Every year, the finish of the Tour de France marks the outcome of the most exciting drama of the cycling year, and represents a massive tribute to cycling followed by TV audiences in 190 countries. In 2014,a new event that will give an even more universal dimension to the Tour has been added to the programme. A few hours before the men's peloton arrives in Paris, with live broadcast on France Télévisions and Eurosport International, the world's elite women cyclists will race the circuit in the historic heart of the city before fighting out a final sprint at the finish line on the Champs-Elysées.
The prestige of the setting and the atmosphere in general will be enhanced by another top-level event in the form of this first edition, as La Course by Le Tourhas attracted the interest of the world's top women riders. For the organisers of the Tour de France, who have been involved in the development of women's cycling for a long time through the Ladies Tour of Qatar and the Flèche Wallonne for ladies, the desire to add this event is a logical step forward in a discipline that is increasing in maturity and recognition. The addition of a major women's race to accompany the Tour will mark a key phase in this process. Details of the race format will be revealed in the course of a press conference some time in spring 2014.
Yann Le Moenner, Managing Director of A.S.O.: “Making a contribution to the development of all forms of cycling is a vocation for the Tour de France. This is even more so when it is about supporting a discipline that is clearly on the up and
has been making its mark in professional sport for many years now. As the event par excellence that attracts enormous crowds and TV viewers, the Tour has decided to welcome a women's race during one of its outstanding stages, in an
event that will have maximum exposure. La Course by Le Tourand its champions are invited to conquer ‘planet bicycle'”.
Brian Cookson, President of the UCI: “I am delighted to see this exciting development for women's cycling. The UCI is committed to support the development of women's cycling, and following my election to the UCI Presidency in 2013 we established a Women's Commission to focus our efforts here. The quality of professional women's road racing has long deserved a wider audience, and we are very happy that this initiative by A.S.O. will bring the sport to many fans, new and old. Women's racing on the iconic parcours of the Champs Elysees is a tremendous step forward, and we are pleased to welcome this addition to the UCI calendar”.
Marianne Vos, Olympic and Triple World Champion in road racing: ”I am delighted that A.S.O. has decided to organise a women's race this year, to accompany the Tour de France. I am very excited to be taking part, especially with the majestic finish on the Champs-Elysées. The launch of this race is a revolutionary development in our sport. The Tour is the pinnacle of professional cycling, and I have no doubt that La Course by Le Tour identifies a new era for women's cycling and will significantly contribute to the growth of road racing."
Chrissie Wellington, four-time Triathlon World Champion and LTE co-founder: “The Le Tour Entier group (LTE), founded by myself, Marianne Vos, Emma Pooley and Kathryn Bertine are passionate about helping to grow women's cycling and women's sport and we have long been convinced that one of the best ways of achieving our mission is to work with the Tour de France, the beacon of world cycling. It was wonderful for LTE to have the opportunity to work together with A.S.O to realise our shared passion to continue to grow the sport for the benefit of all. La Course by Le Tour marks a giant step forward for women's cycling, and one that the athletes, teams and the public around the world will undoubtedly support.”
