After beginning initially as a rumour, the 2024 Tour de France Femmes was confirmed today it will start in Rotterdam. The Netherlands will host the opening three stages of the race, confirmed by cycling’s governing body the UCI and ASO, the Tour de France Femmes organisers.
The 2024 Tour de France Femmes will take place from August 12th to 18th 2024, with the opening stage starting in Rotterdam and ending at The Hague. The next day will see a split stage. The morning race finishes in Dordrecht and a time trial in Rotterdam in the afternoon. The remainder of the route will be revealed in October. There are unconfirmed rumours that Stage 3 will be in the southern Dutch province of Limburg and visit Belgium. From there there is an easy route back into France and maybe the Vosge or Alps for a finale.
Next year’s race is the first to begin on foreign soil. The first stage of the rebooted 2002 edition began in Paris on the Champs Elysees and this year’s race kicks off soon and runs from July 23-30. The 2023 race will begin in the Massif Central at its regional capital of Clermont Ferrand.
“We are proud to organise the first foreign Grand Depart of the Tour de France Femmes together with The Hague and Dordrecht.”
Ahmed Aboutaleb, Rotterdam mayor
The Tour de France Femmes was held for the first time in 33 years in 2022, with Dutch rider Annemiek van Vleuten of Movistar winning the race. She took comprehensive victories in the mountains of the Vosges.
“The world hub of women’s cycling was a natural choice to host the biggest bicycle race on Earth. The last few seasons have been a tale of Dutch ascendancy. Starting from the home of these champions will kindle a great popular celebration. Expect their supporters to turn out in force.”
Marion Rousse, Tour de France Femmes race director
