The Tour de France Femmes has officially unveiled the routes for its 2024 stages, featuring a spectacular start from Rotterdam on 12th August. The organisers, ASO, presented the detailed route maps in a grand setting in Rotterdam, marking a historic beginning to the race as it launches outside France for the first time.
The race will kick off with a 124 km stage from Rotterdam to The Hague, passing through scenic routes including Schiedam, Vlaardingen, and Maassluis, before concluding with a circuit through The Hague and finishing at Kijkduin. The choice of Kijkduin as the finish has drawn some concerns due to its proximity to protected Natura 2000 sites.
The following day will be particularly challenging with two stages: a morning road race covering 73 km from Dordrecht back to Rotterdam, taking the peloton past notable landmarks like the Feyenoord Stadium. The course will finish on the Boompjes, right at the foot of the iconic Erasmus Bridge.
In the afternoon, a brisk 6.3 km individual time trial will see riders speeding past Rotterdam’s famous spots, including the Coolsingel and over the Erasmus Bridge, with the time trial expected to be a flat, fast affair ideal for powerful riders. The time trial’s straightforward route features long straight stretches and minimal turns, challenging riders to maintain high speeds.
Christian Prudhomme, the ASO director, highlighted the unique aspects of the stages, praising the city’s deep cycling passion and the course’s design, which is expected to create exciting racing dynamics.
Among the attendees at the route unveiling was Demi Vollering, last year’s yellow jersey winner, who expressed excitement about starting the race in her home country. “It’s special to experience this, especially after winning the yellow jersey last year. It’s tough between the classics, but I’m already looking forward to it,” Vollering shared with the press. Her teammate Lorena Wiebes also shared her anticipation, particularly for the sprint-friendly stages that could see her wearing the yellow jersey.
With the cycling world eagerly looking forward to the Tour de France Femmes, Rotterdam is set to showcase its commitment to sport and cycling culture, enhancing the visibility and competitiveness of women’s cycling on a global stage.
Tour de France Femmes Stage 1 Map
Tour de France Femmes Stage 2 Map
Tour de France Femmes Stage 3 Map
