{"id":2070175,"date":"2026-07-31T01:10:19","date_gmt":"2026-07-30T22:10:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2070175"},"modified":"2026-07-31T01:10:19","modified_gmt":"2026-07-30T22:10:19","slug":"the-seven-riders-from-australia-and-new-zealand-taking-to-the-start-line-at-the-tour-de-france-femmes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2070175","title":{"rendered":"The seven riders from Australia and New Zealand taking to the start line at the Tour de France Femmes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNL5LRQrihiFfcMJAHKNRU-2000-80.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\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-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                                    Tour de France Femmes contenders \u2013 Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot poised for fantastic duel with Ventoux finale\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\/RktS6xfeM3cRGVHJ8omGz6-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RktS6xfeM3cRGVHJ8omGz6-80-80.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                                    &#8216;New opportunity, a fresh page&#8217; \u2013 Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney chases another Tour de France Femmes victory with team that delivers debuts for B\u00e4ckstedt, Kl\u00f6ser, Niedermaier\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\/wer6QLcyXjxskivvUjjhLj-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wer6QLcyXjxskivvUjjhLj-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\">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                                    How to watch Tour de France Femmes 2026 \u2013 Live streams and official broadcasters\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>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France Femmes\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>The seven riders from Australia and New Zealand taking to the start line at the Tour de France Femmes<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSimone Giuliani <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-31T01:10:19Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n31 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Niamh Fisher-Black returns with GC aspirations while Mackenzie Coupland will be debuting in the Australian national champion&#8217;s jersey<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" 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-[color: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\/oNL5LRQrihiFfcMJAHKNRU-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNL5LRQrihiFfcMJAHKNRU-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNL5LRQrihiFfcMJAHKNRU-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNL5LRQrihiFfcMJAHKNRU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNL5LRQrihiFfcMJAHKNRU-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNL5LRQrihiFfcMJAHKNRU-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNL5LRQrihiFfcMJAHKNRU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNL5LRQrihiFfcMJAHKNRU-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNL5LRQrihiFfcMJAHKNRU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">The experienced Amanda Spratt and debuting Australian champion Mackenzie Coupland are just two of the riders from Australia lining up to start the Tour de France Femmes on Saturday<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[var(--site-header-height,60px)] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump To:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-(--jumpto-underline-color) border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Australians<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>New Zealand<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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-e2a0107a-8a15-11f1-88b8-57fedaf011e8\">Riders from Australia and New Zealand have been ever present in the peloton at the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, perhaps more so than ever last year when Niamh Fisher-Black (Lidl-Trek) and Sarah Gigante (AG Insurance-Soudal) came fifth and sixth overall. Now, it&#8217;s time to see what the riders from these southern hemisphere nations can deliver in 2026.<\/p>\n<p>From the 11 who lined up for the last edition, a number will be returning, including Fisher-Black and Ruby Roseman-Gannon (Liv AlUla Jayco). There is also a new name on the start list, Australian champion Mackenzie Coupland (Liv AlUla Jayco). However, a solid portion of the previous starters are also missing. Gigante is out as she recovers from another surgery and Ally Wollaston isn&#8217;t in the FDJ United-Suez squad that is now completely focussed on yellow with Demi Vollering.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e2a0107a-8a15-11f1-88b8-57fedaf011e8-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The tally of riders from the nations is, in fact, the lowest ever at the modern incarnation of the Tour de France for women, down to just seven, with five coming from Australia and two from New Zealand.<\/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\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/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\">Still, while the quantity may be down, that doesn&#8217;t mean the impression they leave on the race has to be reduced. This could still be the year a rider from this patch of the world clinches a first stage win in the latest incarnation of the event and, with Fisher-Black among the group, a strong overall result is also a real possibility.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Whether or not the results come for the riders from Australia or New Zealand \u2013 many of whom are in support roles \u2013 they are sure to play a crucial role in the Tour de France Femmes as it moves through the 1,175 kilometres from the start in Switzerland on August 1 to the finale in Nice on August 9.<\/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\/4zKMy9RWdACwW2D5a6kSK9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4zKMy9RWdACwW2D5a6kSK9-150-80.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\">Australian national champion Mackenzie Coupland debuts in varied Liv AlUla Jayco line-up for Tour de France Femmes<\/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\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-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\">Tour de France Femmes contenders \u2013 Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot poised for fantastic duel with Ventoux finale<\/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\/iemamTjEsJtjARAiDGwUDD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iemamTjEsJtjARAiDGwUDD-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\">Wide open Tour de Suisse Women as Demi Vollering skips race to prepare for Tour de France Femmes &#8211; Analysing the contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-australians\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Australians<\/span><\/h3>\n<h2 id=\"brodie-chapman-uae-team-l-imad-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Brodie Chapman (UAE Team L\u2019IMAD)<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-da79cff4-8a23-11f1-b2f9-b1587c0891be\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QKGKojzBN8cQzbHsgBHhRK-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QKGKojzBN8cQzbHsgBHhRK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QKGKojzBN8cQzbHsgBHhRK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QKGKojzBN8cQzbHsgBHhRK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QKGKojzBN8cQzbHsgBHhRK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QKGKojzBN8cQzbHsgBHhRK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Brodie Chapman claims the most combative prize on stage 5 of the Tour de France 2025 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-fe4c78fe-8a15-11f1-a98a-3d1a2e0d9b56\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Brodie Chapman had one tumultuous debut at the Tour de France Femmes last year, as did the entire UAE Team ADQ squad (branded UAE Team L\u2019IMAD for this year&#8217;s edition). They lost not just leader Elisa Longo Borghini, but also a long list of other key team members, while Chapman herself also ultimately succumbed to illness and delivered a DNS on the final stage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Despite that, Chapman was still part of a Tour de France team which pursued opportunity relentlessly and delivered some seriously impressive results given the hand they were dealt. That included two stage victories with Ma\u00ebva Squiban and fourth overall for Dominika Wlodarczyk.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-5jfQnHHGteKXJaFFRAJQLi\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-5jfQnHHGteKXJaFFRAJQLi 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\">Chapman may be hoping for a smoother beginning this year, but her journey toward the second start at the Tour de France Femmes certainly has been anything but straightforward. A Tour of Flanders crash left the rider with a pelvic fracture and the long recovery that injury entailed. Still, with a combination of patience and determination she worked her way back to form, resuming racing at the Tour de Suisse and earning herself a place on the roster for the Grand Tour, which will be starting in Switzerland.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Chapman will be riding amongst a team with some serious firepower. Longo Borghini and Wlodarczyk will be back, as will the winner of two stages in 2025, Squiban. Then there is also Mavi Garc\u00eda, who picked up a stage while in Liv AlUla Jayco colours last year and Paula Blasi, who won the Vuelta Femenina in May. That means there will be plenty of work for Chapman to do as this is bound to be a team that is right in the action. The added bonus is that <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> readers will get the inside view of that rider, as the Australian is penning a column through the event.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mackenzie-coupland-liv-alula-jayco-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Mackenzie Coupland (Liv AlUla Jayco)<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-061e775a-8a2d-11f1-8770-ab1a36902f3c\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXZ9NmubvdA2yKzMwqc3Pi-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXZ9NmubvdA2yKzMwqc3Pi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXZ9NmubvdA2yKzMwqc3Pi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXZ9NmubvdA2yKzMwqc3Pi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXZ9NmubvdA2yKzMwqc3Pi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXZ9NmubvdA2yKzMwqc3Pi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Mackenzie Coupland <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-061e77be-8a2d-11f1-9e32-4dede30da950\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Australian Champion may be just 20 and in her first year in the Women&#8217;s WorldTour but Mackenzie Coupland will be lining up in Switzerland with a solid bank of results behind her. She not only won the elite national title in January but also claimed Vuelta a Extremadura Femenina in March, although she raced that with the development team, so the associated Women&#8217;s WorldToursquad missed out on scooping up their first, and only, UCI victory in Europe so far this year.<\/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\/zGGKQ8CVaKpYUFXtgyx7CC-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zGGKQ8CVaKpYUFXtgyx7CC-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\">Demi Vollering and Elisa Longo Borghini set to do battle, but super strong rivals could surprise them \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women<\/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\/6Qwro5SviMvjEWT5r6dTD4-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Qwro5SviMvjEWT5r6dTD4-150-80.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\">Can FDJ United-SUEZ defend their title without Demi Vollering? \u2013 Analysing the contenders for La Vuelta Femenina 2026<\/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\/5cVHZMLkLoKCWtWSRCJHea-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cVHZMLkLoKCWtWSRCJHea-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\">The next generation of stage racers and GC challengers \u2013 Young and rising riders to watch at La Vuelta Femenina<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What&#8217;s more, the aftorementioned wins haven&#8217;t been Coupland&#8217;s only strong results, with the rider coming third in La P\u00e9rigord Ladies in July and delivering a show of strong form leading toward her somewhat unexpected Grand Tour debut.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;To be part of the biggest race of the year is something I didn\u2019t see myself doing this year,&#8221; said Coupland. &#8220;It also being my first Grand Tour gives me a mix of excitement and nervousness, and I can\u2019t wait to race with such a supportive and motivated group of people.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"ruby-roseman-gannon-liv-alula-jayco-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ruby Roseman-Gannon (Liv AlUla Jayco)<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-22e81f28-8a3a-11f1-9709-a18d31dc7f56\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hU7vFkyS5wQNUmXjNS5zMa-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hU7vFkyS5wQNUmXjNS5zMa-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hU7vFkyS5wQNUmXjNS5zMa-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hU7vFkyS5wQNUmXjNS5zMa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hU7vFkyS5wQNUmXjNS5zMa-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hU7vFkyS5wQNUmXjNS5zMa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Ruby Roseman-Gannon <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-22e81fa0-8a3a-11f1-af41-a7630e5104f3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It will be a fourth Tour de France Femmes for Ruby Roseman-Gannon, who delivered her best result at the race with an eighth on stage 4 in her debut year of 2022. The 27-year-old is capable in the hills but also delivers a fair turn of speed in a reduced sprint, a combination that could be useful in the terrain of this year, which is rarely truly flat.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The rider who won the Australian road title and a stage of the Tour of Britain in 2024, has shown some solid form in 2026, starting the year with a criterium title and runner-up slot in the road race at the Australian National Championships. Then she came close to adding another victory to her win tally at Navarra Women&#8217;s Elite Classic, coming second to Cat Ferguson (Movistar) at the Spanish event in May.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Roseman-Gannon is a rider who could well contribute to the team&#8217;s stage win chase goal by capitalising on a break through one of the lumpier stages of the event, where the pure sprinters may have to concede a chance at victory and give an opportunity to a reduced group.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"amanda-spratt-lidl-trek-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Amanda Spratt (Lidl-Trek)<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c9542196-8c3c-11f1-ba1d-ffe659829723\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sekpaE9KRriLKTQh8yf9aC-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sekpaE9KRriLKTQh8yf9aC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sekpaE9KRriLKTQh8yf9aC-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sekpaE9KRriLKTQh8yf9aC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sekpaE9KRriLKTQh8yf9aC-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sekpaE9KRriLKTQh8yf9aC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\"> Amanda Spratt of Lidl &#8211; Trek at the 2026 Giro d&#8217;Italia Women <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-8be1eb6c-8c29-11f1-9b17-35047db74d9b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This will be Amanda Spratt&#8217;s fourth Tour de France Femmes, and her last. The rider who has stood on the podium of the Giro d&#8217;Italia, World Championships and, in 2023, also slotted into the top 10 overall at the French Grand Tour is retiring at the end of the year so this season is her farewell lap. A key figure in the sport for Australia since 2012, Spratt is bound to be lending not just her legs but also her wealth of experience to the LIdl-Trek team&#8217;s young leadership duo of Fisher-Black and Isabella Holmgren.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Despite the top 10 finish three editions back, Spratt&#8217;s experience with the Tour de France has generally been a little rockier. Crashes ended her races in 2022 and 2024, while she fell ill right before the start last year and had to head home. That has meant missing out on a chance to race some memorable climbs like the Alpe d&#8217;Huez and last year&#8217;s Col de la Madeleine, but hopefully this year&#8217;s send off will deliver a dose of Mont Ventoux that will fit well among the highlight reel of a long and fruitful career.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"lucie-fityus-picnic-postnl-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Lucie Fityus (Picnic-PostNL)<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-017f8bce-8c3c-11f1-bb00-f528948f2792\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w34EvgguFzkk5RdFDYgXSj-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w34EvgguFzkk5RdFDYgXSj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w34EvgguFzkk5RdFDYgXSj-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w34EvgguFzkk5RdFDYgXSj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w34EvgguFzkk5RdFDYgXSj-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w34EvgguFzkk5RdFDYgXSj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Lucie Fityus of Team Picnic-PostNL racing Paris-Roubaix 2026 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-63fe5600-8c27-11f1-b67c-6baab7e08fb9\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Lucie Fityus certainly didn&#8217;t get the debut Tour de France Femmes she was looking for in 2025 while racing with St Michel-Preference Home-Auber93. She crashed out in the second stage and, after that, ended up outside the time limit. But in her second edition, which she will be racing with Women&#8217;s WorldTour team Picnic-PostNL, the 25-year-old will get her chance for a redo.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The squad Fityus is part of will be chasing stage victories, with Mia Griffin the rider the team plans to pilot to the line for the sprints. It&#8217;s likely that Fityus, who herself just grabbed a top ten spot in the sprint on stage 1 of the recent Tour de Pologne, will be a valuable part of the leadout.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-missing-names-for-australia-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The missing names for Australia<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-f10a68dc-8a3c-11f1-a0bc-7d1b245df11b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There are some riders that might have been expected to be potential starters, but for one reason or another will not be lining up for the Grand D\u00e9part in Lausanne. One standout name that fit this bill among the Australians is Sarah Gigante. She delighted with her efforts in the mountains in 2025 and inspired hopes that the nation may just have found their next Tour de France podium placer. It won&#8217;t, however, be this year for the 25-year-old as a crashed in training last season and broken femur has led to a long recovery path, with multiple surgeries. She is now, however, back on the bike again so hopefully next year we will be able to add her right to the top of the list.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Then there is also Neve Bradbury (Canyon-SRAM) who is another key figure in the mountains, the last two editions slotting into a support role for Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, who won in 2024 and was once again on the podium in 2025. Niewiadoma-Phinney will have to do without Bradbury in 2026, though, with the rider having undergone iliac endofibrosis surgery in May.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-new-zealand\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>New Zealand<\/span><\/h3>\n<h2 id=\"niamh-fisher-black-lidl-trek-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Niamh Fisher-Black (Lidl-Trek)<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2d83c316-8a25-11f1-80b2-576d6346e880\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4SHXWWGxHAwWpzAfcVdciH-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4SHXWWGxHAwWpzAfcVdciH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4SHXWWGxHAwWpzAfcVdciH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4SHXWWGxHAwWpzAfcVdciH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4SHXWWGxHAwWpzAfcVdciH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4SHXWWGxHAwWpzAfcVdciH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Niamh Fisher-Black (Lidl-Trek) at the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women 2026 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-da79d170-8a23-11f1-acaa-1bac292fbcc9\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Niamh Fisher-Black is the rider to watch when the mountains hit. Not that there was any doubt of this before last year&#8217;s Tour de France Femmes, but her performance on the Col de la Madeleine, where she took to the podium, was another firm reminder of just what this 25-year-old rider from New Zealand is capable of.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After spending four seasons at SD Worx-Protime, Fisher-Black switched to Lidl-Trek last season with the aim of morphing into a leader and after sixth overall at the 2025 Vuelta Femenina, fourth at the Tour de Suisse and then fifth overall at the Tour de France you&#8217;d have to say it was a successful foray into that realm in her opening season with the squad.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year Fisher-Black is lining up at the Tour de France with more leadership experience and in the wake of a strong performance at an unpredictable edition of the Giro d&#8217;Italia. She played an ambitious and aggressive hand on the final stage of the Italian Grand Tour, giving her second on the day and helping move her up three spots on the overall. That means she is heading into this year&#8217;s Tour with a solid foundation and with her efforts in Italy as fresh evidence that she has morphed into a rider that has the confidence to take a chance in pursuit of victory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year she will be riding among a squad that also includes Isabella Holmgren, with the young Canadian&#8217;s debut providing the opportunity for the team to deliver a two-pronged approach in the mountains.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"henrietta-christie-ef-education-oatly-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Henrietta Christie (EF Education-Oatly)<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c954225e-8c3c-11f1-b4d3-efe5a7ee16ce\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qQ6rSJfhbwteLFTkBygVX-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qQ6rSJfhbwteLFTkBygVX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qQ6rSJfhbwteLFTkBygVX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qQ6rSJfhbwteLFTkBygVX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qQ6rSJfhbwteLFTkBygVX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qQ6rSJfhbwteLFTkBygVX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Henrietta Christie (EF Education-Oatly) of New Zealand signs in prior to a stage at Santos Women&#8217;s Tour Down Under 2026 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-f4b8adc2-8c2b-11f1-a8aa-4b9bf375e90a\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It is a fourth Tour de France Femmes for Henrietta Christie in 2026, and she will be lining up with a powerful EF Education-Oatly squad that has plenty of options to chase victories, from two-time Tour Down Under winner Noemi R\u00fcegg to Olympic gold medallist Kristen Faulkner and world champion Magdeleine Vallieres.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The 24-year-old from Wellington, who claimed the Tour Down Under white jersey in 2023, is likely to settle into a valuable support role at the race among a team that could well find themselves with a reason to celebrate at some point across the nine stages of racing.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-missing-riders-from-new-zealand-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The missing riders from New Zealand<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-f10a6a1c-8a3c-11f1-a4be-6f2aba6b25dd\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Among the notable omissions from New Zealand is Ally Wollaston, with the fast-finishing rider having delivered a podium result for FDJ-Suez on stage 3 in 2025. Still, while her team would likely have had a better chance on sprint days if Wollaston was there, the team of Demi Vollering made clear when announcing the squad: &#8220;We have only one goal: yellow&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ella Wyllie is another who delivered an impact in 2025, coming 12th overall, who won&#8217;t be on the start line in 2026. Her Liv AlUla Jayco team announced a roster that is stage-win focussed with Monica Trinca Colonel leading the charge in the mountains.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-19ee5244-8a3e-11f1-9ada-e963dc4bca07\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>Support our unrivalled coverage of the Tour de France Femmes and women&#8217;s cycling by subscribing to Cyclingnews. In return, you get unlimited access to high-quality journalism, with breaking news, race analysis, and expert insight from inside the women&#8217;s peloton. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-5jfQnHHGteKXJaFFRAJQLi\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-5jfQnHHGteKXJaFFRAJQLi 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\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah.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\">Simone Giuliani<\/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 class=\"author__role\">Australia Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Simone is a degree-qualified journalist that has accumulated decades of wide-ranging experience while working across a variety of leading media organisations. She joined <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> as a Production Editor at the start of the 2021 season and has now moved into the role of Australia Editor. Previously she worked as a freelance writer, Australian Editor at <em>Ella CyclingTips<\/em> and as a correspondent for <em>Reuters<\/em> and <em>Bloomberg<\/em>. Cycling was initially purely a leisure pursuit for Simone, who started out as a business journalist, but in 2015 her career focus also shifted to the sport.<\/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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4zKMy9RWdACwW2D5a6kSK9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4zKMy9RWdACwW2D5a6kSK9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4zKMy9RWdACwW2D5a6kSK9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4zKMy9RWdACwW2D5a6kSK9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4zKMy9RWdACwW2D5a6kSK9-320-80.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\">Australian national champion Mackenzie Coupland debuts in varied Liv AlUla Jayco line-up for 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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-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\">Tour de France Femmes contenders \u2013 Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot poised for fantastic duel with Ventoux 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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iemamTjEsJtjARAiDGwUDD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iemamTjEsJtjARAiDGwUDD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iemamTjEsJtjARAiDGwUDD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iemamTjEsJtjARAiDGwUDD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iemamTjEsJtjARAiDGwUDD-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\">Wide open Tour de Suisse Women as Demi Vollering skips race to prepare for Tour de France Femmes &#8211; Analysing the contenders<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zGGKQ8CVaKpYUFXtgyx7CC-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zGGKQ8CVaKpYUFXtgyx7CC-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zGGKQ8CVaKpYUFXtgyx7CC-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zGGKQ8CVaKpYUFXtgyx7CC-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zGGKQ8CVaKpYUFXtgyx7CC-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\">Demi Vollering and Elisa Longo Borghini set to do battle, but super strong rivals could surprise them \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Qwro5SviMvjEWT5r6dTD4-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Qwro5SviMvjEWT5r6dTD4-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Qwro5SviMvjEWT5r6dTD4-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Qwro5SviMvjEWT5r6dTD4-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Qwro5SviMvjEWT5r6dTD4-320-80.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\">Can FDJ United-SUEZ defend their title without Demi Vollering? \u2013 Analysing the contenders for La Vuelta Femenina 2026<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cVHZMLkLoKCWtWSRCJHea-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cVHZMLkLoKCWtWSRCJHea-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cVHZMLkLoKCWtWSRCJHea-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cVHZMLkLoKCWtWSRCJHea-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cVHZMLkLoKCWtWSRCJHea-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\">The next generation of stage racers and GC challengers \u2013 Young and rising riders to watch at La Vuelta Femenina<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-320-80.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 other teams know our strategy&#8217; \u2013 UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD start Tour de France Femmes with strength in depth and Longo Borghini and Blasi at the helm<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8r6nc4LCSG6ojytsGfLBD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8r6nc4LCSG6ojytsGfLBD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8r6nc4LCSG6ojytsGfLBD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8r6nc4LCSG6ojytsGfLBD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8r6nc4LCSG6ojytsGfLBD-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\">SD Worx-Protime led by Lotte Kopecky, Lorena Wiebes and Anna van der Breggen at uncontrollable Tour de France Femmes with mixed ambitions<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-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\">&#8216;I pick my battle, and I choose the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Forget year-long dominance, Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot is all about delivering when it counts most<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dS8bsRq2ekBAtzZtBGdBWb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dS8bsRq2ekBAtzZtBGdBWb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dS8bsRq2ekBAtzZtBGdBWb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dS8bsRq2ekBAtzZtBGdBWb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dS8bsRq2ekBAtzZtBGdBWb-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\">No riders revealed but Decathlon CMA CGM confirm creation of women&#8217;s team for 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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EuykcKHCRukC6UPNZT9aV-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EuykcKHCRukC6UPNZT9aV-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EuykcKHCRukC6UPNZT9aV-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EuykcKHCRukC6UPNZT9aV-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EuykcKHCRukC6UPNZT9aV-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\">Kristen Faulkner, Noemi R\u00fcegg join world champion on EF Education-Oatly&#8217;s Tour de France Femmes roster<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-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;Last year&#8217;s victory doesn&#8217;t guarantee anything&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot set to defend Tour de France Femmes title with balanced Visma support squad<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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 Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-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\">&#8216;I pick my battle, and I choose the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Forget year-long dominance, Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot is all about delivering when it counts most<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8p6Mc4zX9wMKoj4au5g4qe-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8p6Mc4zX9wMKoj4au5g4qe-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8p6Mc4zX9wMKoj4au5g4qe-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8p6Mc4zX9wMKoj4au5g4qe-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8p6Mc4zX9wMKoj4au5g4qe-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\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Cooke&#8217;s Mont Ventoux masterclass and a C\u00f4te d&#8217;Azur classic \u2013 A history of the Tour de France Femmes&#8217; key climbs<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jYQwNfFJ6KcW6PUrza45Ck-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jYQwNfFJ6KcW6PUrza45Ck-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jYQwNfFJ6KcW6PUrza45Ck-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jYQwNfFJ6KcW6PUrza45Ck-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jYQwNfFJ6KcW6PUrza45Ck-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\">Will Tadej Poga\u010dar win a sixth Tour de France? &#8211; What can we expect from the 2027 Grand Boucle<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKWF6VNwL8aBFdUFVhiyPR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKWF6VNwL8aBFdUFVhiyPR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKWF6VNwL8aBFdUFVhiyPR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKWF6VNwL8aBFdUFVhiyPR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKWF6VNwL8aBFdUFVhiyPR-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\">Wheels &amp; Tyres<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">What are the fastest UCI-legal road wheels? Wind tunnel testing the big-name brands and Chinese contenders<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dbzz8VNsXoCE8rLCWo5WfM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dbzz8VNsXoCE8rLCWo5WfM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dbzz8VNsXoCE8rLCWo5WfM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dbzz8VNsXoCE8rLCWo5WfM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dbzz8VNsXoCE8rLCWo5WfM-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\">Delving beyond the Mont Ventoux showstopper: Analysing the key stages of the 2026 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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-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;Pauline will be on the same level or better; we are only focused on ourselves&#8217; \u2013 Inside FDJ United-Suez and Demi Vollering&#8217;s preparation, mindset and ambitions for the 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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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 class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/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>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jYQwNfFJ6KcW6PUrza45Ck-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jYQwNfFJ6KcW6PUrza45Ck-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jYQwNfFJ6KcW6PUrza45Ck-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jYQwNfFJ6KcW6PUrza45Ck-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/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\">\n<p>Will Tadej Poga\u010dar win a sixth Tour de France? &#8211; What can we expect from the 2027 Grand Boucle<\/p>\n<\/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\">\n<p>&#8216;I don&#8217;t think other teams know our strategy&#8217; \u2013 UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD start Tour de France Femmes with strength in depth and Longo Borghini and Blasi at the helm<\/p>\n<\/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\">\n<p>Jonas Vingegaard reveals Tadej Poga\u010dar messaged him after Tour de France crash, says rivalry has &#8216;become a lot friendlier there in the last couple of years&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/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\">\n<p>&#8216;This is the best year for Tadej Poga\u010dar to come&#8217;\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a director confident in Tour de France champion&#8217;s participation, with little concern over likely dominance<\/p>\n<\/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\">\n<p>SD Worx-Protime led by Lotte Kopecky, Lorena Wiebes and Anna van der Breggen at uncontrollable Tour de France Femmes with mixed ambitions<\/p>\n<\/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>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France Femmes\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>The seven riders from Australia and New Zealand taking to the start line at the Tour de France Femmes<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSimone Giuliani <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-31T01:10:19Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n31 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Niamh Fisher-Black returns with GC aspirations while Mackenzie Coupland will be debuting in the Australian national champion&#8217;s jersey<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" 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-[color: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\/oNL5LRQrihiFfcMJAHKNRU-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNL5LRQrihiFfcMJAHKNRU-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNL5LRQrihiFfcMJAHKNRU-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNL5LRQrihiFfcMJAHKNRU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNL5LRQrihiFfcMJAHKNRU-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNL5LRQrihiFfcMJAHKNRU-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNL5LRQrihiFfcMJAHKNRU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNL5LRQrihiFfcMJAHKNRU-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNL5LRQrihiFfcMJAHKNRU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">The experienced Amanda Spratt and debuting Australian champion Mackenzie Coupland are just two of the riders from Australia lining up to start the Tour de France Femmes on Saturday<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[var(--site-header-height,60px)] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump To:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-(--jumpto-underline-color) border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Australians<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>New Zealand<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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-e2a0107a-8a15-11f1-88b8-57fedaf011e8\">Riders from Australia and New Zealand have been ever present in the peloton at the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, perhaps more so than ever last year when Niamh Fisher-Black (Lidl-Trek) and Sarah Gigante (AG Insurance-Soudal) came fifth and sixth overall. Now, it&#8217;s time to see what the riders from these southern hemisphere nations can deliver in 2026.<\/p>\n<p>From the 11 who lined up for the last edition, a number will be returning, including Fisher-Black and Ruby Roseman-Gannon (Liv AlUla Jayco). There is also a new name on the start list, Australian champion Mackenzie Coupland (Liv AlUla Jayco). However, a solid portion of the previous starters are also missing. Gigante is out as she recovers from another surgery and Ally Wollaston isn&#8217;t in the FDJ United-Suez squad that is now completely focussed on yellow with Demi Vollering.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e2a0107a-8a15-11f1-88b8-57fedaf011e8-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The tally of riders from the nations is, in fact, the lowest ever at the modern incarnation of the Tour de France for women, down to just seven, with five coming from Australia and two from New Zealand.<\/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\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/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\">Still, while the quantity may be down, that doesn&#8217;t mean the impression they leave on the race has to be reduced. This could still be the year a rider from this patch of the world clinches a first stage win in the latest incarnation of the event and, with Fisher-Black among the group, a strong overall result is also a real possibility.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Whether or not the results come for the riders from Australia or New Zealand \u2013 many of whom are in support roles \u2013 they are sure to play a crucial role in the Tour de France Femmes as it moves through the 1,175 kilometres from the start in Switzerland on August 1 to the finale in Nice on August 9.<\/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\/4zKMy9RWdACwW2D5a6kSK9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4zKMy9RWdACwW2D5a6kSK9-150-80.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\">Australian national champion Mackenzie Coupland debuts in varied Liv AlUla Jayco line-up for Tour de France Femmes<\/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\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-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\">Tour de France Femmes contenders \u2013 Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot poised for fantastic duel with Ventoux finale<\/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\/iemamTjEsJtjARAiDGwUDD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iemamTjEsJtjARAiDGwUDD-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\">Wide open Tour de Suisse Women as Demi Vollering skips race to prepare for Tour de France Femmes &#8211; Analysing the contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-australians\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Australians<\/span><\/h3>\n<h2 id=\"brodie-chapman-uae-team-l-imad-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Brodie Chapman (UAE Team L\u2019IMAD)<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-da79cff4-8a23-11f1-b2f9-b1587c0891be\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QKGKojzBN8cQzbHsgBHhRK-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QKGKojzBN8cQzbHsgBHhRK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QKGKojzBN8cQzbHsgBHhRK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QKGKojzBN8cQzbHsgBHhRK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QKGKojzBN8cQzbHsgBHhRK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QKGKojzBN8cQzbHsgBHhRK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Brodie Chapman claims the most combative prize on stage 5 of the Tour de France 2025 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-fe4c78fe-8a15-11f1-a98a-3d1a2e0d9b56\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Brodie Chapman had one tumultuous debut at the Tour de France Femmes last year, as did the entire UAE Team ADQ squad (branded UAE Team L\u2019IMAD for this year&#8217;s edition). They lost not just leader Elisa Longo Borghini, but also a long list of other key team members, while Chapman herself also ultimately succumbed to illness and delivered a DNS on the final stage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Despite that, Chapman was still part of a Tour de France team which pursued opportunity relentlessly and delivered some seriously impressive results given the hand they were dealt. That included two stage victories with Ma\u00ebva Squiban and fourth overall for Dominika Wlodarczyk.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-5jfQnHHGteKXJaFFRAJQLi\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-5jfQnHHGteKXJaFFRAJQLi 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\">Chapman may be hoping for a smoother beginning this year, but her journey toward the second start at the Tour de France Femmes certainly has been anything but straightforward. A Tour of Flanders crash left the rider with a pelvic fracture and the long recovery that injury entailed. Still, with a combination of patience and determination she worked her way back to form, resuming racing at the Tour de Suisse and earning herself a place on the roster for the Grand Tour, which will be starting in Switzerland.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Chapman will be riding amongst a team with some serious firepower. Longo Borghini and Wlodarczyk will be back, as will the winner of two stages in 2025, Squiban. Then there is also Mavi Garc\u00eda, who picked up a stage while in Liv AlUla Jayco colours last year and Paula Blasi, who won the Vuelta Femenina in May. That means there will be plenty of work for Chapman to do as this is bound to be a team that is right in the action. The added bonus is that <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> readers will get the inside view of that rider, as the Australian is penning a column through the event.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mackenzie-coupland-liv-alula-jayco-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Mackenzie Coupland (Liv AlUla Jayco)<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-061e775a-8a2d-11f1-8770-ab1a36902f3c\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXZ9NmubvdA2yKzMwqc3Pi-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXZ9NmubvdA2yKzMwqc3Pi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXZ9NmubvdA2yKzMwqc3Pi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXZ9NmubvdA2yKzMwqc3Pi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXZ9NmubvdA2yKzMwqc3Pi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXZ9NmubvdA2yKzMwqc3Pi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Mackenzie Coupland <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-061e77be-8a2d-11f1-9e32-4dede30da950\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Australian Champion may be just 20 and in her first year in the Women&#8217;s WorldTour but Mackenzie Coupland will be lining up in Switzerland with a solid bank of results behind her. She not only won the elite national title in January but also claimed Vuelta a Extremadura Femenina in March, although she raced that with the development team, so the associated Women&#8217;s WorldToursquad missed out on scooping up their first, and only, UCI victory in Europe so far this year.<\/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\/zGGKQ8CVaKpYUFXtgyx7CC-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zGGKQ8CVaKpYUFXtgyx7CC-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\">Demi Vollering and Elisa Longo Borghini set to do battle, but super strong rivals could surprise them \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women<\/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\/6Qwro5SviMvjEWT5r6dTD4-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Qwro5SviMvjEWT5r6dTD4-150-80.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\">Can FDJ United-SUEZ defend their title without Demi Vollering? \u2013 Analysing the contenders for La Vuelta Femenina 2026<\/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\/5cVHZMLkLoKCWtWSRCJHea-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cVHZMLkLoKCWtWSRCJHea-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\">The next generation of stage racers and GC challengers \u2013 Young and rising riders to watch at La Vuelta Femenina<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What&#8217;s more, the aftorementioned wins haven&#8217;t been Coupland&#8217;s only strong results, with the rider coming third in La P\u00e9rigord Ladies in July and delivering a show of strong form leading toward her somewhat unexpected Grand Tour debut.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;To be part of the biggest race of the year is something I didn\u2019t see myself doing this year,&#8221; said Coupland. &#8220;It also being my first Grand Tour gives me a mix of excitement and nervousness, and I can\u2019t wait to race with such a supportive and motivated group of people.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"ruby-roseman-gannon-liv-alula-jayco-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ruby Roseman-Gannon (Liv AlUla Jayco)<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-22e81f28-8a3a-11f1-9709-a18d31dc7f56\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hU7vFkyS5wQNUmXjNS5zMa-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hU7vFkyS5wQNUmXjNS5zMa-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hU7vFkyS5wQNUmXjNS5zMa-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hU7vFkyS5wQNUmXjNS5zMa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hU7vFkyS5wQNUmXjNS5zMa-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hU7vFkyS5wQNUmXjNS5zMa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Ruby Roseman-Gannon <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-22e81fa0-8a3a-11f1-af41-a7630e5104f3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It will be a fourth Tour de France Femmes for Ruby Roseman-Gannon, who delivered her best result at the race with an eighth on stage 4 in her debut year of 2022. The 27-year-old is capable in the hills but also delivers a fair turn of speed in a reduced sprint, a combination that could be useful in the terrain of this year, which is rarely truly flat.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The rider who won the Australian road title and a stage of the Tour of Britain in 2024, has shown some solid form in 2026, starting the year with a criterium title and runner-up slot in the road race at the Australian National Championships. Then she came close to adding another victory to her win tally at Navarra Women&#8217;s Elite Classic, coming second to Cat Ferguson (Movistar) at the Spanish event in May.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Roseman-Gannon is a rider who could well contribute to the team&#8217;s stage win chase goal by capitalising on a break through one of the lumpier stages of the event, where the pure sprinters may have to concede a chance at victory and give an opportunity to a reduced group.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"amanda-spratt-lidl-trek-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Amanda Spratt (Lidl-Trek)<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c9542196-8c3c-11f1-ba1d-ffe659829723\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sekpaE9KRriLKTQh8yf9aC-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sekpaE9KRriLKTQh8yf9aC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sekpaE9KRriLKTQh8yf9aC-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sekpaE9KRriLKTQh8yf9aC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sekpaE9KRriLKTQh8yf9aC-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sekpaE9KRriLKTQh8yf9aC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\"> Amanda Spratt of Lidl &#8211; Trek at the 2026 Giro d&#8217;Italia Women <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-8be1eb6c-8c29-11f1-9b17-35047db74d9b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This will be Amanda Spratt&#8217;s fourth Tour de France Femmes, and her last. The rider who has stood on the podium of the Giro d&#8217;Italia, World Championships and, in 2023, also slotted into the top 10 overall at the French Grand Tour is retiring at the end of the year so this season is her farewell lap. A key figure in the sport for Australia since 2012, Spratt is bound to be lending not just her legs but also her wealth of experience to the LIdl-Trek team&#8217;s young leadership duo of Fisher-Black and Isabella Holmgren.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Despite the top 10 finish three editions back, Spratt&#8217;s experience with the Tour de France has generally been a little rockier. Crashes ended her races in 2022 and 2024, while she fell ill right before the start last year and had to head home. That has meant missing out on a chance to race some memorable climbs like the Alpe d&#8217;Huez and last year&#8217;s Col de la Madeleine, but hopefully this year&#8217;s send off will deliver a dose of Mont Ventoux that will fit well among the highlight reel of a long and fruitful career.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"lucie-fityus-picnic-postnl-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Lucie Fityus (Picnic-PostNL)<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-017f8bce-8c3c-11f1-bb00-f528948f2792\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w34EvgguFzkk5RdFDYgXSj-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w34EvgguFzkk5RdFDYgXSj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w34EvgguFzkk5RdFDYgXSj-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w34EvgguFzkk5RdFDYgXSj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w34EvgguFzkk5RdFDYgXSj-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w34EvgguFzkk5RdFDYgXSj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Lucie Fityus of Team Picnic-PostNL racing Paris-Roubaix 2026 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-63fe5600-8c27-11f1-b67c-6baab7e08fb9\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Lucie Fityus certainly didn&#8217;t get the debut Tour de France Femmes she was looking for in 2025 while racing with St Michel-Preference Home-Auber93. She crashed out in the second stage and, after that, ended up outside the time limit. But in her second edition, which she will be racing with Women&#8217;s WorldTour team Picnic-PostNL, the 25-year-old will get her chance for a redo.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The squad Fityus is part of will be chasing stage victories, with Mia Griffin the rider the team plans to pilot to the line for the sprints. It&#8217;s likely that Fityus, who herself just grabbed a top ten spot in the sprint on stage 1 of the recent Tour de Pologne, will be a valuable part of the leadout.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-missing-names-for-australia-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The missing names for Australia<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-f10a68dc-8a3c-11f1-a0bc-7d1b245df11b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There are some riders that might have been expected to be potential starters, but for one reason or another will not be lining up for the Grand D\u00e9part in Lausanne. One standout name that fit this bill among the Australians is Sarah Gigante. She delighted with her efforts in the mountains in 2025 and inspired hopes that the nation may just have found their next Tour de France podium placer. It won&#8217;t, however, be this year for the 25-year-old as a crashed in training last season and broken femur has led to a long recovery path, with multiple surgeries. She is now, however, back on the bike again so hopefully next year we will be able to add her right to the top of the list.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Then there is also Neve Bradbury (Canyon-SRAM) who is another key figure in the mountains, the last two editions slotting into a support role for Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, who won in 2024 and was once again on the podium in 2025. Niewiadoma-Phinney will have to do without Bradbury in 2026, though, with the rider having undergone iliac endofibrosis surgery in May.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-new-zealand\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>New Zealand<\/span><\/h3>\n<h2 id=\"niamh-fisher-black-lidl-trek-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Niamh Fisher-Black (Lidl-Trek)<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2d83c316-8a25-11f1-80b2-576d6346e880\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4SHXWWGxHAwWpzAfcVdciH-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4SHXWWGxHAwWpzAfcVdciH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4SHXWWGxHAwWpzAfcVdciH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4SHXWWGxHAwWpzAfcVdciH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4SHXWWGxHAwWpzAfcVdciH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4SHXWWGxHAwWpzAfcVdciH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Niamh Fisher-Black (Lidl-Trek) at the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women 2026 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-da79d170-8a23-11f1-acaa-1bac292fbcc9\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Niamh Fisher-Black is the rider to watch when the mountains hit. Not that there was any doubt of this before last year&#8217;s Tour de France Femmes, but her performance on the Col de la Madeleine, where she took to the podium, was another firm reminder of just what this 25-year-old rider from New Zealand is capable of.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After spending four seasons at SD Worx-Protime, Fisher-Black switched to Lidl-Trek last season with the aim of morphing into a leader and after sixth overall at the 2025 Vuelta Femenina, fourth at the Tour de Suisse and then fifth overall at the Tour de France you&#8217;d have to say it was a successful foray into that realm in her opening season with the squad.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year Fisher-Black is lining up at the Tour de France with more leadership experience and in the wake of a strong performance at an unpredictable edition of the Giro d&#8217;Italia. She played an ambitious and aggressive hand on the final stage of the Italian Grand Tour, giving her second on the day and helping move her up three spots on the overall. That means she is heading into this year&#8217;s Tour with a solid foundation and with her efforts in Italy as fresh evidence that she has morphed into a rider that has the confidence to take a chance in pursuit of victory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year she will be riding among a squad that also includes Isabella Holmgren, with the young Canadian&#8217;s debut providing the opportunity for the team to deliver a two-pronged approach in the mountains.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"henrietta-christie-ef-education-oatly-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Henrietta Christie (EF Education-Oatly)<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c954225e-8c3c-11f1-b4d3-efe5a7ee16ce\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qQ6rSJfhbwteLFTkBygVX-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qQ6rSJfhbwteLFTkBygVX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qQ6rSJfhbwteLFTkBygVX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qQ6rSJfhbwteLFTkBygVX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qQ6rSJfhbwteLFTkBygVX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qQ6rSJfhbwteLFTkBygVX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Henrietta Christie (EF Education-Oatly) of New Zealand signs in prior to a stage at Santos Women&#8217;s Tour Down Under 2026 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-f4b8adc2-8c2b-11f1-a8aa-4b9bf375e90a\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It is a fourth Tour de France Femmes for Henrietta Christie in 2026, and she will be lining up with a powerful EF Education-Oatly squad that has plenty of options to chase victories, from two-time Tour Down Under winner Noemi R\u00fcegg to Olympic gold medallist Kristen Faulkner and world champion Magdeleine Vallieres.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The 24-year-old from Wellington, who claimed the Tour Down Under white jersey in 2023, is likely to settle into a valuable support role at the race among a team that could well find themselves with a reason to celebrate at some point across the nine stages of racing.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-missing-riders-from-new-zealand-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The missing riders from New Zealand<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-f10a6a1c-8a3c-11f1-a4be-6f2aba6b25dd\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Among the notable omissions from New Zealand is Ally Wollaston, with the fast-finishing rider having delivered a podium result for FDJ-Suez on stage 3 in 2025. Still, while her team would likely have had a better chance on sprint days if Wollaston was there, the team of Demi Vollering made clear when announcing the squad: &#8220;We have only one goal: yellow&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ella Wyllie is another who delivered an impact in 2025, coming 12th overall, who won&#8217;t be on the start line in 2026. Her Liv AlUla Jayco team announced a roster that is stage-win focussed with Monica Trinca Colonel leading the charge in the mountains.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-19ee5244-8a3e-11f1-9ada-e963dc4bca07\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>Support our unrivalled coverage of the Tour de France Femmes and women&#8217;s cycling by subscribing to Cyclingnews. In return, you get unlimited access to high-quality journalism, with breaking news, race analysis, and expert insight from inside the women&#8217;s peloton. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-5jfQnHHGteKXJaFFRAJQLi\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-5jfQnHHGteKXJaFFRAJQLi 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\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah.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\">Simone Giuliani<\/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 class=\"author__role\">Australia Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Simone is a degree-qualified journalist that has accumulated decades of wide-ranging experience while working across a variety of leading media organisations. She joined <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> as a Production Editor at the start of the 2021 season and has now moved into the role of Australia Editor. Previously she worked as a freelance writer, Australian Editor at <em>Ella CyclingTips<\/em> and as a correspondent for <em>Reuters<\/em> and <em>Bloomberg<\/em>. Cycling was initially purely a leisure pursuit for Simone, who started out as a business journalist, but in 2015 her career focus also shifted to the sport.<\/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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4zKMy9RWdACwW2D5a6kSK9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4zKMy9RWdACwW2D5a6kSK9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4zKMy9RWdACwW2D5a6kSK9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4zKMy9RWdACwW2D5a6kSK9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4zKMy9RWdACwW2D5a6kSK9-320-80.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\">Australian national champion Mackenzie Coupland debuts in varied Liv AlUla Jayco line-up for 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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-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\">Tour de France Femmes contenders \u2013 Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot poised for fantastic duel with Ventoux 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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iemamTjEsJtjARAiDGwUDD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iemamTjEsJtjARAiDGwUDD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iemamTjEsJtjARAiDGwUDD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iemamTjEsJtjARAiDGwUDD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iemamTjEsJtjARAiDGwUDD-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\">Wide open Tour de Suisse Women as Demi Vollering skips race to prepare for Tour de France Femmes &#8211; Analysing the contenders<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zGGKQ8CVaKpYUFXtgyx7CC-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zGGKQ8CVaKpYUFXtgyx7CC-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zGGKQ8CVaKpYUFXtgyx7CC-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zGGKQ8CVaKpYUFXtgyx7CC-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zGGKQ8CVaKpYUFXtgyx7CC-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\">Demi Vollering and Elisa Longo Borghini set to do battle, but super strong rivals could surprise them \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Qwro5SviMvjEWT5r6dTD4-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Qwro5SviMvjEWT5r6dTD4-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Qwro5SviMvjEWT5r6dTD4-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Qwro5SviMvjEWT5r6dTD4-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Qwro5SviMvjEWT5r6dTD4-320-80.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\">Can FDJ United-SUEZ defend their title without Demi Vollering? \u2013 Analysing the contenders for La Vuelta Femenina 2026<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cVHZMLkLoKCWtWSRCJHea-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cVHZMLkLoKCWtWSRCJHea-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cVHZMLkLoKCWtWSRCJHea-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cVHZMLkLoKCWtWSRCJHea-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cVHZMLkLoKCWtWSRCJHea-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\">The next generation of stage racers and GC challengers \u2013 Young and rising riders to watch at La Vuelta Femenina<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-320-80.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 other teams know our strategy&#8217; \u2013 UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD start Tour de France Femmes with strength in depth and Longo Borghini and Blasi at the helm<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8r6nc4LCSG6ojytsGfLBD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8r6nc4LCSG6ojytsGfLBD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8r6nc4LCSG6ojytsGfLBD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8r6nc4LCSG6ojytsGfLBD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8r6nc4LCSG6ojytsGfLBD-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\">SD Worx-Protime led by Lotte Kopecky, Lorena Wiebes and Anna van der Breggen at uncontrollable Tour de France Femmes with mixed ambitions<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-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\">&#8216;I pick my battle, and I choose the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Forget year-long dominance, Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot is all about delivering when it counts most<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dS8bsRq2ekBAtzZtBGdBWb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dS8bsRq2ekBAtzZtBGdBWb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dS8bsRq2ekBAtzZtBGdBWb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dS8bsRq2ekBAtzZtBGdBWb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dS8bsRq2ekBAtzZtBGdBWb-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\">No riders revealed but Decathlon CMA CGM confirm creation of women&#8217;s team for 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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EuykcKHCRukC6UPNZT9aV-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EuykcKHCRukC6UPNZT9aV-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EuykcKHCRukC6UPNZT9aV-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EuykcKHCRukC6UPNZT9aV-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EuykcKHCRukC6UPNZT9aV-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\">Kristen Faulkner, Noemi R\u00fcegg join world champion on EF Education-Oatly&#8217;s Tour de France Femmes roster<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-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;Last year&#8217;s victory doesn&#8217;t guarantee anything&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot set to defend Tour de France Femmes title with balanced Visma support squad<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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 Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-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\">&#8216;I pick my battle, and I choose the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Forget year-long dominance, Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot is all about delivering when it counts most<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8p6Mc4zX9wMKoj4au5g4qe-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8p6Mc4zX9wMKoj4au5g4qe-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8p6Mc4zX9wMKoj4au5g4qe-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8p6Mc4zX9wMKoj4au5g4qe-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8p6Mc4zX9wMKoj4au5g4qe-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\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Cooke&#8217;s Mont Ventoux masterclass and a C\u00f4te d&#8217;Azur classic \u2013 A history of the Tour de France Femmes&#8217; key climbs<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jYQwNfFJ6KcW6PUrza45Ck-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jYQwNfFJ6KcW6PUrza45Ck-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jYQwNfFJ6KcW6PUrza45Ck-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jYQwNfFJ6KcW6PUrza45Ck-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jYQwNfFJ6KcW6PUrza45Ck-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\">Will Tadej Poga\u010dar win a sixth Tour de France? &#8211; What can we expect from the 2027 Grand Boucle<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKWF6VNwL8aBFdUFVhiyPR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKWF6VNwL8aBFdUFVhiyPR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKWF6VNwL8aBFdUFVhiyPR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKWF6VNwL8aBFdUFVhiyPR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKWF6VNwL8aBFdUFVhiyPR-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\">Wheels &amp; Tyres<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">What are the fastest UCI-legal road wheels? Wind tunnel testing the big-name brands and Chinese contenders<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dbzz8VNsXoCE8rLCWo5WfM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dbzz8VNsXoCE8rLCWo5WfM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dbzz8VNsXoCE8rLCWo5WfM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dbzz8VNsXoCE8rLCWo5WfM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dbzz8VNsXoCE8rLCWo5WfM-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\">Delving beyond the Mont Ventoux showstopper: Analysing the key stages of the 2026 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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-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;Pauline will be on the same level or better; we are only focused on ourselves&#8217; \u2013 Inside FDJ United-Suez and Demi Vollering&#8217;s preparation, mindset and ambitions for the 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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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 class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/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>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jYQwNfFJ6KcW6PUrza45Ck-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jYQwNfFJ6KcW6PUrza45Ck-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jYQwNfFJ6KcW6PUrza45Ck-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jYQwNfFJ6KcW6PUrza45Ck-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/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\">\n<p>Will Tadej Poga\u010dar win a sixth Tour de France? &#8211; What can we expect from the 2027 Grand Boucle<\/p>\n<\/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\">\n<p>&#8216;I don&#8217;t think other teams know our strategy&#8217; \u2013 UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD start Tour de France Femmes with strength in depth and Longo Borghini and Blasi at the helm<\/p>\n<\/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\">\n<p>Jonas Vingegaard reveals Tadej Poga\u010dar messaged him after Tour de France crash, says rivalry has &#8216;become a lot friendlier there in the last couple of years&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/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\">\n<p>&#8216;This is the best year for Tadej Poga\u010dar to come&#8217;\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a director confident in Tour de France champion&#8217;s participation, with little concern over likely dominance<\/p>\n<\/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\">\n<p>SD Worx-Protime led by Lotte Kopecky, Lorena Wiebes and Anna van der Breggen at uncontrollable Tour de France Femmes with mixed ambitions<\/p>\n<\/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>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France Femmes\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>The seven riders from Australia and New Zealand taking to the start line at the Tour de France Femmes<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSimone Giuliani <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-31T01:10:19Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n31 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Niamh Fisher-Black returns with GC aspirations while Mackenzie Coupland will be debuting in the Australian national champion&#8217;s jersey<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" 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-[color: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 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-e2a0107a-8a15-11f1-88b8-57fedaf011e8\">Riders from Australia and New Zealand have been ever present in the peloton at the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, perhaps more so than ever last year when Niamh Fisher-Black (Lidl-Trek) and Sarah Gigante (AG Insurance-Soudal) came fifth and sixth overall. Now, it&#8217;s time to see what the riders from these southern hemisphere nations can deliver in 2026.<\/p>\n<p>From the 11 who lined up for the last edition, a number will be returning, including Fisher-Black and Ruby Roseman-Gannon (Liv AlUla Jayco). There is also a new name on the start list, Australian champion Mackenzie Coupland (Liv AlUla Jayco). However, a solid portion of the previous starters are also missing. Gigante is out as she recovers from another surgery and Ally Wollaston isn&#8217;t in the FDJ United-Suez squad that is now completely focussed on yellow with Demi Vollering.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e2a0107a-8a15-11f1-88b8-57fedaf011e8-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The tally of riders from the nations is, in fact, the lowest ever at the modern incarnation of the Tour de France for women, down to just seven, with five coming from Australia and two from New Zealand.<\/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\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/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\">Still, while the quantity may be down, that doesn&#8217;t mean the impression they leave on the race has to be reduced. This could still be the year a rider from this patch of the world clinches a first stage win in the latest incarnation of the event and, with Fisher-Black among the group, a strong overall result is also a real possibility.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Whether or not the results come for the riders from Australia or New Zealand \u2013 many of whom are in support roles \u2013 they are sure to play a crucial role in the Tour de France Femmes as it moves through the 1,175 kilometres from the start in Switzerland on August 1 to the finale in Nice on August 9.<\/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\/4zKMy9RWdACwW2D5a6kSK9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4zKMy9RWdACwW2D5a6kSK9-150-80.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\">Australian national champion Mackenzie Coupland debuts in varied Liv AlUla Jayco line-up for Tour de France Femmes<\/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\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-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\">Tour de France Femmes contenders \u2013 Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot poised for fantastic duel with Ventoux finale<\/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\/iemamTjEsJtjARAiDGwUDD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iemamTjEsJtjARAiDGwUDD-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\">Wide open Tour de Suisse Women as Demi Vollering skips race to prepare for Tour de France Femmes &#8211; Analysing the contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-australians\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Australians<\/span><\/h3>\n<h2 id=\"brodie-chapman-uae-team-l-imad-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Brodie Chapman (UAE Team L\u2019IMAD)<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-da79cff4-8a23-11f1-b2f9-b1587c0891be\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QKGKojzBN8cQzbHsgBHhRK-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QKGKojzBN8cQzbHsgBHhRK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QKGKojzBN8cQzbHsgBHhRK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QKGKojzBN8cQzbHsgBHhRK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QKGKojzBN8cQzbHsgBHhRK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QKGKojzBN8cQzbHsgBHhRK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Brodie Chapman claims the most combative prize on stage 5 of the Tour de France 2025 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-fe4c78fe-8a15-11f1-a98a-3d1a2e0d9b56\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Brodie Chapman had one tumultuous debut at the Tour de France Femmes last year, as did the entire UAE Team ADQ squad (branded UAE Team L\u2019IMAD for this year&#8217;s edition). They lost not just leader Elisa Longo Borghini, but also a long list of other key team members, while Chapman herself also ultimately succumbed to illness and delivered a DNS on the final stage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Despite that, Chapman was still part of a Tour de France team which pursued opportunity relentlessly and delivered some seriously impressive results given the hand they were dealt. That included two stage victories with Ma\u00ebva Squiban and fourth overall for Dominika Wlodarczyk.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-5jfQnHHGteKXJaFFRAJQLi\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-5jfQnHHGteKXJaFFRAJQLi 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\">Chapman may be hoping for a smoother beginning this year, but her journey toward the second start at the Tour de France Femmes certainly has been anything but straightforward. A Tour of Flanders crash left the rider with a pelvic fracture and the long recovery that injury entailed. Still, with a combination of patience and determination she worked her way back to form, resuming racing at the Tour de Suisse and earning herself a place on the roster for the Grand Tour, which will be starting in Switzerland.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Chapman will be riding amongst a team with some serious firepower. Longo Borghini and Wlodarczyk will be back, as will the winner of two stages in 2025, Squiban. Then there is also Mavi Garc\u00eda, who picked up a stage while in Liv AlUla Jayco colours last year and Paula Blasi, who won the Vuelta Femenina in May. That means there will be plenty of work for Chapman to do as this is bound to be a team that is right in the action. The added bonus is that <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> readers will get the inside view of that rider, as the Australian is penning a column through the event.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mackenzie-coupland-liv-alula-jayco-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Mackenzie Coupland (Liv AlUla Jayco)<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-061e775a-8a2d-11f1-8770-ab1a36902f3c\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXZ9NmubvdA2yKzMwqc3Pi-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXZ9NmubvdA2yKzMwqc3Pi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXZ9NmubvdA2yKzMwqc3Pi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXZ9NmubvdA2yKzMwqc3Pi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXZ9NmubvdA2yKzMwqc3Pi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXZ9NmubvdA2yKzMwqc3Pi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Mackenzie Coupland <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-061e77be-8a2d-11f1-9e32-4dede30da950\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Australian Champion may be just 20 and in her first year in the Women&#8217;s WorldTour but Mackenzie Coupland will be lining up in Switzerland with a solid bank of results behind her. She not only won the elite national title in January but also claimed Vuelta a Extremadura Femenina in March, although she raced that with the development team, so the associated Women&#8217;s WorldToursquad missed out on scooping up their first, and only, UCI victory in Europe so far this year.<\/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\/zGGKQ8CVaKpYUFXtgyx7CC-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zGGKQ8CVaKpYUFXtgyx7CC-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\">Demi Vollering and Elisa Longo Borghini set to do battle, but super strong rivals could surprise them \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women<\/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\/6Qwro5SviMvjEWT5r6dTD4-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Qwro5SviMvjEWT5r6dTD4-150-80.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\">Can FDJ United-SUEZ defend their title without Demi Vollering? \u2013 Analysing the contenders for La Vuelta Femenina 2026<\/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\/5cVHZMLkLoKCWtWSRCJHea-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cVHZMLkLoKCWtWSRCJHea-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\">The next generation of stage racers and GC challengers \u2013 Young and rising riders to watch at La Vuelta Femenina<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What&#8217;s more, the aftorementioned wins haven&#8217;t been Coupland&#8217;s only strong results, with the rider coming third in La P\u00e9rigord Ladies in July and delivering a show of strong form leading toward her somewhat unexpected Grand Tour debut.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;To be part of the biggest race of the year is something I didn\u2019t see myself doing this year,&#8221; said Coupland. &#8220;It also being my first Grand Tour gives me a mix of excitement and nervousness, and I can\u2019t wait to race with such a supportive and motivated group of people.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"ruby-roseman-gannon-liv-alula-jayco-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ruby Roseman-Gannon (Liv AlUla Jayco)<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-22e81f28-8a3a-11f1-9709-a18d31dc7f56\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hU7vFkyS5wQNUmXjNS5zMa-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hU7vFkyS5wQNUmXjNS5zMa-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hU7vFkyS5wQNUmXjNS5zMa-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hU7vFkyS5wQNUmXjNS5zMa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hU7vFkyS5wQNUmXjNS5zMa-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hU7vFkyS5wQNUmXjNS5zMa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Ruby Roseman-Gannon <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-22e81fa0-8a3a-11f1-af41-a7630e5104f3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It will be a fourth Tour de France Femmes for Ruby Roseman-Gannon, who delivered her best result at the race with an eighth on stage 4 in her debut year of 2022. The 27-year-old is capable in the hills but also delivers a fair turn of speed in a reduced sprint, a combination that could be useful in the terrain of this year, which is rarely truly flat.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The rider who won the Australian road title and a stage of the Tour of Britain in 2024, has shown some solid form in 2026, starting the year with a criterium title and runner-up slot in the road race at the Australian National Championships. Then she came close to adding another victory to her win tally at Navarra Women&#8217;s Elite Classic, coming second to Cat Ferguson (Movistar) at the Spanish event in May.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Roseman-Gannon is a rider who could well contribute to the team&#8217;s stage win chase goal by capitalising on a break through one of the lumpier stages of the event, where the pure sprinters may have to concede a chance at victory and give an opportunity to a reduced group.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"amanda-spratt-lidl-trek-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Amanda Spratt (Lidl-Trek)<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c9542196-8c3c-11f1-ba1d-ffe659829723\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sekpaE9KRriLKTQh8yf9aC-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sekpaE9KRriLKTQh8yf9aC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sekpaE9KRriLKTQh8yf9aC-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sekpaE9KRriLKTQh8yf9aC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sekpaE9KRriLKTQh8yf9aC-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sekpaE9KRriLKTQh8yf9aC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\"> Amanda Spratt of Lidl &#8211; Trek at the 2026 Giro d&#8217;Italia Women <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-8be1eb6c-8c29-11f1-9b17-35047db74d9b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This will be Amanda Spratt&#8217;s fourth Tour de France Femmes, and her last. The rider who has stood on the podium of the Giro d&#8217;Italia, World Championships and, in 2023, also slotted into the top 10 overall at the French Grand Tour is retiring at the end of the year so this season is her farewell lap. A key figure in the sport for Australia since 2012, Spratt is bound to be lending not just her legs but also her wealth of experience to the LIdl-Trek team&#8217;s young leadership duo of Fisher-Black and Isabella Holmgren.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Despite the top 10 finish three editions back, Spratt&#8217;s experience with the Tour de France has generally been a little rockier. Crashes ended her races in 2022 and 2024, while she fell ill right before the start last year and had to head home. That has meant missing out on a chance to race some memorable climbs like the Alpe d&#8217;Huez and last year&#8217;s Col de la Madeleine, but hopefully this year&#8217;s send off will deliver a dose of Mont Ventoux that will fit well among the highlight reel of a long and fruitful career.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"lucie-fityus-picnic-postnl-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Lucie Fityus (Picnic-PostNL)<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-017f8bce-8c3c-11f1-bb00-f528948f2792\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w34EvgguFzkk5RdFDYgXSj-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w34EvgguFzkk5RdFDYgXSj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w34EvgguFzkk5RdFDYgXSj-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w34EvgguFzkk5RdFDYgXSj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w34EvgguFzkk5RdFDYgXSj-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w34EvgguFzkk5RdFDYgXSj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Lucie Fityus of Team Picnic-PostNL racing Paris-Roubaix 2026 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-63fe5600-8c27-11f1-b67c-6baab7e08fb9\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Lucie Fityus certainly didn&#8217;t get the debut Tour de France Femmes she was looking for in 2025 while racing with St Michel-Preference Home-Auber93. She crashed out in the second stage and, after that, ended up outside the time limit. But in her second edition, which she will be racing with Women&#8217;s WorldTour team Picnic-PostNL, the 25-year-old will get her chance for a redo.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The squad Fityus is part of will be chasing stage victories, with Mia Griffin the rider the team plans to pilot to the line for the sprints. It&#8217;s likely that Fityus, who herself just grabbed a top ten spot in the sprint on stage 1 of the recent Tour de Pologne, will be a valuable part of the leadout.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-missing-names-for-australia-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The missing names for Australia<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-f10a68dc-8a3c-11f1-a0bc-7d1b245df11b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There are some riders that might have been expected to be potential starters, but for one reason or another will not be lining up for the Grand D\u00e9part in Lausanne. One standout name that fit this bill among the Australians is Sarah Gigante. She delighted with her efforts in the mountains in 2025 and inspired hopes that the nation may just have found their next Tour de France podium placer. It won&#8217;t, however, be this year for the 25-year-old as a crashed in training last season and broken femur has led to a long recovery path, with multiple surgeries. She is now, however, back on the bike again so hopefully next year we will be able to add her right to the top of the list.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Then there is also Neve Bradbury (Canyon-SRAM) who is another key figure in the mountains, the last two editions slotting into a support role for Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, who won in 2024 and was once again on the podium in 2025. Niewiadoma-Phinney will have to do without Bradbury in 2026, though, with the rider having undergone iliac endofibrosis surgery in May.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-new-zealand\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>New Zealand<\/span><\/h3>\n<h2 id=\"niamh-fisher-black-lidl-trek-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Niamh Fisher-Black (Lidl-Trek)<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2d83c316-8a25-11f1-80b2-576d6346e880\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4SHXWWGxHAwWpzAfcVdciH-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4SHXWWGxHAwWpzAfcVdciH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4SHXWWGxHAwWpzAfcVdciH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4SHXWWGxHAwWpzAfcVdciH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4SHXWWGxHAwWpzAfcVdciH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4SHXWWGxHAwWpzAfcVdciH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Niamh Fisher-Black (Lidl-Trek) at the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women 2026 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-da79d170-8a23-11f1-acaa-1bac292fbcc9\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Niamh Fisher-Black is the rider to watch when the mountains hit. Not that there was any doubt of this before last year&#8217;s Tour de France Femmes, but her performance on the Col de la Madeleine, where she took to the podium, was another firm reminder of just what this 25-year-old rider from New Zealand is capable of.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After spending four seasons at SD Worx-Protime, Fisher-Black switched to Lidl-Trek last season with the aim of morphing into a leader and after sixth overall at the 2025 Vuelta Femenina, fourth at the Tour de Suisse and then fifth overall at the Tour de France you&#8217;d have to say it was a successful foray into that realm in her opening season with the squad.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year Fisher-Black is lining up at the Tour de France with more leadership experience and in the wake of a strong performance at an unpredictable edition of the Giro d&#8217;Italia. She played an ambitious and aggressive hand on the final stage of the Italian Grand Tour, giving her second on the day and helping move her up three spots on the overall. That means she is heading into this year&#8217;s Tour with a solid foundation and with her efforts in Italy as fresh evidence that she has morphed into a rider that has the confidence to take a chance in pursuit of victory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year she will be riding among a squad that also includes Isabella Holmgren, with the young Canadian&#8217;s debut providing the opportunity for the team to deliver a two-pronged approach in the mountains.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"henrietta-christie-ef-education-oatly-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Henrietta Christie (EF Education-Oatly)<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c954225e-8c3c-11f1-b4d3-efe5a7ee16ce\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qQ6rSJfhbwteLFTkBygVX-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qQ6rSJfhbwteLFTkBygVX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qQ6rSJfhbwteLFTkBygVX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qQ6rSJfhbwteLFTkBygVX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qQ6rSJfhbwteLFTkBygVX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qQ6rSJfhbwteLFTkBygVX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Henrietta Christie (EF Education-Oatly) of New Zealand signs in prior to a stage at Santos Women&#8217;s Tour Down Under 2026 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-f4b8adc2-8c2b-11f1-a8aa-4b9bf375e90a\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It is a fourth Tour de France Femmes for Henrietta Christie in 2026, and she will be lining up with a powerful EF Education-Oatly squad that has plenty of options to chase victories, from two-time Tour Down Under winner Noemi R\u00fcegg to Olympic gold medallist Kristen Faulkner and world champion Magdeleine Vallieres.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The 24-year-old from Wellington, who claimed the Tour Down Under white jersey in 2023, is likely to settle into a valuable support role at the race among a team that could well find themselves with a reason to celebrate at some point across the nine stages of racing.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-missing-riders-from-new-zealand-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The missing riders from New Zealand<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-f10a6a1c-8a3c-11f1-a4be-6f2aba6b25dd\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Among the notable omissions from New Zealand is Ally Wollaston, with the fast-finishing rider having delivered a podium result for FDJ-Suez on stage 3 in 2025. Still, while her team would likely have had a better chance on sprint days if Wollaston was there, the team of Demi Vollering made clear when announcing the squad: &#8220;We have only one goal: yellow&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ella Wyllie is another who delivered an impact in 2025, coming 12th overall, who won&#8217;t be on the start line in 2026. Her Liv AlUla Jayco team announced a roster that is stage-win focussed with Monica Trinca Colonel leading the charge in the mountains.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-19ee5244-8a3e-11f1-9ada-e963dc4bca07\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>Support our unrivalled coverage of the Tour de France Femmes and women&#8217;s cycling by subscribing to Cyclingnews. In return, you get unlimited access to high-quality journalism, with breaking news, race analysis, and expert insight from inside the women&#8217;s peloton. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/womens-cycling\/the-seven-riders-from-australia-and-new-zealand-taking-to-the-start-line-at-the-tour-de-france-femmes\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNL5LRQrihiFfcMJAHKNRU-2000-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Tour de France Femmes contenders \u2013 Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot poised for fantastic duel with Ventoux finale 2 &#8216;New opportunity, a fresh page&#8217; \u2013 Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney chases another Tour de France Femmes victory with team that delivers debuts for B\u00e4ckstedt, Kl\u00f6ser, Niedermaier 3 How to watch Tour de France Femmes [&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-2070175","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\/2070175","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=2070175"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2070175\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2070175"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2070175"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2070175"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}