2023 Tour de France Femmes: When is it and what teams are taking part?
2022 Tour de France Femmes winner Annemiek van Vleuten. Pic: Instagram
The cycling world eagerly awaits the second edition of the Tour de France Femmes, officially known as the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, set to take place from 23 to 30 July.
As the 21st race in the 2023 UCI Women's World Tour calendar, this prestigious event promises an extraordinary showcase of talent, endurance, and excitement.
With 22 teams and 154 riders ready to tackle the challenging routes, the competition is set to reach new heights. Let's delve into the details and anticipation surrounding this remarkable race.
Participating teams
A total of 22 teams, each consisting of seven riders, will compete in this year's Tour de France Femmes. The race features all 15 UCI Women's WorldTeams, who received automatic invitations, along with seven UCI Women's Continental Teams. The latter includes the two best-performing teams from the previous edition, Ceratizit–WNT Pro Cycling and Lifeplus Wahoo, while the remaining five teams were chosen by Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), the race organisers. The official announcement revealing the teams was made on 14 April.
The exciting route
Race director Marion Rousse unveiled the captivating route for the 2023 Tour de France Femmes. Beginning in Clermont-Ferrand, the race commences on the same day as the men's tour concludes in Paris. From there, the peloton will journey southward, crossing the breathtaking Massif Central region en route to the legendary Pyrenees. The grand finale awaits in Pau, where the riders will face an individual time trial—a course reminiscent of the exhilarating 2019 edition of La Course by Le Tour de France. Renowned cyclist and 2022 winner Annemiek van Vleuten hailed the route as an "upgrade”, with athletes excited about the inclusion of more challenging climbs and a thrilling time trial.
Overcoming regulations and TV coverage
To accommodate the Tour de France Femmes' extensive route, which exceeds the maximum stage length and race length stipulated by the Women's World Tour regulations, a special waiver from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) is required. This exceptional dispensation speaks to the grandeur and significance of the race. Fans across the globe can look forward to live television coverage provided by France Télévisions, in collaboration with the European Broadcasting Union, ensuring that the captivating action unfolds before their eyes.
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As the anticipation builds for the 2023 Tour de France Femmes, the cycling community eagerly awaits an exceptional display of athletic prowess, determination, and teamwork.
This event not only celebrates women's cycling but also elevates it to new heights, showcasing the extraordinary talent and tenacity of these riders. From the challenging routes to the fierce competition, this edition promises to be a true spectacle.
Join us in celebrating this grand sporting event and witness history in the making!
