The women are coming. You can hear the fans further down the mountain announcing every one of these champions, roaring at them as they pass. Out of the gloom of the fog near the top of Col du Tourmalet, they appear to me too. One by one at first, then a few at a time, and finally, the grupetto just trying to stay in the race. As they near me, and I can finally recognise these shadows shrouded in cloud and mist, I shout their names to spur them on. Just the final kilometer to go.
The second edition of the Le Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift did not disappoint. The racing was spectacular, unpredictable and courageous. The parcours was challenging but not terrifying – yet. Even though the eventual victor, Demi Vollering, might have been picked as favourite before the first flag had been dropped, the race was never a formality or a procession.
The stages expected to be contested by the sprinters were won by riders from a breakaway, with the last woman standing beating the sprinters by a solitary second on the line, stealing the highest points from the advancing chasers.
The ultimate green jersey winner, Lotte Kopecky, was also second on the final podium. She wore yellow for seven days until she passed it to her team mate, Demi Vollering. That is extraordinary in itself. But she is an extraordinarily talented rider.
From riding around volcanoes to chasing down world renowned sports scientists on the Col d’Aspin I’ve had a fantastic trip thanks to Thomson Bike Tours. For the second year running, they provided me with the most exciting opportunity to see this race. Even more chances to see the racing, ride the routes and – best of all, make new friends. The language of the Tour is special. The people who speak it, or want to learn, are the most amazing, diverse, generous and kind group of people you could wish to meet.
I’ve come back stronger than when I left. I’m exhausted, my legs are shouting at me, and I could sleep for 48 hours straight, but the fun I’ve had with these wonderful people will sustain me for the next year until I can go back and do it all over again.
