For the third consecutive year, Cofidis is poised to compete in the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. This year, the race kicks off in Rotterdam and culminates in the mountainous regions of Alpe-d’Huez, promising a challenging and engaging event for cycling enthusiasts. The team is determined to make the most of every opportunity throughout the week.
The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift is set to be particularly demanding this year, covering 946 km. Starting abroad for the first time in its history, the race will begin in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The stages, many of which span around 150 km, will test riders with heat, nervousness, and repeated efforts.
“The course lends itself to it and our riders have profiles that match on each of the stages,” explained Mélanie Briot, one of Cofidis’ sports directors. “Despite the density of the level, the nervousness of the first stages, and the repetition of efforts, we will do everything to perform well during the stages.”
Stages and Opportunities
The first two stages, in The Hague and Rotterdam, are set to favour sprinters, giving Martina Alzini a chance to shine. Cofidis will also face a stage reminiscent of Liège-Bastogne-Liège and another bumpy one that suits punchers like Victoire Berteau, Sarah Roy, and Josie Talbot. The grand finale consists of two dense mountain stages ending in Le Grand-Bornand and Alpe d’Huez, where climbers Hannah Ludwig, Nikola Noskova, and Spela Kern will aim to excel.
Mélanie Briot, sports director, expressed the team’s readiness: “Our main objective, throughout the week, will be to seize opportunities. The course lends itself to it and our riders have profiles that match on each of the stages. We will have riders who want to be there to try their luck.”
Cédric Vasseur, general manager, echoed this sentiment: “It is with great pride and extreme motivation that we approach our 3rd Women’s Tour de France. Our ambition will be to go for a stage victory and to do well in the general classification with our climbers. Mélanie Briot has selected an experienced international team with six different nationalities capable of playing on all terrains. Our team has really reached a milestone this season and is now capable of competing with the best teams in the world. I wish our riders every success!”
2024 Tour de France Femmes Cofidis line-up
- Martina Alzini
- Victoire Berteau
- Spela Kern
- Hannah Ludwig
- Nikola Noskova
- Sarah Roy
- Josie Talbot
