{"id":1973336,"date":"2026-06-04T13:08:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-04T10:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1973336"},"modified":"2026-06-04T13:08:00","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T10:08:00","slug":"the-race-has-now-grown-so-much-tour-de-france-femmes-director-explains-change-of-dates-for-2026-edition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1973336","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;The race has now grown so much&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France Femmes director explains change of dates for 2026 edition"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tz94Pr3J9LqdLHNpiXsiEe-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GVvPf4RvJAYe2LXfcHrHhK-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GVvPf4RvJAYe2LXfcHrHhK-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: Stage 4 mountain time trial produces huge time gaps at the top of the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women overall\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RxXgBqZZGhkyUgoAmrasqT-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RxXgBqZZGhkyUgoAmrasqT-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    How to watch Giro d&#8217;Italia Women 2026 \u2013 Free live streams, TV channels, schedule for the second women&#8217;s Grand Tour of the season\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WYfAHCQKTpsne9zSCtRiAH-160-80.jpeg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WYfAHCQKTpsne9zSCtRiAH-80-80.jpeg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9-Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes 2026 route\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s cycling (races)\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;The race has now grown so much&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France Femmes director explains change of dates for 2026 edition<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-04T13:08:00Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n4 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Marion Rousse adds that women&#8217;s cycling is currently serving up more suspense than the men&#8217;s side of the sport<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit))] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tz94Pr3J9LqdLHNpiXsiEe-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tz94Pr3J9LqdLHNpiXsiEe-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tz94Pr3J9LqdLHNpiXsiEe-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tz94Pr3J9LqdLHNpiXsiEe-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tz94Pr3J9LqdLHNpiXsiEe-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tz94Pr3J9LqdLHNpiXsiEe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tz94Pr3J9LqdLHNpiXsiEe-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tz94Pr3J9LqdLHNpiXsiEe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-[var(--image--text--color)] font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">2025 Tour de France Femmes: Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot claims the final stage and overall victory<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-4faabf65-1e2d-492f-81b5-59b60e6701ef\">This year for the first time since the Tour de France Femmes was revived in 2022, it will have no overlap date-wise with the men&#8217;s equivalent event, and that&#8217;s mainly due to the ongoing growth of the women&#8217;s race, says director Marion Rousse.<\/p>\n<p>This summer, the Tour de France Femmes will begin in Lausanne on Saturday August 1, six days after the men&#8217;s race has ended in Paris, and it will finish in Nice on Sunday August 9.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4faabf65-1e2d-492f-81b5-59b60e6701ef-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That&#8217;s in stark contrast to last July, when \u2013 just like there had been since 2022 \u2013 there was an overlap between the two, with the 2025 Tour de France Femmes starting on the Saturday of the final weekend of the mens race.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But as Rousse told <em>MARCA<\/em>, the ongoing growth of the Tour de France Femmes in terms of infrastructure and interest led the organisers to move the race to a later slot in the calendar.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;After several years&#8217; experience and with eight million TV viewers on [national race broadcaster] France T\u00e9l\u00e9visions last year, when Pauline [Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot, 2025 winner] crossed the line in Ch\u00e2tel, we said that yes, we could afford the luxury of starting a week later,&#8221; Rousse said.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iBLZ5NwzhrVSeHaYPkGNRH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iBLZ5NwzhrVSeHaYPkGNRH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Same course, same day, same distance \u2013 Women&#8217;s Tour Down Under to run alongside final three days of men&#8217;s race in 2027<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/djyYjk5W35Kuia5TzMUmiB-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/djyYjk5W35Kuia5TzMUmiB-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Cat Ferguson&#8217;s column: &#8216;I got a sneak peek at the course, and it&#8217;s going to be incredibly exciting&#8217; &#8211; Why you should already be counting down to the 2027 Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C6iix4Siwtpsd4McAQFt2C-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C6iix4Siwtpsd4McAQFt2C-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We had doubts about whether to do it or not&#8217; \u2013 How the Vuelta Femenina decided the time was right to take on the Angliru<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Above all, the main reason is that the race has now grown so much that we&#8221; \u2013 the organisers \u2013 &#8220;couldn&#8217;t run the two big events on our calendar the same weekend. It&#8217;s evolved so much that we want exactly the same infrastructure as the men, so we needed some days so that all the race organisation vehicles could do the transfer.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The whole infrastructure operation would head from the finish of the men&#8217;s Tour in Paris on July 26 to the start of the women&#8217;s race in Switzerland six days later.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-un9MYXKQWm3Qugb78tFNdj\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-un9MYXKQWm3Qugb78tFNdj slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Previously, Rousse said the overlap had been to ensure that &#8220;people continued to follow us&#8221;, but now spectators had grown used to seeing the Tour de France Femmes as its own separate entity.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That was despite the two races being all part of the same whole, she said, or as she put it: &#8220;We talk about the men&#8217;s Tour and the Tour de France Femmes, but the truth is that it is one Tour de France.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s not just the Tour de France Femmes that&#8217;s evolving, either. Rousse also insisted to <em>MARCA<\/em> that the inclusion of climbs as tough as the Angliru in La Vuelta Femenina this year showed that &#8220;there are no challenges that are too tough for women. The level is more homogeneous, and constantly getting higher.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soSfqPEiQo4KQLbDoXVbGL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soSfqPEiQo4KQLbDoXVbGL-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">The men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix are both on the same day this year \u2013 great plan for more spectators, or disadvantaging the women&#8217;s race?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LjuM7dn7tCMpXfJyBtagDK-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LjuM7dn7tCMpXfJyBtagDK-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Fewer minutes but more eyeballs&#8217; \u2013 ASO race director defends reduction in women&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix broadcast and his &#8216;moron&#8217; comments on Rockets boss Bas Tietema<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J7D5LeaZ5U2yynouPeaDqg-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J7D5LeaZ5U2yynouPeaDqg-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de Romandie organisers postpone Women&#8217;s WorldTour race to 2027 to preserve &#8216;financial stability&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m happy because women&#8217;s cycling is evolving, from the start of the season, practically every weekend we have a different winner, and that creates a lot of suspense.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Maybe even more than in men&#8217;s cycling, because when [Tadej] Poga\u010dar attacks right at the start of a race, very often you already know the name of the winner.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Regarding the Mont Ventoux, and its inclusion for the first time in the 2026 Tour de France Femmes on stage 7, Rousse argued that the innate toughness of the relentlessly rising 15.7 kilometre HC climb made it the critical point of this year&#8217;s race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;From the very start of the climb, you go into the wood where it&#8217;s very steep. Then there isn&#8217;t a single kilometre where you can catch your breath. If you have a bad day, you don&#8217;t come back.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">CATEGORIES<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-un9MYXKQWm3Qugb78tFNdj\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-un9MYXKQWm3Qugb78tFNdj slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iBLZ5NwzhrVSeHaYPkGNRH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iBLZ5NwzhrVSeHaYPkGNRH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iBLZ5NwzhrVSeHaYPkGNRH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iBLZ5NwzhrVSeHaYPkGNRH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iBLZ5NwzhrVSeHaYPkGNRH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Same course, same day, same distance \u2013 Women&#8217;s Tour Down Under to run alongside final three days of men&#8217;s race in 2027<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/djyYjk5W35Kuia5TzMUmiB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/djyYjk5W35Kuia5TzMUmiB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/djyYjk5W35Kuia5TzMUmiB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/djyYjk5W35Kuia5TzMUmiB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/djyYjk5W35Kuia5TzMUmiB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Cat Ferguson&#8217;s column: &#8216;I got a sneak peek at the course, and it&#8217;s going to be incredibly exciting&#8217; &#8211; Why you should already be counting down to the 2027 Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C6iix4Siwtpsd4McAQFt2C-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C6iix4Siwtpsd4McAQFt2C-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C6iix4Siwtpsd4McAQFt2C-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C6iix4Siwtpsd4McAQFt2C-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C6iix4Siwtpsd4McAQFt2C-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We had doubts about whether to do it or not&#8217; \u2013 How the Vuelta Femenina decided the time was right to take on the Angliru<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soSfqPEiQo4KQLbDoXVbGL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soSfqPEiQo4KQLbDoXVbGL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soSfqPEiQo4KQLbDoXVbGL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soSfqPEiQo4KQLbDoXVbGL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soSfqPEiQo4KQLbDoXVbGL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix are both on the same day this year \u2013 great plan for more spectators, or disadvantaging the women&#8217;s race?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LjuM7dn7tCMpXfJyBtagDK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LjuM7dn7tCMpXfJyBtagDK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LjuM7dn7tCMpXfJyBtagDK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LjuM7dn7tCMpXfJyBtagDK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LjuM7dn7tCMpXfJyBtagDK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Fewer minutes but more eyeballs&#8217; \u2013 ASO race director defends reduction in women&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix broadcast and his &#8216;moron&#8217; comments on Rockets boss Bas Tietema<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J7D5LeaZ5U2yynouPeaDqg-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J7D5LeaZ5U2yynouPeaDqg-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J7D5LeaZ5U2yynouPeaDqg-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J7D5LeaZ5U2yynouPeaDqg-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J7D5LeaZ5U2yynouPeaDqg-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de Romandie organisers postpone Women&#8217;s WorldTour race to 2027 to preserve &#8216;financial stability&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Women&#8217;s cycling (races)<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ToHRrHvvQ7C8MwPvkHaukk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ToHRrHvvQ7C8MwPvkHaukk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ToHRrHvvQ7C8MwPvkHaukk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ToHRrHvvQ7C8MwPvkHaukk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ToHRrHvvQ7C8MwPvkHaukk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s cycling (races)<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">GP Mazda Schelkens: Charlotte Kool sprints to victory in chaotic finale<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/znXfyXxhNPRG6MWR3JM6oD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/znXfyXxhNPRG6MWR3JM6oD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/znXfyXxhNPRG6MWR3JM6oD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/znXfyXxhNPRG6MWR3JM6oD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/znXfyXxhNPRG6MWR3JM6oD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s cycling (races)<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vuelta a Burgos F\u00e9minas: last-minute mountain attack nets Yara Kastelijn summit finish win and overall victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/byW94M4CAC7k4z2JS7zj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/byW94M4CAC7k4z2JS7zj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/byW94M4CAC7k4z2JS7zj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/byW94M4CAC7k4z2JS7zj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/byW94M4CAC7k4z2JS7zj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s cycling (races)<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vuelta a Burgos F\u00e9minas: Mischa Bredewold claims stage 3 victory in two-up sprint against Mireia Benito<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPRqm2ZzhKKQwDnSGEand5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPRqm2ZzhKKQwDnSGEand5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPRqm2ZzhKKQwDnSGEand5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPRqm2ZzhKKQwDnSGEand5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPRqm2ZzhKKQwDnSGEand5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s cycling (races)<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Itzulia Women 2026 route<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oEFLsWG7RPexoZy3k2oZPk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oEFLsWG7RPexoZy3k2oZPk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oEFLsWG7RPexoZy3k2oZPk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oEFLsWG7RPexoZy3k2oZPk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oEFLsWG7RPexoZy3k2oZPk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The kings and queens of the Mur de Huy \u2013 Analysing the contenders for La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s cycling (races)<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was just not strong enough&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot bettered by Demi Vollering&#8217;s Kwaremont power to finish second in Tour of Flanders again<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MSvayNMCtMFB8e9aB87f6n-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MSvayNMCtMFB8e9aB87f6n-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MSvayNMCtMFB8e9aB87f6n-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MSvayNMCtMFB8e9aB87f6n-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MSvayNMCtMFB8e9aB87f6n-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We aimed to surprise everyone &#8216; &#8211; Crosswind action livens up Giro d&#8217;Italia Women stage 6, but the sprinters still succeed<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SNjKmdwgDmdC45P3Cu8u73-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SNjKmdwgDmdC45P3Cu8u73-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SNjKmdwgDmdC45P3Cu8u73-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SNjKmdwgDmdC45P3Cu8u73-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SNjKmdwgDmdC45P3Cu8u73-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Track skills prove vital in hectic Giro d&#8217;Italia Women sprint as Maggie Coles-Lyster and Georgia Baker complete the podium<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y9gwvpGtcSvEfPkwndqH7D-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y9gwvpGtcSvEfPkwndqH7D-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y9gwvpGtcSvEfPkwndqH7D-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y9gwvpGtcSvEfPkwndqH7D-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y9gwvpGtcSvEfPkwndqH7D-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lorena Wiebes spotted along Giro d&#8217;Italia Women route despite bike weight disqualification<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SgFoT9bv7Bj7eBDBDZ7QQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SgFoT9bv7Bj7eBDBDZ7QQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SgFoT9bv7Bj7eBDBDZ7QQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SgFoT9bv7Bj7eBDBDZ7QQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SgFoT9bv7Bj7eBDBDZ7QQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s the UCI ranking at the end of the season that counts&#8217; &#8211; Fabian Cancellara pushes for extra momentum to Tudor&#8217;s injury-blighted chase for 2027 WorldTour invitations<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3A5rcSsqrTDjffjNt3nUwJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3A5rcSsqrTDjffjNt3nUwJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3A5rcSsqrTDjffjNt3nUwJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3A5rcSsqrTDjffjNt3nUwJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3A5rcSsqrTDjffjNt3nUwJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Soon I&#8217;ll be a Buddhist monk&#8217;  \u2013 Arnaud De Lie struggles to stay calm amid avalanche of misfortune<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FiPUa76ApaFucm5iwBSYBK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FiPUa76ApaFucm5iwBSYBK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FiPUa76ApaFucm5iwBSYBK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FiPUa76ApaFucm5iwBSYBK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FiPUa76ApaFucm5iwBSYBK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t think I&#8217;ve ever had a harder day on the bike&#8217; &#8211; Lauren Dickson impresses in Giro d&#8217;Italia mountain domestique role for Demi Vollering<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MSvayNMCtMFB8e9aB87f6n-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MSvayNMCtMFB8e9aB87f6n-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MSvayNMCtMFB8e9aB87f6n-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MSvayNMCtMFB8e9aB87f6n-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MSvayNMCtMFB8e9aB87f6n.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MSvayNMCtMFB8e9aB87f6n.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MSvayNMCtMFB8e9aB87f6n.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;We aimed to surprise everyone &#8216; &#8211; Crosswind action livens up Giro d&#8217;Italia Women stage 6, but the sprinters still succeed<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Track skills prove vital in hectic Giro d&#8217;Italia Women sprint as Maggie Coles-Lyster and Georgia Baker complete the podium<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Giro d&#8217;Italia Women: Fourth victory for Elisa Balsamo on stage 6 after &#8216;best lead-out in the world&#8217;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Lorena Wiebes spotted along Giro d&#8217;Italia Women route despite bike weight disqualification<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Tour de Wallonie: Relief for Arnaud De Lie with come-from-behind victory in a thrilling uphill finish on stage 4<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s cycling (races)\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;The race has now grown so much&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France Femmes director explains change of dates for 2026 edition<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-04T13:08:00Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n4 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Marion Rousse adds that women&#8217;s cycling is currently serving up more suspense than the men&#8217;s side of the sport<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed 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Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tz94Pr3J9LqdLHNpiXsiEe-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tz94Pr3J9LqdLHNpiXsiEe-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tz94Pr3J9LqdLHNpiXsiEe-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tz94Pr3J9LqdLHNpiXsiEe-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tz94Pr3J9LqdLHNpiXsiEe-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tz94Pr3J9LqdLHNpiXsiEe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tz94Pr3J9LqdLHNpiXsiEe-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tz94Pr3J9LqdLHNpiXsiEe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-[var(--image--text--color)] font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">2025 Tour de France Femmes: Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot claims the final stage and overall victory<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" 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whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-4faabf65-1e2d-492f-81b5-59b60e6701ef\">This year for the first time since the Tour de France Femmes was revived in 2022, it will have no overlap date-wise with the men&#8217;s equivalent event, and that&#8217;s mainly due to the ongoing growth of the women&#8217;s race, says director Marion Rousse.<\/p>\n<p>This summer, the Tour de France Femmes will begin in Lausanne on Saturday August 1, six days after the men&#8217;s race has ended in Paris, and it will finish in Nice on Sunday August 9.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4faabf65-1e2d-492f-81b5-59b60e6701ef-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That&#8217;s in stark contrast to last July, when \u2013 just like there had been since 2022 \u2013 there was an overlap between the two, with the 2025 Tour de France Femmes starting on the Saturday of the final weekend of the mens race.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But as Rousse told <em>MARCA<\/em>, the ongoing growth of the Tour de France Femmes in terms of infrastructure and interest led the organisers to move the race to a later slot in the calendar.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;After several years&#8217; experience and with eight million TV viewers on [national race broadcaster] France T\u00e9l\u00e9visions last year, when Pauline [Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot, 2025 winner] crossed the line in Ch\u00e2tel, we said that yes, we could afford the luxury of starting a week later,&#8221; Rousse said.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iBLZ5NwzhrVSeHaYPkGNRH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iBLZ5NwzhrVSeHaYPkGNRH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Same course, same day, same distance \u2013 Women&#8217;s Tour Down Under to run alongside final three days of men&#8217;s race in 2027<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/djyYjk5W35Kuia5TzMUmiB-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/djyYjk5W35Kuia5TzMUmiB-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Cat Ferguson&#8217;s column: &#8216;I got a sneak peek at the course, and it&#8217;s going to be incredibly exciting&#8217; &#8211; Why you should already be counting down to the 2027 Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C6iix4Siwtpsd4McAQFt2C-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C6iix4Siwtpsd4McAQFt2C-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We had doubts about whether to do it or not&#8217; \u2013 How the Vuelta Femenina decided the time was right to take on the Angliru<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Above all, the main reason is that the race has now grown so much that we&#8221; \u2013 the organisers \u2013 &#8220;couldn&#8217;t run the two big events on our calendar the same weekend. It&#8217;s evolved so much that we want exactly the same infrastructure as the men, so we needed some days so that all the race organisation vehicles could do the transfer.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The whole infrastructure operation would head from the finish of the men&#8217;s Tour in Paris on July 26 to the start of the women&#8217;s race in Switzerland six days later.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-un9MYXKQWm3Qugb78tFNdj\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-un9MYXKQWm3Qugb78tFNdj slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Previously, Rousse said the overlap had been to ensure that &#8220;people continued to follow us&#8221;, but now spectators had grown used to seeing the Tour de France Femmes as its own separate entity.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That was despite the two races being all part of the same whole, she said, or as she put it: &#8220;We talk about the men&#8217;s Tour and the Tour de France Femmes, but the truth is that it is one Tour de France.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s not just the Tour de France Femmes that&#8217;s evolving, either. Rousse also insisted to <em>MARCA<\/em> that the inclusion of climbs as tough as the Angliru in La Vuelta Femenina this year showed that &#8220;there are no challenges that are too tough for women. The level is more homogeneous, and constantly getting higher.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soSfqPEiQo4KQLbDoXVbGL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soSfqPEiQo4KQLbDoXVbGL-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">The men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix are both on the same day this year \u2013 great plan for more spectators, or disadvantaging the women&#8217;s race?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LjuM7dn7tCMpXfJyBtagDK-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LjuM7dn7tCMpXfJyBtagDK-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Fewer minutes but more eyeballs&#8217; \u2013 ASO race director defends reduction in women&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix broadcast and his &#8216;moron&#8217; comments on Rockets boss Bas Tietema<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J7D5LeaZ5U2yynouPeaDqg-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J7D5LeaZ5U2yynouPeaDqg-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de Romandie organisers postpone Women&#8217;s WorldTour race to 2027 to preserve &#8216;financial stability&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m happy because women&#8217;s cycling is evolving, from the start of the season, practically every weekend we have a different winner, and that creates a lot of suspense.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Maybe even more than in men&#8217;s cycling, because when [Tadej] Poga\u010dar attacks right at the start of a race, very often you already know the name of the winner.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Regarding the Mont Ventoux, and its inclusion for the first time in the 2026 Tour de France Femmes on stage 7, Rousse argued that the innate toughness of the relentlessly rising 15.7 kilometre HC climb made it the critical point of this year&#8217;s race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;From the very start of the climb, you go into the wood where it&#8217;s very steep. Then there isn&#8217;t a single kilometre where you can catch your breath. If you have a bad day, you don&#8217;t come back.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">CATEGORIES<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-un9MYXKQWm3Qugb78tFNdj\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-un9MYXKQWm3Qugb78tFNdj slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iBLZ5NwzhrVSeHaYPkGNRH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iBLZ5NwzhrVSeHaYPkGNRH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iBLZ5NwzhrVSeHaYPkGNRH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iBLZ5NwzhrVSeHaYPkGNRH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iBLZ5NwzhrVSeHaYPkGNRH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Same course, same day, same distance \u2013 Women&#8217;s Tour Down Under to run alongside final three days of men&#8217;s race in 2027<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/djyYjk5W35Kuia5TzMUmiB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/djyYjk5W35Kuia5TzMUmiB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/djyYjk5W35Kuia5TzMUmiB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/djyYjk5W35Kuia5TzMUmiB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/djyYjk5W35Kuia5TzMUmiB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Cat Ferguson&#8217;s column: &#8216;I got a sneak peek at the course, and it&#8217;s going to be incredibly exciting&#8217; &#8211; Why you should already be counting down to the 2027 Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C6iix4Siwtpsd4McAQFt2C-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C6iix4Siwtpsd4McAQFt2C-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C6iix4Siwtpsd4McAQFt2C-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C6iix4Siwtpsd4McAQFt2C-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C6iix4Siwtpsd4McAQFt2C-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We had doubts about whether to do it or not&#8217; \u2013 How the Vuelta Femenina decided the time was right to take on the Angliru<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soSfqPEiQo4KQLbDoXVbGL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soSfqPEiQo4KQLbDoXVbGL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soSfqPEiQo4KQLbDoXVbGL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soSfqPEiQo4KQLbDoXVbGL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soSfqPEiQo4KQLbDoXVbGL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix are both on the same day this year \u2013 great plan for more spectators, or disadvantaging the women&#8217;s race?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LjuM7dn7tCMpXfJyBtagDK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LjuM7dn7tCMpXfJyBtagDK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LjuM7dn7tCMpXfJyBtagDK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LjuM7dn7tCMpXfJyBtagDK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LjuM7dn7tCMpXfJyBtagDK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Fewer minutes but more eyeballs&#8217; \u2013 ASO race director defends reduction in women&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix broadcast and his &#8216;moron&#8217; comments on Rockets boss Bas Tietema<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J7D5LeaZ5U2yynouPeaDqg-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J7D5LeaZ5U2yynouPeaDqg-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J7D5LeaZ5U2yynouPeaDqg-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J7D5LeaZ5U2yynouPeaDqg-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J7D5LeaZ5U2yynouPeaDqg-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de Romandie organisers postpone Women&#8217;s WorldTour race to 2027 to preserve &#8216;financial stability&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Women&#8217;s cycling (races)<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ToHRrHvvQ7C8MwPvkHaukk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ToHRrHvvQ7C8MwPvkHaukk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ToHRrHvvQ7C8MwPvkHaukk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ToHRrHvvQ7C8MwPvkHaukk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ToHRrHvvQ7C8MwPvkHaukk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s cycling (races)<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">GP Mazda Schelkens: Charlotte Kool sprints to victory in chaotic finale<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/znXfyXxhNPRG6MWR3JM6oD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/znXfyXxhNPRG6MWR3JM6oD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/znXfyXxhNPRG6MWR3JM6oD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/znXfyXxhNPRG6MWR3JM6oD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/znXfyXxhNPRG6MWR3JM6oD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s cycling (races)<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vuelta a Burgos F\u00e9minas: last-minute mountain attack nets Yara Kastelijn summit finish win and overall victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/byW94M4CAC7k4z2JS7zj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/byW94M4CAC7k4z2JS7zj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/byW94M4CAC7k4z2JS7zj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/byW94M4CAC7k4z2JS7zj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/byW94M4CAC7k4z2JS7zj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s cycling (races)<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vuelta a Burgos F\u00e9minas: Mischa Bredewold claims stage 3 victory in two-up sprint against Mireia Benito<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPRqm2ZzhKKQwDnSGEand5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPRqm2ZzhKKQwDnSGEand5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPRqm2ZzhKKQwDnSGEand5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPRqm2ZzhKKQwDnSGEand5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPRqm2ZzhKKQwDnSGEand5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s cycling (races)<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Itzulia Women 2026 route<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oEFLsWG7RPexoZy3k2oZPk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oEFLsWG7RPexoZy3k2oZPk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oEFLsWG7RPexoZy3k2oZPk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oEFLsWG7RPexoZy3k2oZPk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oEFLsWG7RPexoZy3k2oZPk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The kings and queens of the Mur de Huy \u2013 Analysing the contenders for La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s cycling (races)<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was just not strong enough&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot bettered by Demi Vollering&#8217;s Kwaremont power to finish second in Tour of Flanders again<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MSvayNMCtMFB8e9aB87f6n-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MSvayNMCtMFB8e9aB87f6n-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MSvayNMCtMFB8e9aB87f6n-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MSvayNMCtMFB8e9aB87f6n-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MSvayNMCtMFB8e9aB87f6n-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We aimed to surprise everyone &#8216; &#8211; Crosswind action livens up Giro d&#8217;Italia Women stage 6, but the sprinters still succeed<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SNjKmdwgDmdC45P3Cu8u73-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SNjKmdwgDmdC45P3Cu8u73-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SNjKmdwgDmdC45P3Cu8u73-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SNjKmdwgDmdC45P3Cu8u73-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SNjKmdwgDmdC45P3Cu8u73-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Track skills prove vital in hectic Giro d&#8217;Italia Women sprint as Maggie Coles-Lyster and Georgia Baker complete the podium<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y9gwvpGtcSvEfPkwndqH7D-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y9gwvpGtcSvEfPkwndqH7D-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y9gwvpGtcSvEfPkwndqH7D-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y9gwvpGtcSvEfPkwndqH7D-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y9gwvpGtcSvEfPkwndqH7D-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lorena Wiebes spotted along Giro d&#8217;Italia Women route despite bike weight disqualification<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SgFoT9bv7Bj7eBDBDZ7QQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SgFoT9bv7Bj7eBDBDZ7QQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SgFoT9bv7Bj7eBDBDZ7QQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SgFoT9bv7Bj7eBDBDZ7QQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SgFoT9bv7Bj7eBDBDZ7QQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s the UCI ranking at the end of the season that counts&#8217; &#8211; Fabian Cancellara pushes for extra momentum to Tudor&#8217;s injury-blighted chase for 2027 WorldTour invitations<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3A5rcSsqrTDjffjNt3nUwJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3A5rcSsqrTDjffjNt3nUwJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3A5rcSsqrTDjffjNt3nUwJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3A5rcSsqrTDjffjNt3nUwJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3A5rcSsqrTDjffjNt3nUwJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Soon I&#8217;ll be a Buddhist monk&#8217;  \u2013 Arnaud De Lie struggles to stay calm amid avalanche of misfortune<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FiPUa76ApaFucm5iwBSYBK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FiPUa76ApaFucm5iwBSYBK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FiPUa76ApaFucm5iwBSYBK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FiPUa76ApaFucm5iwBSYBK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FiPUa76ApaFucm5iwBSYBK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t think I&#8217;ve ever had a harder day on the bike&#8217; &#8211; Lauren Dickson impresses in Giro d&#8217;Italia mountain domestique role for Demi Vollering<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MSvayNMCtMFB8e9aB87f6n-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MSvayNMCtMFB8e9aB87f6n-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MSvayNMCtMFB8e9aB87f6n-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MSvayNMCtMFB8e9aB87f6n-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MSvayNMCtMFB8e9aB87f6n.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MSvayNMCtMFB8e9aB87f6n.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MSvayNMCtMFB8e9aB87f6n.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;We aimed to surprise everyone &#8216; &#8211; Crosswind action livens up Giro d&#8217;Italia Women stage 6, but the sprinters still succeed<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Track skills prove vital in hectic Giro d&#8217;Italia Women sprint as Maggie Coles-Lyster and Georgia Baker complete the podium<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Giro d&#8217;Italia Women: Fourth victory for Elisa Balsamo on stage 6 after &#8216;best lead-out in the world&#8217;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Lorena Wiebes spotted along Giro d&#8217;Italia Women route despite bike weight disqualification<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Tour de Wallonie: Relief for Arnaud De Lie with come-from-behind victory in a thrilling uphill finish on stage 4<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s cycling (races)\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;The race has now grown so much&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France Femmes director explains change of dates for 2026 edition<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-04T13:08:00Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n4 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Marion Rousse adds that women&#8217;s cycling is currently serving up more suspense than the men&#8217;s side of the sport<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit))] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li 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newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-4faabf65-1e2d-492f-81b5-59b60e6701ef\">This year for the first time since the Tour de France Femmes was revived in 2022, it will have no overlap date-wise with the men&#8217;s equivalent event, and that&#8217;s mainly due to the ongoing growth of the women&#8217;s race, says director Marion Rousse.<\/p>\n<p>This summer, the Tour de France Femmes will begin in Lausanne on Saturday August 1, six days after the men&#8217;s race has ended in Paris, and it will finish in Nice on Sunday August 9.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4faabf65-1e2d-492f-81b5-59b60e6701ef-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That&#8217;s in stark contrast to last July, when \u2013 just like there had been since 2022 \u2013 there was an overlap between the two, with the 2025 Tour de France Femmes starting on the Saturday of the final weekend of the mens race.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But as Rousse told <em>MARCA<\/em>, the ongoing growth of the Tour de France Femmes in terms of infrastructure and interest led the organisers to move the race to a later slot in the calendar.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;After several years&#8217; experience and with eight million TV viewers on [national race broadcaster] France T\u00e9l\u00e9visions last year, when Pauline [Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot, 2025 winner] crossed the line in Ch\u00e2tel, we said that yes, we could afford the luxury of starting a week later,&#8221; Rousse said.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iBLZ5NwzhrVSeHaYPkGNRH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iBLZ5NwzhrVSeHaYPkGNRH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Same course, same day, same distance \u2013 Women&#8217;s Tour Down Under to run alongside final three days of men&#8217;s race in 2027<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/djyYjk5W35Kuia5TzMUmiB-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/djyYjk5W35Kuia5TzMUmiB-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Cat Ferguson&#8217;s column: &#8216;I got a sneak peek at the course, and it&#8217;s going to be incredibly exciting&#8217; &#8211; Why you should already be counting down to the 2027 Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C6iix4Siwtpsd4McAQFt2C-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C6iix4Siwtpsd4McAQFt2C-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We had doubts about whether to do it or not&#8217; \u2013 How the Vuelta Femenina decided the time was right to take on the Angliru<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Above all, the main reason is that the race has now grown so much that we&#8221; \u2013 the organisers \u2013 &#8220;couldn&#8217;t run the two big events on our calendar the same weekend. It&#8217;s evolved so much that we want exactly the same infrastructure as the men, so we needed some days so that all the race organisation vehicles could do the transfer.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The whole infrastructure operation would head from the finish of the men&#8217;s Tour in Paris on July 26 to the start of the women&#8217;s race in Switzerland six days later.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-un9MYXKQWm3Qugb78tFNdj\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-un9MYXKQWm3Qugb78tFNdj slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Previously, Rousse said the overlap had been to ensure that &#8220;people continued to follow us&#8221;, but now spectators had grown used to seeing the Tour de France Femmes as its own separate entity.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That was despite the two races being all part of the same whole, she said, or as she put it: &#8220;We talk about the men&#8217;s Tour and the Tour de France Femmes, but the truth is that it is one Tour de France.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s not just the Tour de France Femmes that&#8217;s evolving, either. Rousse also insisted to <em>MARCA<\/em> that the inclusion of climbs as tough as the Angliru in La Vuelta Femenina this year showed that &#8220;there are no challenges that are too tough for women. The level is more homogeneous, and constantly getting higher.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soSfqPEiQo4KQLbDoXVbGL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soSfqPEiQo4KQLbDoXVbGL-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">The men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix are both on the same day this year \u2013 great plan for more spectators, or disadvantaging the women&#8217;s race?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LjuM7dn7tCMpXfJyBtagDK-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LjuM7dn7tCMpXfJyBtagDK-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Fewer minutes but more eyeballs&#8217; \u2013 ASO race director defends reduction in women&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix broadcast and his &#8216;moron&#8217; comments on Rockets boss Bas Tietema<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J7D5LeaZ5U2yynouPeaDqg-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J7D5LeaZ5U2yynouPeaDqg-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de Romandie organisers postpone Women&#8217;s WorldTour race to 2027 to preserve &#8216;financial stability&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m happy because women&#8217;s cycling is evolving, from the start of the season, practically every weekend we have a different winner, and that creates a lot of suspense.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Maybe even more than in men&#8217;s cycling, because when [Tadej] Poga\u010dar attacks right at the start of a race, very often you already know the name of the winner.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Regarding the Mont Ventoux, and its inclusion for the first time in the 2026 Tour de France Femmes on stage 7, Rousse argued that the innate toughness of the relentlessly rising 15.7 kilometre HC climb made it the critical point of this year&#8217;s race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;From the very start of the climb, you go into the wood where it&#8217;s very steep. Then there isn&#8217;t a single kilometre where you can catch your breath. If you have a bad day, you don&#8217;t come back.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/category\/womens-cycling\/the-race-has-now-grown-so-much-tour-de-france-femmes-director-explains-change-of-dates-for-2026-edition\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tz94Pr3J9LqdLHNpiXsiEe-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 As it happened: Stage 4 mountain time trial produces huge time gaps at the top of the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women overall 2 How to watch Giro d&#8217;Italia Women 2026 \u2013 Free live streams, TV channels, schedule for the second women&#8217;s Grand Tour of the season 3 Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9-Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes 2026 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-1973336","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1973336","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1973336"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1973336\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1973336"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1973336"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1973336"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}