Celebrated race returns for its third edition featuring fierce competition and extraordinary feats
The much-anticipated Tour de France Femmes 2024 is set to kick off on August 12, with all eyes eagerly turned toward the iconic race. Marking the third edition of this prestigious event, the upcoming competition promises excitement as it threads its way across diverse landscapes, starting from Rotterdam, Netherlands, and culminating at the mythical Alpe d’Huez.
This year’s race spans eight stages, covering a grueling total of 946 kilometers through both the Netherlands and France.
With the first stage measuring 123 kilometers, participants will sprint from Rotterdam to The Hague, where the flat terrain and brisk winds could lead to nail-biting finishes. It’s important to note the potential volatility of race dynamics due to the coastal wind, adding another layer of challenge for the cyclists.
Race watchers are buzzing with excitement over last year’s champion, Demi Vollering from Team SD Worx-Protime, and her competitors, particularly Katarzyna Niewiadoma of Canyon-SRAM, who both showcased remarkable performances in previous editions. Vollering will be defending her yellow jersey, but with several formidable athletes vying for victory, the stakes are high for every participant.
The timeline for the stages is strategic, offering various terrain types — including individual time trials, flat stages, hilly terrains, and two mountain stages at the end. Teams are preparing accordingly, selecting riders based on their strengths. For teams hoping to win the General Classification (GC), it’s imperative to have versatile riders capable of tackling different challenges, especially those climbing skills for the finish stages where mountain performances can determine the final standings.
This year features 22 teams descending upon the competitive scene, including notable Women’s WorldTour teams and several UCI Women’s Continental teams. For each team manager, assembling the best seven riders is not just about euphoria; it hinges on tactical routes, with some riders focusing on securing stage wins and others on the overall GC.
For cycling fans, the Tour de France Femmes extends beyond just winning stripes — individual stories of resilience and teamwork make this event truly compelling. Every year, new talents and seasoned cyclists showcase not just their physical prowess, but also the passion and dedication it takes to compete on such grand stages.
To watch the race, there are numerous options available, catering to viewers across the globe. Major broadcasters are lined up to air the races live. For those based in the US, NBC has acquired rights to stream the races, including CNBC providing coverage. Viewers can also find the championship on streaming platforms like Peacock, which offers various subscription plans.
For audiences tuning in from Australia, SBS On-Demand provides free access, along with various European broadcasters like Eurosport, RTBF, and VRT making the race available to viewers across different territories. Closely following suit, countries like Belgium, Denmark, and Spain are all set to air the race live, ensuring accessibility for country-specific audiences.
Meanwhile, utilizing VPN services can allow international fans to tap directly back to their home channels to catch the French leg of the cycling spectacle.
While the first stage promises to be competitive, the grand mountain finishes during the final stages remain the climax for battlers of the bike. With everything riding high from aspiring champions questing for glory, the smiles at the finish line are eagerly awaited.
For this year, the cycling jersey produced by Team Visma | Lease a Bike pays homage to Dutch athletism and exemplifies their ethos. Its vibrant orange color stands as a tribute to perseverance and the quest for excellence. Channeling the spirit of Dutch sportswomen, jerseys are not only produced for the racers but also for fans who wish to display their allegiance.
To witness the raw intensity of this all-girls biking challenge, viewers are charged to keep their favorites at heart. Fans gearing up to support their chosen riders should rally around the amazing feats expected during the eight-stage trek, securing invaluable memories made through each challenging incline and each breathtaking sprint.
Overall, bring your excitement aboard as we usher the Tour de France Femmes! Mark your calendars, ready your snacks, and prepare for the thrills and spills of racing. Settle back on your couch or gear up on your bike; either way, you’ll want to be part of this incredible cycling quest!