The 2024 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift promises to be one of the most exciting editions yet, with the race set to unfold across eight stages, starting with a historic Grand Dรฉpart in the Netherlands and culminating on the legendary slopes of Alpe d’Huez. With the race now in its third edition since its revival, the anticipation has reached new heights, fuelled by the shifting dynamics within the peloton and the new challenges presented by the race route. Here, we break down the key talking points ahead of the race and highlight some of the riders who could make a significant impact, even if they aren’t the top favourites.
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ToggleThe return of Demi Vollering: Can she defend her title?
One of the most significant narratives heading into the race is whether Demi Vollering can defend her yellow jersey. Vollering, who won last yearโs edition by a commanding margin, skipped the Giro dโItalia Women this year, choosing instead to focus on the Tour de France Femmes and the Paris Olympics. This decision has allowed her to fine-tune her preparation, and she arrives at the Tour in peak form after a strong showing in the spring classics and several stage races.
Vollering’s dominance in the mountains, coupled with her tactical nous, makes her the clear favourite. However, the pressure of defending the yellow jersey, especially with the added prestige of the Alpe d’Huez finish, will be immense. The question remains: Can anyone challenge Vollering, or is she set for another unassailable run to the top?
A Dutch showdown: Wiebes, Vos, and Kool battle for the first yellow jersey
The opening stages in the Netherlands offer the perfect stage for a showdown between the countryโs top sprinters. Lorena Wiebes, Marianne Vos, and Charlotte Kool will all be vying for the first yellow jersey of the race on the flat roads of The Hague and Rotterdam.
Wiebes has been the standout sprinter of the season, securing 18 victories so far. Her dominance in bunch finishes makes her the favourite to take the first yellow jersey. However, Marianne Vos, who has undergone iliac artery surgery and returned to top form this year, will be a formidable opponent. Vosโs experience and tactical brilliance have already earned her victories at races like Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Amstel Gold Race this season. Meanwhile, Charlotte Kool, despite struggling with illness, remains a strong contender and will be eager to prove herself on home soil against her former teammate Wiebes.
The sprint battle in these opening stages could set the tone for the rest of the race, especially with potential crosswinds in play on the Dutch roads. The question is whether any of these sprinters can secure the yellow jersey and hold it beyond the opening weekend.
The impact of the Alpe d’Huez finale
The decision to end the 2024 Tour de France Femmes atop Alpe d’Huez has raised the stakes significantly. The climb, known for its 21 hairpin bends, has been the site of many historic battles in the menโs Tour de France and will now play a decisive role in the womenโs race.
Race director Marion Rousse highlighted the significance of the climb, stating, “The legend of the Tour de France is often written in its mountain passes. So it doesn’t get better than Alpe d’Huez.” With the final stage set on this iconic ascent, the battle for the yellow jersey could go down to the wire.
While Vollering remains the favourite for this stage, given her climbing prowess, the unpredictability of such a gruelling finale leaves room for surprises. Riders who excel in the mountains but may not be in contention for the overall title could target this stage as their chance for glory.
French hopes: Muzic and Labous aim for glory
As the Tour de France Femmes returns, French fans will be hoping for a home victory after two editions without a stage win for France. The countryโs best chances rest on the shoulders of Evita Muzic and Juliette Labous.
Muzic has been in excellent form this season, becoming one of the few riders to beat Demi Vollering in a summit finish. Her climbing ability, combined with her aggressive racing style, makes her a serious contender for both stage wins and a high finish in the general classification. Labous, who has consistently finished in the top five at the Tour de France Femmes, will also be aiming for a podium spot before she joins Muzic next year.
In addition to Muzic and Labous, young talent Marion Bunel is another French rider to watch. Bunel has had a breakthrough season, highlighted by her performances in the UAE Tour and her victory at the Alpes Grรฉsivaudan Classic. Although she has shown flashes of brilliance, her recent string of DNF results raises questions about her form heading into the Tour. Nevertheless, she remains a potential wildcard, especially in the mountain stages.
The impact of a packed summer schedule
The 2024 Tour de France Femmes arrives after a gruelling summer that included the Giro dโItalia Women and the Paris Olympic Games. Many riders have had to carefully manage their schedules to ensure they peak at the right time for the Tour.
Demi Vollering chose to skip the Giro dโItalia Women, a race she would have been favoured to win, to focus on the Tour de France Femmes and the Olympics. Kasia Niewiadoma, last yearโs mountains classification winner and overall runner-up, followed a similar path, skipping the Giro to arrive fresh at the Tour. Meanwhile, riders like Elisa Longo Borghini, who focused on the Giro, have had to balance their form across multiple major events. Unfortunately, Longo Borghiniโs preparation was cut short by a crash, ruling her out of the Tour.
This packed schedule has added an extra layer of complexity to the Tour de France Femmes, with some riders arriving in peak condition while others may struggle to maintain their form across the entire race.
Rising stars and dark horses
While the favourites will undoubtedly grab most of the headlines, the Tour de France Femmes has always been a platform for rising stars and dark horses to make their mark.
One such rider is Valentina Cavallar, the former Olympic rower who has made a remarkable transition to professional cycling. Cavallar has shown her climbing ability in races like the Itzulia Women and the Tour de Pyrenees, where she finished second on the Col dโAubisque. Although she is relatively new to the sport, Cavallarโs rapid progress suggests she could be a factor in the mountain stages of the Tour.
Another intriguing rider is Yanina Kuskova of Tashkent City. Kuskova, known for her distinctive blue hair and tattoo of a Mexican beer bottle on her arm, has been making waves in smaller races this season. While she may not be a contender for the overall title, her aggressive racing style could see her animate stages and perhaps even challenge for a surprise stage win.
Jeanne Korevaar, a reliable domestique for Liv-AlUla-Jayco, is another rider who could play a crucial role in the race. Korevaar, who hails from Groot-Ammers near the iconic Kinderdijk windmills, will be racing on familiar roads in the opening stages. Although she is often content to work in the shadows, Korevaarโs local knowledge and strong riding could see her play a pivotal role in the early stages of the race.
Finally, Fauve Bastiaenssen brings a sense of fun and unpredictability to the race. The former basketball player turned cyclist has quickly made a name for herself with her attacking style and infectious enthusiasm. While she may not be in contention for the overall title, Bastiaenssen is the type of rider who could create excitement on any given day, especially in the breakaways.
Conclusion: A race set for the history books
As the 2024 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift gets underway, the race is poised to deliver a spectacle that will be remembered for years to come. With Demi Vollering looking to defend her title, a historic finish atop Alpe d’Huez, and a host of rising stars ready to challenge the established order, the stage is set for an epic battle. Whether itโs the sprint finishes in the Netherlands, the gruelling mountain stages, or the drama of the final climb, the 2024 edition of the Tour de France Femmes promises to be a race that captures the imagination and showcases the very best of womenโs cycling.