AG Insurance-Soudal approach the 2025 Tour de France Femmes with a fresh identity and a clear priority: GC ambition built around Kimberley Le Court. After recent editions defined by aggressive breakaway riding and the mountains jersey, the Belgian team are now focused on consistency across all eight stages.
It marks a notable shift, but also a selective memory. While the team present Le Court’s leadership as a new venture, Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio finished 6th overall just two years ago in the 2023 edition. The South African, who brought GC experience and a proven Tour pedigree, hasn’t been selected this time and her absence hasn’t been addressed publicly.
Instead, all eyes are on Le Court, who is preparing for her first Grand Tour with full team support. “It’s a challenge and a search,” said Jolien D’hoore. “We’re treating it like nine one-day races.” The Mauritian rider impressed last season with a stage win at the Giro and was 3rd at the UAE Tour this spring, but has never raced for GC over a full week in a WorldTour stage race.
Photo Credit: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.comLe Court remained pragmatic at the team presentation, focusing on the early stages and refusing to get drawn into predictions. “Every day can change everything,” she said. “I’m not looking too far ahead.”
Justine Ghekiere, Belgian road champion and last year’s Queen of the Mountains, will take on a dedicated support role. “We have a big goal with Kim,” she said. “The climbs suit me, but I’m here to help. If I see a chance, I’ll only take it if it helps the team.” While she isn’t targeting the polka dot jersey this year, Ghekiere still hinted she’d ride aggressively where it makes tactical sense.
There’s also Sarah Gigante, who wasn’t present at the media day but comes into the race off the back of a strong Giro showing, where she dropped several GC favourites on the climbs. D’hoore acknowledged Gigante could have room to chase her own chances depending on how the race unfolds. “We have two cards to play,” she said. “That makes it more interesting for us.”
The team aren’t putting a specific result on Le Court’s shoulders, but the internal shift is clear. AG Insurance-Soudal are no longer just in the Tour to be visible. They’re here to find out whether they can be contenders.
Main photo credit: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
