig
There’s way more to the 28-year-old Danish than amusing post-race interviews. Certainly, she is the French group’s solely Tour de France stage winner, taking victory in Epernay in stage three of the 2022 race. Damage meant she missed nearly three months racing this 12 months, 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 could discover herself supporting Muzic, and even Cavalli, within the mountains, she is the sort of rider who can influence any race and stays totemic for the group.
(Picture credit score: Getty Photographs / 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
On the lookout for? Normal classification and stage victories
If any group can problem SD Worx-Protime it’s Lidl-Trek. They head to Rotterdam with arguably the strongest, most skilled group within the peloton, stuffed with winners in a position to dictate the race and win all however the flattest phases. Constantly profitable, the American outfit are the one group to have knocked SD Worx off the the highest of the UCI rankings since 2016, and have pushed the Dutch squad shut each different 12 months. Directed from the automobile by Ina-Yoko Teutenberg, this 12 months they’ve added extra tactical astuteness within the type of Jeroen Blijlevens.
It’s not as if the riders want an excessive amount of course, although; their expertise on the highway means efficient tactical selections could be made within the peloton. For the Tour, Lidl-Trek have constructed their group 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 position, 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 12 months’s Tour de l’Avenir below her belt. Such experience could 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 is probably not as prolific as a few of her rivals, however she is at present 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 occasions, her outcomes have improved as she has labored on her dash. This 12 months 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 scorching days. The Italian won’t win the GC, however she might 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
On the lookout for? Stage victories
It’s not been an amazing 12 months for the Spanish WorldTeam. For the previous few seasons, they’ve been assured wins from the machine that was Annemiek van Vleuten, however because the Dutchwoman retired on the finish of final season, the group have struggled for fulfillment. A sign of that battle is the await 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 12 months and the group had hoped for large issues from the German and the opposite big-name signing for 2023, Floortje Mackaij, however not solely did they stay within the shadow of Van Vleuten final 12 months, damage has curtailed their hopes in 2024. Even so, the Spanish group haven’t stood nonetheless since they joined.
After years as a journeywoman, Mareille Meijering joined the squad in Could 2023 after the mid-season collapse of the Zaaf Biking. A helpful climber, she has impressed, starting her tenure with a sequence of prime 15 placings, and rode brilliantly at this 12 months’s Giro, ending eleventh general.
Becoming a member of this 12 months, Olivia Baril is one a tranche of Québécoise riders on the prime of the game, and is one other achieved climber. Her greatest outcomes both come at residence 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 he or she might be hoping to recreate her stage win from final 12 months’s Tour, the place she gained the uphill dash in Mauriac on stage two. Such a last is ideal for the 26-year-old who retains her punch on the prime of brief, sharp climbs. Lippert’s latest 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 anticipate to see her within the first couple of days, however phases 4, 5 and 6 might 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
On the lookout for? Stage wins and prime 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 example – the group’s riders had been largely home-grown. That hardly modified once they grew to become a full a part of the lads’s squad, however in 2020 the group began changing into extra worldwide, now there are solely 5 Australians on the 16-woman roster.
Of the international riders, normal classification rider Mavi García is probably the highest-profile, with quite a few victories and podium finishes on the Giro and a tenth place on the 2022 Tour. She lately positioned ninth on the Giro, however although she was aggressive, was unable to stay with the perfect climbers.
The squad is just not all in regards to the international riders; in her two years with the group, nationwide highway champion Ruby Roseman-Gannon has proved herself as each a prepared domestique and robust sprinter, successful the ultimate stage of the Tour of Britain earlier this 12 months. Lastly, the lack of Georgia Baker and Alex Manly to the Australian monitor group for Paris 2024 might be keenly felt, however Jayco-Alula now have the depth to be on the entrance with out them.
Star: Urška Žigart
Slovenian champion in opposition to the clock and on the highway race, Zigart is a category act and was inexplicably overlooked of the Olympic squad, so there’s some pent up frustration to show the selectors flawed. Now 27, she was comparatively nameless on her earlier groups, however has developed into a really robust 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 12 months 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 Photographs / Alex Broadway)
UAE Group 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
On the lookout for? Stage wins and prime 10 on GC
This group was created after the takeover of the Alé BTC Ljubljana squad in 2022, and for some time it appeared they could problem the highest of the game. There have been a few WorldTour wins that 12 months, and an inflow of expertise from the Italian Valcar group introduced extra success final 12 months. However the victories haven’t fairly come this season, and their GC hopeful Silvia Persico has regarded out of kinds.
We’ve seen loads of aggression, although, and Karlijn Swinkels has proven herself on the climbs, choosing 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 monitor occasions, Eleonora Gasparrini needs to be allowed loads of probabilities. Not a pure sprinter, so the early phases are more likely to be past her, however she’s good on gnarly terrain the place she retains her kick, so look out for her in the midst 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
On the lookout 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 growth group 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 up to now this 12 months. 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, all the time current within the mountains. She’s not a daily winner, although, taking her first WorldTour success solely in 2022. Sickness and damage have blighted her 2024, and he or she’s not raced because the begin of June, however whereas her kind is unknown, you will note 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
On the lookout for? Stage wins and breakaways
Of their third 12 months, this Norway-registered WorldTeam are but to win a WorldTour race, and this 12 months’s successes are restricted solely to nationwide championships and .1 stage races. That stated, it’s not simply their vivid jerseys which magnetize 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 group this season after 4 years working with Annemiek van Veluten at Movistar. That interval definitely benefited her, and he or she collected some good outcomes throughout 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 more likely to be flying the Norwegian group’s flag on the Alps subsequent week.
(Picture credit score: Getty Photographs / Luc Claessen)
Roland
Nationality: Swiss
Sponsor: Roland – biscuits and desserts
Supervisor: Ruben Contreras
DS: Sergey Klimov
Web site: rolandcycling.com
Instagram: rolandcyclingteam, X: @RolandCycling
On the lookout 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 12 months, 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 group 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 group since its inception, and in that point has proved their most constant rider. She’s versatile, too, good in opposition to the clock and in a position to combine it in bunch sprints and go nicely on extra gnarly terrain. The 33-year-old will probably 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
On the lookout for? Breakaways
Whereas this small, Paris-based group have misplaced a few promising younger riders, the addition of Roxane Fournier final 12 months and Victoire Guilman this 12 months, 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 12 months, incomes prime 10 normal classification leads to 4 WorldTour stage races up to now this 12 months.
Star: Marion Bunel
Eighth general eventually 12 months’s Tour de l’Avenir, Bunel is a pure climber and is liable for the group’s solely victory this 12 months, 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 12 months’s Tour de Suisse. If Bunel can survive the opening phases with some kind, anticipate her to go nicely within the Alps – and to be snapped up by an enormous group subsequent 12 months.
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
On the lookout for? Stage wins and breakaways
Human Powered Well being have been constructing steadily since changing into a WorldTeam in 2022, with enhancing outcomes. They may not have gained as many races as final season, but, however there are way 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 last Tour earlier than retirement.
Star: Ruth Edwards (née Winder)
After two seasons racing gravel within the US, Edwards returned to the highway initially of this 12 months. Discovering her toes within the early season races, she’s been flying since Could, bagging two top-five finishes on the US nationals. In June, she gained the final classification at Thüringen Girls 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
On the lookout for? Levels and GC prime 5
With one of many largest rosters of all of the WorldTeams, together with a raft of robust riders, the very fact Fenix-Deceuninck begin the Tour and not using a victory up to now this 12 months is shocking. They’re a squad with a disproportionately excessive variety of multi-discipline riders, which means some don’t journey a full highway calendar, however they keep loads of highway specialists for all events. Anticipate them to go nicely within the mountains, and if Yara Kastelijn is just not impressing Pauliena Rooijakkers might be after a stellar Giro.
Star: Yara Kastelijn
Although she is leaning in direction of a extra road-based calendar nowadays, consistent with the group’s DNA, Kastelijn additionally competes on the cyclocross discipline. Whereas she has retained the explosiveness wanted for that self-discipline she can be in a position to climb very nicely and has improved this 12 months, with some wonderful 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
On the lookout for? Stage wins and breakaways
As a first-year group, 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, robust 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 group’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 is going to make it entertaining. Aggressive and fearless, the 31-year-old has an enormous engine, and whereas she could not climb with the very best, she goes uphill nicely, and even gained a Giro mountain stage on her personal.
Tashkent Metropolis Ladies Skilled Biking Group
Nationality: Uzbekistan
Sponsor: Capital Metropolis
Supervisor: Farrukh Khudolykulov
DS: Ruslan Ueynnov
Web site: velosport.uz
Instagram: cycling_uz
On the lookout for? Survival
The Uzbek group certified for computerized 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 12 months 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 group automobile. Unsurprisingly solely considered one of 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, lately reclaimed the Uzbek highway title and is liable for the overwhelming majority of the group’s greatest 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 know-how
Supervisor: Kurt Van De Wouwer
DS: Grace Verbeke
Web site: lottodstny.be/nl/group/girls
Instagram: lotto.dstny, X: @lotto_dstny
On the lookout for? Breakaways and stage prime 10s
Lotto-Dstny has launched the careers of many prime riders, Emma Pooley and Lizzie Deignan to call two, however did not preserve tempo as the ladies’s sport grew. New administration means they’re now on their method again up. That stated, they’re vastly reliant on Thalita De Jong for prime 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 a daily podium finisher, successful phases of the Giro and even the cyclocross world championships, however damage drastically curtailed her profession. After some years within the wilderness she is again. This season has been her greatest for years, and although she has not gained a race, she has a sequence of prime 10s in lumpy races, even ending seventh general within the hilly Itzulia Ladies.
Cofidis
Nationality: French
Sponsor: Cofidis – banking
Supervisor: Cédric Vasseur
DS: Mélanie Briot
Web site: equipecofidis.com
Instagram: teamcofidis, X: @teamCOFIDIS
On the lookout for? Breakaways and stage prime 10s
For a group and not using a WorldTour win of their three-year historical past, Cofidis have constructed an skilled and proficient group, robust sufficient to win phases. Wanting on the French group’s successes, such an evaluation may appear fanciful. Their greatest win up to now is Hannah Ludwig’s on the Navarra Ladies’s Elite Traditional in Could, however Victoire Berteau has ridden brilliantly this 12 months, eighth at Paris-Roubaix her greatest consequence up to now.
They’ve girls like Sarah Roy, a stage winner on the Bretagne Girls 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 this planet, even when she is the junior world champion, however since successful in Glasgow final summer time Julie Bego has bagged some first rate leads to mountainous races. The Tour will give her an excellent 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
On the lookout for? Stage wins and prime 5 on GC
This German squad have all the time been entertaining, animating races and creating breakaways, however for years relied totally 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 will nonetheless be seen animating races, their well-drilled leadout lately delivered three bunch kick victories on the Thüringen Girls Tour, so you possibly can anticipate to see their sprinters within the flat early phases.
Star: Cedrine Kerbaol
Having taken her first race wins in 2023, when she additionally gained the very best younger rider classification, this season has seen the Bretonne rider proceed her upward trajectory, successful two powerful, hilly races within the Basque nation. She’s not solely good uphill, but additionally in opposition to the clock, and the group will concentrate on 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
On the lookout for? Breakaways and prime 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 a lot of smart heads becoming a member of, together with Lourdes Oyarbide and Ane Santesteban and the group 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 group’s flag with biggest vigour. In Could, 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 enormously at Tour of the Pyrénées in Could, out-thinking and out-riding her rivals. The next week she took the Spanish highway title, and has confirmed all spherical talents to on the very least present herself.
Arkea B&B Inns Ladies
Nationality: French
Sponsor: Arkéa – banking and insurance coverage; B&B Inns – worth hospitality
Supervisor: Franck Renimel
DS: Grégoire Le Calve
Web site: team-arkea-bbhotels.fr
Instagram: arkeaprocyclngteam, X: @arkeabbhotels
On the lookout for? Breakaways and prime 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 hassle the highest 20 in any of their WorldTour appearances, and regardless of the Tour being a house race, there is no such thing as a purpose to anticipate a sudden turnaround in fortunes.
Their most skilled new arrival is a number of Swedish champion Emilia Fahlin, who might be a relaxing affect, even when she’s not raced the Tour earlier than. The group will not be with out power, and you’ll anticipate the likes of Lotte Claes and Michaela Drummond to be among the many motion.
Star: Valentina Cavallar
The group have clearly seen Cavallar’s promise, signing her till 2027 in solely her first 12 months 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 latest Tour of the Pyrénées. Aggressive and tactically astute she is bound to be on the transfer within the mountain phases.