Marie Marvingt potentially raced unofficially in the 1908 Men's Tour de France - myth or reality?
In recent years, women's cycling has seen a significant surge in popularity, with more and more female riders taking to the road and challenging the status quo. One of the most significant milestones in this movement is the return of the Tour de France Femmes, a premier professional stage race for women, after a hiatus of over three decades.
The modern era of the women's Tour de France began in 2022, marking a significant milestone for female cyclists. While the early years of the 20th century saw sporadic and unofficial women's races related to the Tour de France, it wasn't until 1984 that the "Tour de France Féminin" was launched as the closest official event. However, due to various challenges, the race was discontinued after 1989.
The revival of the women's Tour de France in 2022 was a triumphant moment for the sport. Organised under the official Tour de France banner, the Tour de France Femmes now features multiple stages over challenging terrain, mirroring the structure of the men's race. This prestigious platform provides female cyclists with an opportunity to compete and achieve at the highest level.
The 2025 edition of the Tour de France Femmes continued to grow in stature, showcasing top female talent. French rider Pauline Ferrand-Prévot made history by winning the race at her first attempt, a significant achievement that highlighted the sport's rising competitiveness and visibility for women's cycling. Other notable top finishers included Demi Vollering and Katarzyna Niewiadoma-Phinney.
Despite the race director's disapproval expressed in the past, it is worth noting that a Frenchwoman could have completed the Tour de France, had the opportunity been available. In fact, a Frenchwoman attempted to register for the Tour de France in the past, demonstrating a long-standing interest and determination among female cyclists to participate in this iconic event.
As the Tour de France Femmes continues to grow in stature, it serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of female cyclists. The race's historical participation timeline reflects a long period of absence from the official race, followed by a recent and ongoing resurgence beginning in 2022. With key milestones such as Ferrand-Prévot's 2025 win, the future looks bright for women's cycling and the Tour de France Femmes.
"What about the emergence of women's football in the same vein as the revival of the Tour de France Femmes?""In light of the growing popularity and prestige of the Tour de France Femmes, could we see a women's football league modeled after the women's cycling tour in the future?"
