After the boys’s Tour de France, after which the Paris Olympic Video games, an incredible summer time of sport continues with the third version of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.
In addition to the later begin date of August 12, which permits the Olympics to fit in simply after the boys’s Tour, the Tour de France Femmes has a barely totally different format for 2024.
It forgoes its typical Sunday begin (once more, the Olympics has muscled in right here, with its closing ceremony on August 11), the TDFF begins on a Monday and ends, after seven days, on the Sunday.
Seven days – however eight levels. This time spherical the ladies’s Tour will see two levels in a single day –  a ‘break up stage’ – on the Tuesday.Â
That is one thing that hasn’t been carried out for the reason that males’s race in 1990, and sees the riders tackle a brief street stage within the morning adopted by a 6.3km time trial within the afternoon.
One other TDFF ‘first’ is the international Grand Départ, held in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The race will spend three levels within the area, earlier than heading south into Belgium, lastly arriving in France on stage 5.
With its early flat levels and a few severe mountain motion coming within the second half because the riders attain the Jura and the Alpes, there’s something right here for each type of rider. That is mirrored within the line-up for the race, with everybody from tremendous sprinters to stage hunters to GC challengers current. Included within the latter are final 12 months’s winner Demi Vollering (SD Worx), who will probably be hoping to do the double after representing the Netherlands within the girls’s Olympic street race.
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The race will end on the prime of Alpe d’Huez within the French Alps, a legendary biking climb that has seen many battles within the males’s race, and which is that includes within the girls’s race for the primary time.
Overview
| Dates | Mon Aug 12 > Sunday Aug 18 |
| Complete distance | 949.7km |
| Variety of levels | Eight |
| Begin location | Rotterdam |
| End location | Alpe d’Huez |
| UCI rating | Ladies’s WorldTour |
| Version | third |
| Complete climbing | 13,566m |
| Chief’s jersey color | Yellow |
| Final 12 months’s winner | Demi Vollering (SD Worx) |
| TV protection (US) | NBC, Peacock TV |
| TV protection (UK) | (ITV4, Discovery Plus) |
(Picture credit score: ASO / Tour de France Femmes)
Tour de France Femmes 2024: Route overview and levels
What higher time to go to your first ever international Grand Départ than when your typical host nation is taking a collective post-Olympics breath and gathering itself in preparation for a 3rd main sporting showdown in six weeks?
The Tour de France Femmes will duly take itself off to the Netherlands for the primary three-and-a-half levels whereas France breathes out, with three levels in and round Rotterdam, together with that modern split-stage on day two.
After that, following a switch to Valkenberg within the far south of the Netherlands, there come two lumpy transition levels because the race finds its approach into France for the stage 5 end in Amnéville.
One other switch sees the race poised to cross the Vosges and Jura mountains in the midst of two levels, with the parcours turning into progressively more durable because it delivers the riders lastly to the fringes of the Alps.
A brilliant-tough outing from Le Grand Bornand to Alpe d’Huez rounds off the race on stage eight, crossing the hors-category Col du Glandon on the way in which.
Except the GC chief has a serious time benefit over her rivals going into this stage, at the present time ought to nonetheless depart all to play for, with the ultimate yellow jersey very presumably being fought for, head-to-head, on the fabled slopes of Alpe d’Huez.
Stage 1 | Mon Aug 12 | Rotterdam > La Haye, 123km
That is the primary time in its brief historical past that the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift has loved a international Grand Départ. At the moment is the primary of three levels within the Netherlands, earlier than the race heads into Belgium after which, lastly, into France for the second half of the race. Apparently, the race features a split-day on the Tuesday, which we’ve not seen right here earlier than – or certainly on the males’s Tour de France for a really very long time.
This primary stage is the very definition of flat, with simply 284m of ascent over its 124km size. What it takes away in climbing it’s possible to offer again by way of wind, although, and groups should be on guard for echelons all through the uncovered central a part of the stage.
It begins with a southward loop from town which passes by the model new River Scheur tunnel on the way in which out, and once more because the race comes again and heads north into probably the most uncovered a part of the race. It is a technical and twisting route with loads of laborious turns, a lot of it in city areas however showcasing the well-known Dutch tulip fields as properly.
The parcours straightens out because it begins the method to the end at La Haye, with a near-straight ultimate 3km giving the sprinters and their groups loads of time to get arrange for the ultimate kick. Speaking of which, that is positively a stage for the quick finishers, with riders resembling Charlotte Kool (DMS-Firmenich PostNL) and Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) prone to be duking it out for the win. Assuming that they handle to keep away from any race-splitting echelons, after all.
Stage 2 | Tues Aug 13 | Dordrecht > Rotterdam, 69.7km
This brief and billiard-table-flat stage is the primary of two right now, which sees a 30-year throwback to a time when ‘break up levels’, as they had been known as, had been fashionable fare within the Tour de France. It is an attention-grabbing idea that forces riders to think about what is perhaps arising that afternoon and maybe not burn too many matches – particularly when the afternoon stage is a time trial, as it’s right now.
This hop from Dordrecht to close by Rotterdam is at the very least loads brief sufficient, but it surely’s flat and close to the coast, so the riders are usually not getting off scot-free by any means. It additionally incorporates a tight and technical city-centre end to maintain the sprinters and their groups on their toes.
With festivals galore on all year long, Dordrecht has been named the “liveliest city” within the Netherlands, and the Tour de France Femmes definitely will not do something to harm that moniker when it waves the riders off right now. From right here the race jinks in a normal west to north-west route, crossing a number of rivers because it does so, on the way in which to Rotterdam – town round which the race relies for these first three Dutch levels.
It is a stage for the sprinters, nearly definitely, however they are going to definitely be cautious of being caught out by the wind throughout what’s a sequence of modifications in route. Little doubt Dordrecht’s very personal Lucinda Model would fancy a go at right now’s stage, however sadly it’s not actually her bag. We’re much more prone to see two different Dutch riders, Charlotte Kool (DSM-Firmenich PostNL) and Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime), going head-to-head for victory within the centre of Rotterdam.
General winner Demi Vollering driving the ultimate stage time trial in final 12 months’s TdFF
(Picture credit score: Getty Photos / Jeff Pachoud)
Stage 3 | Tues Aug 13 | Rotterdam > Rotterdam, 6.3km
You would possibly suppose that by the tip of this stage, the riders would have gotten to know Rotterdam relatively properly, however within the crimson warmth of a motorcycle race, taking within the environment is near-impossible. That could not apply extra to right now’s very brief however very intense tour of town, throughout which the riders might want to have their coronary heart charges and their ache thresholds turned as much as 11.
That is solely the second time in its three-year historical past that the race has featured a time trial, and the primary time the parcours has been something like as brief as this. Final 12 months noticed a time trial, primarily based on Pau, to spherical off the race – however that was 22km lengthy. As intense a bodily take a look at it’s going to absolutely be, right now’s time trial is unlikely to open any massive gaps within the normal classification – it merely is not lengthy sufficient.
With solely two dash levels up so far, half the race might be on the identical time on the prime of the GC, separated solely by their end placings on the stage. So right now’s take a look at will at the very least serve to parse out the sphere – if not by very a lot – forward of the hilly levels to return. Squeezing in a TT additionally permits the race to retain its eight-stage standing regardless of the Paris Olympic Video games seeing it lowered to seven days this 12 months.
A time trial this brief opens up the pool of potential winners past the same old suspects ‘contre-la-montre’, with big-engined GC riders and fast-finishers alike in a position to carry to bear their respective skills to focus on a excessive inserting right here. The terrain will get rather a lot more durable after right now, so any sprinter nonetheless to attain is perhaps particularly eager to name these fast-twitch muscle groups into motion in a final gasp try and win a stage.
Stage 4 | Weds Aug 14 | Valkenberg > Liège, 122.7km
The Tour de France Femmes lastly leaves the Netherlands right now, crossing into Belgium after round 35km. It does not get fairly so far as France, although, ending in Liège, house of the long-lasting Monument, Liège-Bastogne-Liège. It is also the primary hilly stage of the race, giving the climbers their first alternatives to stretch their legs, and there is sufficient substance right here too for the GC hopefuls to reveal their tooth as properly.
The parcours, which heads south out of the Netherlands earlier than looping round to the west and into Liège, options eight categorised climbs, together with a few of the most well-known from Liège-Bastogne-Liège, resembling La Redoute and La Roche aux Faucons, which come late within the stage. This pair are the one second-category climbs en route, with the others being thirds and fourths. A quartet of those are available a flurry close to the start of the race, earlier than it even reaches Belgium (who stated the Netherlands is flat?), with the ultimate 4 beginning up once more with round 50km to go.
These would be the key battlegrounds for the stage, with the cat-three Mont Theux coming first (2.8km at 5.6%). Subsequent up is the well-known Côte de la Redoute – launchpad for thus many profitable strikes at ‘La Doyenne’. This cat-two climb is brief however sharp at 1.6km and 9.4%. The riders crest this with 89km ridden, after which have lower than 10km earlier than they begin climbing the penultimate ascent, the Côte des Forges, which is 1.3km lengthy at a mean 7.8%. Lastly comes the hardest of all of them, the Côte de la Roche aux Faucons (1.3km at 11%). This leaves round 14km for any breakaways to attempt to make their gaps stick and their rivals to chase them down. It is these 4 climbs which are prone to resolve the eventual winner, who will in all probability be an escapee or a GC rider relatively than a bunch sprinter.
Demi Vollering wins Liège-Bastogne-Liège final 12 months over a few of stage 4’s roads
(Picture credit score: Getty Photos / Luc Claessen)
Stage 5 | Thurs Aug 15 | Bastogne > Amnéville, 152.5km
At the moment the race and its protagonists lastly attain its nation of origin, passing into France from Belgium 63km into the stage and happening to complete at Amnéville within the nation’s Moselle area. The TDFF’s personal classification for the stage is ‘flat’, however there will not be a bunch dash right now. The stage incorporates a scattering of category-three and -four climbs, with two coming close to the end, and the ultimate kilometre into Amnéville can also be all uphill, fairly steeply to start with.
Leaving Bastogne – one other key level, after all, within the Liège-Bastogne-Liège Monument – the route continues its inexorable path south, then south-east, on its approach to the end. The 5 categorised climbs alongside the way in which are small and pretty unfold out, however they’re robust sufficient, and the primary, the Côte de Hott, as the only real cat-three, is the hardest – 1.2km at a steep 7.9% common.
The riders have loads of time to get well, although, with the Côte de Saint Pancré not beginning till 54km later. That stated, right now’s route is never really flat. The riders will continuously should dig into their reserves because the street bucks and rolls like a schooner in a storm. One other categorised climb turns up in brief order this time, the Côte de Fermont coming 10km later. The ultimate pair are positioned an identical distance aside – the riders will crest the Côte de Briey and the Côte de Montois-la-Montagne at 125km and 137km respectively.
That robust ultimate kilometre begins on a 6% grade earlier than easing to 3-4% all the way in which to the road. That can possible be sufficient to discourage the pure sprinters and, together with all of the climbing, will make right now fertile breakaway territory – with that ultimate kilometre additionally proving decisive there.
Stage 6 | Fri Aug 16 | Remiremont > Morteau, 159.2km
At the moment’s stage affords the riders a style of what is to return, heading into the Jura mountains and venturing above 1,000m for the primary time. As in yesterday’s stage, there are 5 categorised climbs to deal with, however 4 of them come within the second half, together with the second-category La Roche du Pretre, onto which piggybacks the cat-three Côte des Fins, making for a severe wad of climbing that’s solely accomplished 15km earlier than the end.
The two,222m of climbing on right now’s route is the truth is inside 200m of yesterday’s ‘flat’ stage. However clearly this crosses some kind of threshold, as organiser ASO awards right now’s stage a ‘hilly’ ranking. After a brief switch south from yesterday’s end at Amnéville, the riders depart the Vosges city of Remiremont on a near-unbroken southward trajectory. As soon as the Col du Mont de Fourche is handled, simply 11km in, the riders are bothered by little in the way in which of hills for the remainder of the primary half of the stage.Â
At 84km the lumpy stuff begins, and there is little respite till the tip. The riders are eased within the with the cat-four Col de Ferrière (2.6km at 4.7%), with an intermediate dash coming on the foot of the descent – simply in time for the riders to begin climbing once more as they hit the cat-three Côte de Laviron (5.7km at 4.1%). Then there is a shallow and drawn-out descent, and even a couple of kilometres of near-flat earlier than the principle dish of the day. The Pretre-Fins double entails 24km of virtually strong climbing, with only a kilometre or two of respite alongside the way in which earlier than the kick as much as the latter. It might present a testing floor for the GC favourites forward of the mountains correct, however with breakaways eyeing the chance, it might go both approach.
Stage 7 | Sat Aug 17 | Champagnole > Le Grand Bornand, 166.4km
Lastly, the excessive mountains arrive on the Tour de France Femmes. Prefer it did yesterday, the race joins up two totally different mountain ranges – this time the Jura and the Alps, with a end on the perimeters of the latter.
At the moment’s stage does not supply up the dizzy heights of tomorrow’s escapade to the likes of the Col du Glandon and Alpe d’Huez. Nonetheless after a five-day phoney warfare, these with GC intentions will probably be licking their lips in anticipation of a end on the double category-two ascents of the Col de Saint Jean de Sixt and Le Grand Bornand, which come instantly after each other and ship the riders to a summit end at 1,285m on the finish of what’s the longest stage of the race.
As soon as once more, the riders are confronted by 5 categorised ascents: a cat-one, a 4, a 3 and the double cat-two the end. A little bit of every part, in different phrases. The riders are literally climbing for just about the primary 30km, although the categorized climbs do not begin till 45km in, after they hit the cat-one Col de la Croix de la Serra (12km at 5.1%).
place for an early break to ascertain itself. There follows a much less intense mid-section the place they are going to nonetheless should tackle the cat 4 Côte de Bois d’Arlod, and the cat-three Côte de Cercier, that are prone to pare down any breakaway that’s out entrance.
The large take a look at comes with round 20km to go, when the riders meet that fiendish pairing of two category-two climbs. The GC riders will nearly definitely be seeking to put time into one another right here. Can the breakaway survive?
(Picture credit score: Getty Photos / Alex Broadway)
Stage 8 | Solar Aug 18 | Le Grand Bornand > Alpe d’Huez, 150km
At the moment’s stage is the end result of per week’s racing, and options two of biking’s most legendary climbs within the Col du Glandon and Alpe d’Huez. The latter particularly has seen a few of the most enjoyable stage finishes within the males’s Tour, and it will likely be fascinating to look at the ladies do battle on its slopes for the primary time within the Tour de France Femmes.
There are simply the three climbs right now: a category-two to start with after which the 2 beasts, one after the opposite, on the finish. That is positively the Queen stage, and can see some very drained legs on the finish. Beginning the place they left off yesterday at Le Grand Bornand, the race scoots over the comparatively small Col du Marais earlier than setting out on the cat-two Col de Tarnie (9km at 4%) at simply 14km in.
As soon as they’ve climbed and descended it, they will be 36km into the race. There follows a 40km interval of near-flat, which sees one final likelihood for the sprinters to seize some factors in an intermediate dash, earlier than the Col du Glandon begins at 77km.
It is a full-fat hors-category monster and the peloton is prone to have been shredded by the point they crest the summit. A protracted-drawn-out descent will give some riders time to regain the bunch, simply in time for all of it to begin once more on the foot of Alpe d’Huez at Bourg d’Oisan. The Alp is lengthy and steep at 13.1km and eight.1%, and may see a scintillating battle between the GC girls as they go all-in for victory.
Tour de France Femmes 2024: Groups and riders
(Picture credit score: Getty Photos / Alex Broadway)
Visma-Lease a Bike
Nationality: Dutch
Sponsor: Visma – enterprise software program; Lease a motorcycle – bike leasing.
Supervisor: Rutger Tijssen
DS: Jan Boven
Web site: teamvismaleaseabike.com
Instagram: teamvisma_leasabike_women X: @visma_lab_women
In search of? Stage wins and prime 10 GC
Visma-Lease a Bike have had a strong begin to the 12 months and can head to France with all their sources firmly behind Marianne Vos. Whereas they proceed to depend on the Dutchwoman for victories, different riders are getting the possibility too, with younger climber Rosita Reijnhout bagging the workforce’s first win in January, whereas others have additionally tasted success. Although unlikely to stray from backing Vos, Visma have life like choices for achievement elsewhere, and it will likely be attention-grabbing to see whether or not, ought to Vos not ship, the squad pivots its targets.
One goal should absolutely be a powerful GC for Riejanne Markus, the 29 year-old typically employed in help of Vos. The Dutchwoman is a greater than ample climber, is phenomenal in opposition to the clock and can possible be concentrating on at the very least the highest 10 when the race arrives in Alpe d’Huez.
One other profitable time triallist is Anna Henderson who reclaimed her British title, regardless of an early  season blighted by damage. She was second within the uphill end on the nationwide street championships and was second total on the Tour of Britain. Henderson’s drawback, although, is that her abilities are so just like Vos’s that she’s going to spend a lot of the race performing as a leadout, and provided that catastrophe strikes the chief will she get a possibility.
Star: Marianne Vos
There’s not rather a lot to be stated about Vos. The most effective, most versatile and profitable feminine rider not solely of her era, however in all probability ever. Apart from the Tour, she’s received every part there may be to win.
Regardless of having racked up properly over 250 victories, the 37-year-old is hungry for extra and, whereas mountain levels at the moment are past her, you must count on her to be among the many protagonists in all the opposite levels, in the hunt for the inexperienced jersey she received in 2022. In recent times, she has typically begun her run of wins in the summertime, however 2024 has already been profitable with victories in Omloop het Nieuwsblad, Amstel Gold and levels of the Vuelta España. We are able to count on extra subsequent week.Â
Canyon-SRAM
Nationality: German
Sponsor: Canyon – bike producer; SRAM – bike part producer
Supervisor: Ronny Lauke
DS: Magnus Backstedt
Web site: wmncycling.com
Instagram: @wmncycling, X: @WMNcycling
In search of? Stage and GC victory
For some time, Canyon-SRAM had been the bridesmaid, not the bride – repeatedly populating WorldTour podiums however hardly ever the highest step. They typically received workforce classifications however hardly ever levels. Current seasons have seen that change. After three years and not using a WorldTour win, final 12 months they received three, which they’ve already equalled this 12 months.
The workforce are benefitting massively from an inflow of extremely proficient younger riders, illustrated completely by the their efficiency finally month’s Giro d’Italia. There, after a double ascent of the brutal Blockhaus climb, Neve Bradbury received stage seven, and the 22-year-old Australian ultimately took third total, the workforce inserting two girls underneath 23 within the prime six.Â
Canyon-SRAM had two riders in prime six on the Tour de Suisse too, Bradbury as soon as once more taking a stage and this time second on GC. Eventually 12 months’s Tour, one other of the workforce’s crop of younger climbing stars Ricarda Bauernfeind took a stage and ninth on GC in her first WorldTour season. Add the massively aggressive dash and time trial expertise of American Chloe Dygert and the workforce have winners all through. On the Tour de France Femmes, count on them to be up there in each levels and the overall classification, and it’s not too nice a stretch of creativeness they may win total.
Star: Kasia Niewiadoma
The Polish rider has lengthy been the workforce’s chief, and already has a victory to her title this 12 months, success at Flèche Wallonne ending a four-year win drought. She may not be the profitable machine different groups have on their roster, however personifies the workforce, continuously there or thereabouts. This 12 months alone she has 16 top-10 finishes to her title, together with fourth at Strade Bianche, second on the Tour of Flanders, fifth in Liège and fourth total on the Tour de Suisse. What’s extra, she completed third total finally 12 months’s Tour, taking second place on the Col du Tourmalet stage. Niewiadoma is a flexible rider, and has the arrogance required to be a real menace for total victory this 12 months.
SD Worx-Protime
Nationality: Dutch
Sponsor: SD Worx and Protime – workforce and personnel options
Supervisor: Erwin Janssen
DS: Danny Stam
Web site: teamsdworx.com
Instagram: @teamsdworxprotime, X: @teamsdworx
In search of? Stage and GC victoryÂ
Because the long-standing dominant workforce, SD Worx-Protime are clear favourites for total victory, and will even carry yellow from begin to end as they did after they received 4 levels and the GC final 12 months. Nonetheless, in case you believed some stories throughout the spring, you’d have thought the world’s greatest workforce had misplaced their mojo. Somewhat than the full domination we’d change into used to, the Dutch squad received solely 4 of the 11 one-day WorldTour races, and missed victory at any of the Ardennes classics for the primary time ever.
Nonetheless, they solely missed one podium, at Flanders, and had been again to their devastating greatest when stage racing kicked off, profitable six consecutive WorldTour stage races from the Vuelta España to Tour de Suisse. Certainly, of 26 particular person levels, they received 17, and had been by no means exterior the highest 10. That stated, their monopoly was damaged finally month’s Giro, the place they received solely two of the eight levels, Lotte Kopecky managing solely second total. The Belgian completed second on GC in France final 12 months, however won’t be driving the Tour, as a substitute concentrating on the Olympics.Â
The workforce will probably be additional depleted by the absence of Marlen Reusser, the Swiss rider affected by put up infectious syndrome. That leaves the squad mild on climbing back-up for the favorite, Demi Vollering, and victory is probably not so simple.Â
Star: Demi Vollering Â
If you happen to like a protected wager, put your cash on Demi Vollering. The Dutchwoman has had a stellar season, profitable each stage race she began this spring, taking eight levels on the way in which. However it’s not been all plain crusing for the 27-year-old. She got here shut, however didn’t win by the Classics marketing campaign, and although she’s come good since, the announcement of her departure on the finish of the 12 months can’t have helped.
There’s no disharmony between the 2 events, however Vollering’s departure should show a distraction, even when the workforce are heading to France with all their eggs within the Vollering basket and he or she has the shape to bag consecutive yellow jerseys.
(Picture credit score: Getty Photos / Jasper Jacobs)
DSM-Firmenich PostNL
Nationality: Dutch
Sponsor: DSM-Firmenech – vitamin, well being and sweetness; PostNL – Dutch postal service
Supervisor: Iwan Spekenbrink
DS: Albert Timmer
Web site: teamdsmfirmenich-postnl.com
Instagram: dsmfirmpostnl, X: @dsmfirmpostnl
In search of? Stage wins and podium GC
The Dutch squad has invested and believed in younger expertise for a few years, continuously regenerating its squad, however they now have a settled group of leaders who’re certain to affect this 12 months’s Tour. Contemplating the energy of their squad, 2024 has not been sort to DSM-Firmenich-PostNL, and not using a WorldTour race win to their title, and solely two decrease stage victories all season. It’s not that they haven’t come shut, having scored a number of podium finishes, however the prime step has remained stubbornly elusive.
The workforce will probably be in search of early wins from sprinter Charlotte Kool, however it’s with Frenchwoman Juliette Labous that they are going to hope to influence the overall classification. Now 25, Labous has been with the workforce since turning skilled in 2017 and is a category act, a earlier winner of the French time trial title, a self-discipline through which she has completed fifth on the World Championships. She’s the present French nationwide champion the place she benefited from sterling work by commerce team-mate Eglantine Rayer.
One other of the workforce’s leaders is the massively versatile British champion Pfeiffer Georgi, who joined the squad aged 18. As street captain, the Brit makes the squad tick, and whereas levels three and 4 would possibly go well with her type, workforce duties are prone to come first.
Star: Charlotte Kool
Sturdy and astute, Kool is without doubt one of the world’s prime sprinters and is predicted to be the Dutch squad’s chief winner. Nonetheless, 2024 has been a troublesome season, Kool ready till final month for her first win and ending second or third behind Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) eight instances this 12 months alone, solely beating her former workforce mate as soon as.
Kool will have the ability to depend on the most effective lead-outs within the peloton for positioning, and will probably be determined to place issues proper with an early assertion. With the yellow jersey on the road, the opening stage will probably be a lot coveted, however house roads will probably be Kool’s most popular location for redemption after a season of close to misses.
FDJ-Suez
Nationality: French
Sponsor: FDJ – lottery; Suez – water and waste administration
Supervisor: Stephen Delcourt
DS: Nicolas Maire
Web site: fdj-suez.fr
Instagram: fdj_suez, X: @FDJ_SUEZ
In search of? GC podium and stage wins
You don’t have to look too far again in time to seek out this workforce working as little greater than fodder at WorldTour stage, however in latest seasons they’ve stepped up and at the moment are one of many strongest and most profitable squads within the bunch. FDJ-Suez have constructed a squad designed for achievement on the Tour, however whereas they’ve loads of wins to their title this 12 months, 2024 has not been simple for them. Of their massive names, Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig broke her sacrum at Omloop het Nieuwsblad and Marta Cavalli, nonetheless not again to her world-class type after a horror crash on the 2022 Tour, has barely raced and was not too long ago knocked off her bike whereas coaching.
Of their most proficient climbers, solely Evita Muzic has had an untroubled season. The 25-year-old Frenchwoman has been threatening greatness for some time, taking the workforce’s first WorldTour victory on the 2020 Giro. Now after two disrupted years she seems near her greatest, out-sprinting Demi Vollering to win the mountain-top end at stage six of the Vuelta in Could, ultimately taking fifth total.
In her ultimate season earlier than retirement, Grace Brown is without doubt one of the world’s strongest time triallists, has a powerful kick and, whereas she is probably not classed as a climber, she goes properly on gnarly programs. After her Liège-Bastogne-Liège victory in April, the Australian will certainly be eyeing stage 4’s close to an identical end.
Star: Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig
There’s much more to the 28-year-old Danish than amusing post-race interviews. Certainly, she is the French workforce’s solely Tour de France stage winner, taking victory in Epernay in stage three of the 2022 race. Harm meant she missed nearly three months racing this 12 months, however managed eighth total on the Giro final month, solely dropping from the rostrum positions on double ascent of Blockhaus on the penultimate stage. This regardless of being within the sport’s second tier of climbers. Whereas she could discover herself supporting Muzic, and even Cavalli, within the mountains, she is the type of rider who can influence any race and stays totemic for the workforce.
(Picture credit score: Getty Photos / Ben Stansall)
Lidl-Trek
Nationality: US
Sponsor: Lidl – grocery store chain; Trek – bike producer
Supervisor: Luca Guercilena
DS: Ina-Yoko Teutenberg
Web site: lidltrek.com
Instagram: lidltrek, X: @LidlTrek
In search of? Basic classification and stage victories
If any workforce can problem SD Worx-Protime it’s Lidl-Trek. They head to Rotterdam with arguably the strongest, most skilled workforce within the peloton, filled with winners in a position to dictate the race and win all however the flattest levels. Constantly profitable, the American outfit are the one workforce to have knocked SD Worx off the the highest of the UCI rankings since 2016, and have pushed the Dutch squad shut each different 12 months. Directed from the automotive by Ina-Yoko Teutenberg, this 12 months they’ve added extra tactical astuteness within the type of Jeroen Blijlevens.
It’s not as if the riders want an excessive amount of route, although; their expertise on the street means efficient tactical choices may be made within the peloton. For the Tour, Lidl-Trek have constructed their workforce to help Elisa Longo Borghini deep into the mountain levels later within the race. Gaia Realini’s Giro trip confirmed simply how good she is the mountain domestique function, and Amanda Spratt is a properly established climber. At 22, Shirin van Anrooij is the youngest within the roster, however is herself a GC rider of the longer term, with victory finally 12 months’s Tour de l’Avenir underneath her belt. Such experience could even relegate Lizzie Deignan to pulling on the flat, however don’t put a stage win previous the Brit.
Star: Elisa Longo Borghini
Elisa Longo Borghini is probably not as prolific as a few of her rivals, however she is presently one of many greats of the game. Her first massive win got here 11 years in the past, so it might be a shock she solely has 46 victories on her palmarès, although success is now extra common for the 32-year-old. Regardless of her starvation for the highest spot of the rostrum having been questioned at instances, her outcomes have improved as she has labored on her dash. This 12 months alone, she has six wins, together with the Tour of Flanders, a stage and the general on the Giro d’Italia, the place she was in a position to match Lotte Kopecky’s dash on the finish of lengthy sizzling days. The Italian may not win the GC, however she will probably be up there.
Movistar
Nationality: Spain
Sponsor: Movistar – telecommunications
Supervisor: Sebastian Unzue
DS: Tim Harris
Web site: movistarteam.com
Instagram: movistar_team, X: @movistar_team
In search of? Stage victories
It’s not been an important 12 months for the Spanish WorldTeam. For the previous few seasons, they’ve been assured wins from the machine that was Annemiek van Vleuten, however for the reason that Dutchwoman retired on the finish of final season, the workforce have struggled for achievement. A sign of that battle is the anticipate a top-tier race victory, it got here within the type of Liane Lippert’s stage victory finally month’s Giro d’Italia.
Lippert joined the squad final 12 months and the workforce had hoped for large issues from the German and the opposite big-name signing for 2023, Floortje Mackaij, however not solely did they stay within the shadow of Van Vleuten final 12 months, damage has curtailed their hopes in 2024. Even so, the Spanish workforce haven’t stood nonetheless since they joined.
After years as a journeywoman, Mareille Meijering joined the squad in Could 2023 after the mid-season collapse of the Zaaf Biking. A helpful climber, she has impressed, starting her tenure with a sequence of prime 15 placings, and rode brilliantly at this 12 months’s Giro, ending eleventh total.
Becoming a member of this 12 months, Olivia Baril is one a tranche of Québécoise riders on the prime of the game, and is one other completed climber. Her greatest outcomes both come at house in Canada or within the Basque Nation the place she lives, however she is comparatively inexperienced and can develop.
Star: Liane Lippert
That is the German’s second season with Movistar and he or she will probably be hoping to recreate her stage win from final 12 months’s Tour, the place she received the uphill dash in Mauriac on stage two. Such a ultimate is ideal for the 26-year-old who retains her punch on the prime of brief, sharp climbs. Lippert’s latest Giro stage win got here on precisely such a end and, although she deserted on the Queen stage, she has the shape to ship. Don’t count on to see her within the first couple of days, however levels 4, 5 and 6 will probably be in her sights.
Jayco-AlUla
Nationality: Australian
Sponsor: Jayco – tenting and caravan rent; Alula – Saudi Arabian resort
Supervisor: Brent Copeland
DS: Martin Vestby
Web site: greenedgecycling.com
Instagram: @greenedgecycling, X: @GreenEDGEteam
In search of? Stage wins and prime 5 GC Â
For years Jayco-Alula’s forebear groups had been a part of the Australian Institute for Sport, and whereas there have been notable international riders – Emma Johansson and Annemiek van Vleuten, for example – the workforce’s riders had been largely home-grown. That hardly modified after they turned a full a part of the boys’s squad, however in 2020 the workforce began turning into extra worldwide, now there are solely 5 Australians on the 16-woman roster.
Of the international riders, normal classification rider Mavi GarcÃa is probably the highest-profile, with quite a few victories and podium finishes on the Giro and a tenth place on the 2022 Tour. She not too long ago positioned ninth on the Giro, however although she was aggressive, was unable to stay with the easiest climbers.Â
The squad isn’t all in regards to the international riders; in her two years with the workforce, nationwide street champion Ruby Roseman-Gannon has proved herself as each a prepared domestique and robust sprinter, profitable the ultimate stage of the Tour of Britain earlier this 12 months. Lastly, the lack of Georgia Baker and Alex Manly to the Australian observe workforce for Paris 2024 will probably be keenly felt, however Jayco-Alula now have the depth to be on the entrance with out them.
Star: UrÅ¡ka Žigart Â
Slovenian champion in opposition to the clock and on the street race, Zigart is a category act and was inexplicably overlooked of the Olympic squad, so there may be some pent up frustration to show the selectors incorrect. Now 27, she was comparatively nameless on her earlier groups, however has developed into a really sturdy climber since becoming a member of the Australian squad in 2021, with notable leads to the mountain levels of the 2022 Tour de France. This 12 months she was ninth total on the Tour de Suisse, earlier than taking twelfth total on the Giro whereas working for Mavi GarcÃa. She does have points descending and positioning within the bunch so is weak to being caught out, however is assured to be to the entrance within the Alps.
(Picture credit score: Getty Photos / Alex Broadway)
UAE Workforce ADQ
Nationality: UAE
Sponsor: UAE – nation state; ADQ – Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund
Supervisor: Cherie Pridham
DS: Alejandro Gonzalez-Tablas
Web site: uaeteamadq.com
Instagram: uaeteam_adq, X: @UAETeamADQ
In search of? Stage wins and prime 10 on GC
This workforce was created after the takeover of the Alé BTC Ljubljana squad in 2022, and for some time it appeared they could problem the highest of the game. There have been a few WorldTour wins that 12 months, and an inflow of expertise from the Italian Valcar workforce introduced extra success final 12 months. However the victories haven’t fairly come this season, and their GC hopeful Silvia Persico has appeared out of kinds.
We’ve seen loads of aggression, although, and Karlijn Swinkels has proven herself on the climbs, selecting up third total on the Vuelta Burgos. Eleonora Gasparrini and Dominika Włodarczyk have scored podiums, and sprinter Chiara Consonni bagged their solely WorldTour win on the Giro.
Star: Eleonora Gasparrini
With Chiara Consonni driving the Olympic observe occasions, Eleonora Gasparrini ought to be allowed loads of possibilities. Not a pure sprinter, so the early levels are prone to be past her, however she’s good on gnarly terrain the place she retains her kick, so look out for her in the midst of the week.
AG Insurance coverage-Soudal
Nationality: Belgian
Sponsor: AG Insurance coverage – insurance coverage; Soudal – silicones, sealants, adhesives
Supervisor: Jurgen Fore
DS: Jolien D’hoore
Web site: aginsurance-soudal.com
Instagram: aginsurancesoudal, X: @agsoudal
In search of? Stage wins and GC podium
The brand new youngsters on the block, this Belgian squad have solely been in existence since 2020, beginning life as a improvement workforce and graduating to WorldTeam standing for this season. They’ve developed in a short time, from attacking and animating to real contenders, with 4 top-tier race wins thus far this 12 months. In Sarah Gigante and Justine Ghekiere, they’ve depth for the mountain levels in addition to the riders to affect flatter days too.
Star: Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio
Moolman-Pasio has been within the peloton for properly over a decade and has been constant all through, all the time current within the mountains. She’s not a daily winner, although, taking her first WorldTour success solely in 2022. Sickness and damage have blighted her 2024, and he or she’s not raced for the reason that begin of June, however whereas her type is unknown, you will note her on the climbs.
Uno-X Mobility
Nationality: Norwegian
Sponsor: Uno-X – sustainable mobility
Supervisor: Thor Hushovd
DS: Alex Greenfield
Web site: unoxteam.com
Instagram: unoxmobility, X: @UnoXteam
In search of? Stage wins and breakaways
Of their third 12 months, this Norway-registered WorldTeam are but to win a WorldTour race, and this 12 months’s successes are restricted solely to nationwide championships and .1 stage races. That stated, it’s not simply their vibrant jerseys which are a magnet for consideration, combative driving does too.Â
Anouska Koster is an everlasting attacker, and so they have choices is the sprints with Susanne Andersen, Maria Giulia Confalonieri and Finnish champion Anniina Ahtosalo
Star: Katrine Aalerud
Norwegian climber Katrine Aalerud joined her home-registered workforce this season after 4 years working with Annemiek van Veluten at Movistar. That interval definitely benefited her, and he or she collected some good outcomes throughout the late spring, particularly at Volta Catalunya, the place she was third total. The 29-year-old seemed to be driving inside herself finally month’s Giro and is prone to be flying the Norwegian workforce’s flag on the Alps subsequent week.
(Picture credit score: Getty Photos / Luc Claessen)
Roland
Nationality: Swiss
Sponsor: Roland – biscuits and desserts
Supervisor: Ruben Contreras
DS: Sergey Klimov
Web site: rolandcycling.com
Instagram: rolandcyclingteam, X: @RolandCycling
In search of? Stage wins and breakaways
Now working with out the help of Israel Premier Tech, this Swiss quad have made a small change in technique this 12 months, opting to not race each WorldTour race. Although they picked up loads of UCI factors on the early season Tour of El Salvador, the place Elena Hartmann received the general, the workforce taking 4 of the 5 levels, their technique has affected their WorldTour rating and they’re now the lowest-ranked WorldTeam.
Hartmann will carry out properly on the hillier days, whereas Canadian Maggie Coles-Lyster will tackle the sprinting duties.
Star: Tamara Dronova
The Russian rider has been with this workforce since its inception, and in that point has proved their most constant rider. She’s versatile, too, good in opposition to the clock and in a position to combine it in bunch sprints and go properly on extra gnarly terrain. The 33-year-old will possible trip as their GC rider and will do properly on the undulating levels which populate the center of the race.Â
St Michel-Mavic-Auber 93
Nationality: French
Sponsor: St Michel
Supervisor: Stéphane Javelet
DS: Charlotte Bravard
Web site: auber93cyclisme.com
Instagram: auber93cyclisme, X: @auber93cyclisme
In search of? BreakawaysÂ
Whereas this small, Paris-based workforce have misplaced a few promising younger riders, the addition of Roxane Fournier final 12 months and Victoire Guilman this 12 months, have introduced much-needed expertise to the 10-woman roster. And although Fournier retired after the nationwide championships, she has left her mark.
In solely their third season, they’ve punched properly above their weight this 12 months, incomes prime 10 normal classification leads to 4 WorldTour stage races thus far this 12 months.
Star: Marion Bunel
Eighth total finally 12 months’s Tour de l’Avenir, Bunel is a pure climber and is chargeable for the workforce’s solely victory this 12 months, beating established WorldTour rider Evita Muzic (FDJ-Suez) and junior world champion Julie Bego (Cofidis) on the Alps Gresivaudan Basic.Â
Nonetheless solely 19, Bunel completed forward of some massive names when bagging seventh place on the opening mountain stage of this 12 months’s Tour de Suisse. If Bunel can survive the opening levels with some type, count on her to go properly within the Alps – and to be snapped up by a giant workforce subsequent 12 months.
Human Powered Well being
Nationality: US
Sponsor: Human Powered Well being – Athletic Efficiency
Supervisor: Ro De Jonckere
DS: Giorgia Bronzini
Web site: humanpoweredhealthcycling.com
Instagram: hphcycling, X: @hphcycling
In search of? Stage wins and breakaways
Human Powered Well being have been constructing steadily since turning into a WorldTeam in 2022, with enhancing outcomes. They may not have received as many races as final season, but, however there are much more top-10s. Whereas they’re unlikely to influence the overall classification, they now have the depth and high quality to influence the race, particularly with former French champion Audrey Cordon-Ragot driving her ultimate Tour earlier than retirement.
Star: Ruth Edwards (née Winder)
After two seasons racing gravel within the US, Edwards returned to the street firstly of this 12 months. Discovering her toes within the early season races, she’s been flying since Could, bagging two top-five finishes on the US nationals. In June, she received the overall classification at Thüringen Women Tour, earlier than driving aggressively on the Giro, taking second on two levels. The bunch wants to make sure she is given much less freedom on the Tour or she’ll win a stage.
Fenix-Deceuninck
Nationality: Belgian
Sponsor: Fenix – inside design supplies; Deceuninck – home windows
Supervisor: Philip Roodhooft
DS: Michel Cornilisse
Web site: fenix-deceuninck.com
Instagram: fenixdeceuninck, X: @FenixDeceuninck
In search of? Levels and GC prime 5
With one of many largest rosters of all of the WorldTeams, together with a raft of sturdy riders, the very fact Fenix-Deceuninck begin the Tour and not using a victory thus far this 12 months is shocking. They’re a squad with a disproportionately excessive variety of multi-discipline riders, that means some don’t trip a full street calendar, however they maintain loads of street specialists for all events. Count on them to go properly within the mountains, and if Yara Kastelijn isn’t impressing Pauliena Rooijakkers will probably be after a stellar Giro.
Star: Yara Kastelijn
Although she is leaning in direction of a extra road-based calendar lately, in line with the workforce’s DNA, Kastelijn additionally competes on the cyclocross discipline. Whereas she has retained the explosiveness wanted for that self-discipline she can also be in a position to climb very properly and has improved this 12 months, with some wonderful outcomes. Two top-10s within the hilly Classics prefaced an excellent Vuelta the place she bagged a second and third on successive uphill finishes, taking eighth total.Â
EF-Oatly-Cannondale
Nationality: US
Sponsor: EF – language training; Oatly – oat milk; Canondale – bike producer
Supervisor: Johan Pettersson
DS: Carmen Small
Web site: efprocycling.com
Instagram: @ef.oatly.cannondale X: @EF_Oatly_Cdale
In search of? Stage wins and breakawaysÂ
As a first-year workforce, created from scratch over the winter, US outfit EF-Oatly-Cannondale had been unable to use as a WorldTeam, however have raced like one nonetheless. With a cleverly chosen, sturdy roster they’re in a position to affect, if not dictate, races and have choices for all sorts of parcours.
Not solely have they bagged extra wins than a few of their WorldTeam rivals, together with a stage of the Giro, they’ve are available mountain levels, sprints and on lumpy days, proving the workforce’s versatility.
Star: Kristen Faulkner
A former rower who solely began aggressive biking in 2017, the American is unlikely to win the Tour, however she’s going to make it entertaining. Aggressive and fearless, the 31-year-old has an enormous engine, and whereas she could not climb with the most effective, she goes uphill properly, and even received a Giro mountain stage on her personal.
Tashkent Metropolis Ladies Skilled Biking Workforce
Nationality: Uzbekistan
Sponsor: Capital Metropolis
Supervisor: Farrukh Khudolykulov
DS: Ruslan Ueynnov
Web site: velosport.uz
Instagram: cycling_uz
In search of? Survival
The Uzbek workforce certified for automated choice by dint of factors accrued largely away from the game’s European hotbed. This proved controversial and resulted in different, arguably higher geared up groups being excluded. This 12 months they’ve made their first forays into the lion’s den that’s European WorldTour racing, and have left licking their wounds.Â
None of them completed Strade Bianche, and solely the skilled Olga Zabalenskaya survived till stage three of Tour de Suisse, when she was disqualified for holding on to the workforce automotive. Unsurprisingly solely one among their seven starters bought by the Giro d’Italia.
Star: Yanina Kuskova
The one rider who made it by Giro was Yanina Kuskova, ending eighty fifth total. The 22-year-old all-rounder was aggressive within the early season stage races, not too long ago reclaimed the Uzbek street title and is chargeable for the overwhelming majority of the workforce’s greatest outcomes. These embody sixth total on the Tour of the Gila within the US, ninth at Italian Trofeo Ponente in Rosa stage race.
Lotto-Dstny
Nationality: Belgian
Sponsor: Lotto – Belgian Lottery; Dstny – Enterprise cloud expertise
Supervisor: Kurt Van De Wouwer
DS: Grace Verbeke
Web site: lottodstny.be/nl/workforce/girls
Instagram: lotto.dstny, X: @lotto_dstny
In search of? Breakaways and stage prime 10s
Lotto-Dstny has launched the careers of many prime riders, Emma Pooley and Lizzie Deignan to call two, however didn’t hold tempo as the ladies’s sport grew. New administration means they’re now on their approach again up. That stated, they’re massively reliant on Thalita De Jong for prime outcomes, and in some races with out her have appeared tactically naive, throwing riders at a situation till they’ve none left with no return.
Star: Thalita de Jong
Eight years in the past, the 30-year-old Dutch lady was a daily podium finisher, profitable levels of the Giro and even the cyclocross world championships, however damage drastically curtailed her profession. After some years within the wilderness she is again. This season has been her greatest for years, and although she has not received a race, she has a sequence of prime 10s in lumpy races, even ending seventh total within the hilly Itzulia Ladies.Â
Cofidis
Nationality: French
Sponsor: Cofidis – banking
Supervisor: Cédric Vasseur
DS: Mélanie Briot
Web site: equipecofidis.com
Instagram: teamcofidis, X: @teamCOFIDIS
In search of? Breakaways and stage prime 10s
For a workforce and not using a WorldTour win of their three-year historical past, Cofidis have constructed an skilled and proficient workforce, sturdy sufficient to win levels. Wanting on the French workforce’s successes, such an evaluation might sound fanciful. Their greatest win thus far is Hannah Ludwig’s on the Navarra Ladies’s Elite Basic in Could, however Victoire Berteau has ridden brilliantly this 12 months, eighth at Paris-Roubaix her greatest outcome thus far.
They’ve girls like Sarah Roy, a stage winner on the Bretagne Women Tour and the attacking nous of Nikola Nosková to enrich the climbing expertise of Julie Bego and Morgane Coston.
Star: Julie Bego
A 19-year-old can’t be anticipated to win a stage of the most important race on this planet, even when she is the junior world champion, however since profitable in Glasgow final summer time Julie Bego has bagged some first rate leads to mountainous races. The Tour will give her indication of the place she stands for the longer term.
Ceratizit-WNT
Nationality: German
Sponsor: Excessive tech machine instruments
Supervisor: Claude Solar
DS: Dirk Baldinger
Web site: ceratizit-wnt-pro-cycling.com/
Instagram: ceratizit_wnt, X: @ceratizit_wnt
In search of? Stage wins and prime 5 on GC
This German squad have all the time been entertaining, animating races and creating breakaways, however for years relied completely on Lisa Brennauer for WorldTour victories. For the reason that German’s retirement, although, others have stepped up and so they deserve their new WorldTeam standing. Â
Whereas they will nonetheless be seen animating races, their well-drilled leadout not too long ago delivered three bunch kick victories on the Thüringen Women Tour, so you’ll be able to count on to see their sprinters within the flat early levels.Â
Star: Cedrine Kerbaol
Having taken her first race wins in 2023, when she additionally received the most effective younger rider classification, this season has seen the Bretonne rider proceed her upward trajectory, profitable two robust, hilly races within the Basque nation. She’s not solely good uphill, but in addition in opposition to the clock, and the workforce will give attention to her for his or her GC effort, although whether or not her Giro DNF was a precaution or an issue is unknown.
Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi
Nationality: Spanish
Sponsor: Laboral Kutxa – Banking firm;  Fundación Euskadi – Basque sporting    basis
Supervisor: Aitor Alonso
DS: Ion Lazkano
Web site: fundacioneuskadi.eus
Instagram: laboral_kutxa_team
In search of? Breakaways and prime finishes within the mountains
Since their inception in 2020, this Basque outfit have steadily progressed and have a clearly acknowledged ambition to move to the WorldTour. They’ve recruited cannily, with numerous smart heads becoming a member of, together with Lourdes Oyarbide and Ane Santesteban and the workforce are hitting their straps at  this key a part of the season.Â
Regardless of these riders bringing a wealth of WorldTour expertise, and Santesteban’s tenth place at Flèche Wallonne, it’s the youthful riders who’ve flown the workforce’s flag with biggest vigour. In Could, Iurani Blanco beat a powerful discipline on the hilly GP Ciudad de Eibar in Spain’s Basque Nation, earlier than ending second behind team-mate Usoa Ostoloza on the Spanish nationals.
Star: Usoa Ostolaza
The 26 year-old climber impressed significantly at Tour of the Pyrénées in Could, out-thinking and out-riding her rivals. The next week she took the Spanish street title, and has confirmed all spherical talents to on the very least present herself.
Arkea B&B Accommodations Ladies Â
Nationality: French
Sponsor: Arkéa – banking and insurance coverage; B&B Accommodations – worth hospitality
Supervisor: Franck Renimel
DS: Grégoire Le Calve
Web site: team-arkea-bbhotels.fr
Instagram: arkeaprocyclngteam, X: @arkeabbhotels
In search of? Breakaways and prime displaying within the mountains
Actually one of many smaller groups, but in addition one on a gradual upward trajectory, recruiting expertise to create a rounded squad, able to having an influence on most parcours. Progress however, they’ve failed to hassle the highest 20 in any of their WorldTour appearances, and regardless of the Tour being a house race, there is no such thing as a purpose to count on a sudden turnaround in fortunes.
Their most skilled new arrival is a number of Swedish champion Emilia Fahlin, who will probably be a relaxing affect, even when she’s not raced the Tour earlier than. The workforce are usually not with out energy, and you may count on the likes of Lotte Claes and Michaela Drummond to be among the many motion.
Star: Valentina Cavallar
The workforce have clearly seen Cavallar’s promise, signing her till 2027 in solely her first 12 months in racing internationally. A former worldwide rower, the 23-year-old Austrian is a gifted climber, ending second on the Col d’Aubisque on the latest Tour of the Pyrénées. Aggressive and tactically astute she is bound to be on the transfer within the mountain levels.
