Since the exciting 2023 edition of the Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift, we have been anxiously anticipating the route announcement for 2024. This excitement, felt by viewers, must have be even more pronounced for the riders, especially the French riders and teams such as FDJ-Suez, Arkea, St Michel Auber 93, and Cofidis.
Unfortunately, ASO has decided to hold only three full stages in France. This decision seems rather peculiar, given that the race is called the Tour of France. In fact, there are several other French races, in the women’s calendar, that have stronger links with a tour of France.
Starting in the Netherlands with two flat sprint days, the race also includes a surprisingly short individual time trial of 6.3 km on stage 3, making it slightly longer than a prologue. Stage 4 takes place in Belgium, starting in Valkenburg and ending in Liège; the riders will have to navigate the punchy climbs, which should make it an exciting day. Stages 6 and 7 can definitely be considered hilly and will smoothly transition the race into the final two challenging days.
The weekend will be far from easy, with the last two stages taking place in the high mountains. Notably, the final stage will conclude at the summit of the infamous Alpe D’Huez, where some riders will be fighting to the top, others will aim to finish within the time limit. Keep an eye on the final weekend; there are sure to be fireworks.
Key Infomation
Dates: Monday 12th August 2024 – Sunday 18th August 2024
Stages: 8
Distance: 946.3 km
Start: Rotterdam
Finish: Alpe D’Huez
Keep an eye out next year for a full in-depth review of the race as well as other racing news.
Written by
Guy Tucker
A freelance writer with a number of years’ experience writing on all things cycling. After competing internationally as a triathlete, he then moved onto cycling, working his way up the French amateur ranks. Guy has recently decided to step away from racing and focus on writing, as well as having fun on two wheels. The years spent heavily involved in sport have given him great insight and valuable knowledge, which is demonstrated in his work.
