Unveiling Kim Le Court-Pienaar: The trailblazer breaking records in Tour de France Femmes' history
Kim Le Court-Pienaar, a 29-year-old cyclist from Mauritius, has made history in the world of cycling by becoming the first African woman to lead the Tour de France Femmes. This remarkable achievement came after winning stage five of the race, which also saw her reclaim the coveted yellow jersey.
Le Court-Pienaar's cycling career is only 18 months old, but her accomplishments have been nothing short of extraordinary. She is the first African to win a Monument, a cycling race of the highest level, having triumphed at Liège-Bastogne-Liège Femmes in August 2023.
Before her success in road cycling, Le Court-Pienaar spent seven years competing on her mountain bike and working part-time as a bike fitter. Her first UCI road team was Matrix Fitness in the UK. In 2024, she joined AG Insurance-Soudal, a WorldTour team, marking a significant step in her career.
Le Court-Pienaar's journey in cycling is one of perseverance and determination. She got her first proper bike when she was 12 years old and faced numerous challenges, including being diagnosed with malaria at the age of 3 with a 10% chance of survival.
Her achievements have not only made waves in the cycling world but also inspired young women in Mauritius and Africa. Le Court-Pienaar aims to motivate the next generation of cyclists by sharing her journey from nearly giving up on the sport to leading the Tour de France Femmes.
The Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navin Ramgoolam, took to social media to toast Le Court-Pienaar's "remarkable achievement," celebrating her as a symbol of inspiration for Mauritians and Africans alike.
Le Court-Pienaar's goals extend beyond her own success. She aims to keep growing African cycling for both men and women, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations to reach new heights in the sport.
[1] Cycling News [2] Cycling Weekly [3] BBC Sport [4] The Guardian
Sports take Le Court-Pienaar to new heights as she leads road racing in the Tour de France Femmes. Her extraordinary accomplishments have turned her into a beacon of inspiration for African sports enthusiasts. [Cycling News, Cycling Weekly, BBC Sport, The Guardian]
