Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio, who finished 6th overall in the 2023 edition, was a notable omission from the AG Insurance-Soudal line-up this year. Last summer, she wore the green jersey during the race while Lotte Kopecky held the yellow, a striking visual of the team’s strength. Her absence in 2025 isn’t just a loss of GC experience but removes one of the peloton’s most respected leaders.
In an emotional Instagram post, Moolman-Pasio spoke openly about the pain of being left out. She described the decision as “heartbreak” rather than just disappointment, emphasising that her connection to the Tour de France Femmes goes far beyond performance. For her, it symbolises the progress of the sport – from racing unpaid and unseen, to being part of a race that now commands global attention.
Photo Credit: ASO-Charly LopezThe South African said she had worked hard to return to form after missing the 2024 edition due to injury. She believed she had more to offer than just results – leadership, guidance, and belief in the movement that women’s cycling represents. That, she said, is what makes the omission hurt more deeply.
Despite the personal setback, she wished her teammates well and reaffirmed her commitment to the broader cause, writing that while she won’t be on the start line, she still intends to play her part in what the Tour represents.
It’s a moment that quietly underlines the tension in AG Insurance-Soudal’s new direction. While backing Le Court for GC represents a bold step, the loss of a rider like Moolman-Pasio – who blends experience, identity, and inspiration – leaves a different kind of gap that numbers can’t easily measure.
