Grace Brown and 6,000 Riders Conquer Col de la Madeleine

On July 30, 2023, nearly 6,000 riders embarked on the inaugural L’Étape du Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, challenging themselves with a grueling 117-kilometre route from Chambery to Saint-François-Longchamp, scaling the demanding Col de la Madeleine. This event marked a significant milestone in women’s cycling, showcasing a surge in female participation, as approximately one-third of the participants were women.

As dawn broke over Chambery, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement despite the cloudy and damp conditions. Riders donned vibrant kits, many sporting the “Watch The Femmes” jerseys, as they prepared to tackle the 3,540 meters of climbing ahead. The L’Étape du Tour has long been a highlight for amateur cyclists looking to emulate their professional counterparts, and this year, the focus on women’s cycling made the event particularly meaningful.

The L’Étape du Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift was designed to be more accessible than the traditional Étape du Tour, which featured a longer distance and steeper climbs. Participants could choose a shorter 98-kilometre option, allowing them to experience the thrill of riding in the mountains while managing the intensity of the challenge.

Speaking about the rationale behind the event, Thomas Delpeuch, event director from Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), noted, “There were a few reasons why we decided to hold this event. Firstly, the classic Étape du Tour is full, meaning many people are left disappointed at not being able to get a place.” Delpeuch highlighted the importance of creating a less daunting mountain experience while still maintaining the essence of the Tour de France’s mountain stages.

The ride concluded just in time for riders to watch the professional women’s race, where Pauline Ferrand-Prévot emerged victoriously. This synergy between amateur and professional racing added to the excitement, reinforcing the community spirit that cycling fosters.

The event’s statistics were remarkable, with around 32% of participants being women, a significant increase from the typical 6% to 7% seen in previous years. Kate Veronneau, Director of Women’s Strategy at Zwift, expressed her enthusiasm: “We’re thrilled with how the first year is tracking. And 32% women is a massive uptake. It shows that this is engaging women.”

As riders tackled the course, they were met with enthusiastic crowds cheering them on. The positive energy was palpable, enhancing the experience for participants. The competitive edge was evident among the front runners, with Thibaut Clément clocking the fastest time of 3 hours and 49 minutes, closely followed by the professional women’s stage winner.

The first woman to cross the finish line was Victoria Stansfield, a British triathlete, who completed the ride in 4 hours and 25 minutes. The podium was rounded out by Germany’s Emilia Welte and local rider Eva Poirot.

Riders shared their personal stories and experiences from the event. Stansfield, who had recently transitioned to cycling after an injury, expressed her joy at participating in the historic event. “I just worked hard and raced hard, as I couldn’t wait to see my little girl at the top. The atmosphere was truly amazing,” she said.

Others echoed similar sentiments. Axelle De Cooman, an ultra-distance cyclist, noted the event’s accessibility compared to the classic Étape, stating, “It is great for increasing the visibility of women and developing women’s sport.”

The event also drew notable sporting figures, including Grace Brown, an Olympic champion and President of The Cyclists’ Alliance. Brown reflected on her experience: “The final climb was not exactly fun, but it was a good sense of achievement to make it to the top.” Her presence underscored the importance of role models in promoting women’s participation in cycling.

The day concluded with a fan park filled with celebration, where riders enjoyed a well-deserved pasta party while watching the professionals compete. The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, suggesting that this inaugural event could catalyze further engagement in women’s cycling.

As the sun set over the mountains, the success of the L’Étape du Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift signaled a promising future for women in cycling, paving the way for more inclusive and exciting events in the years to come.