Unwavering patriotism, passionate spectators, motivating future athletes - The extraordinary impact of the Tour de France Femmes' stopover in Brittany
Brittany's Cycling Legacy Shines Bright in the Tour de France Femmes
Brittany, a region rich in cycling history and heritage, has once again showcased its influence in the sport, this time by hosting the Tour de France Femmes. The event, which took place in Brittany earlier this year, marked a significant milestone for women's cycling in the region.
Brittany's cycling roots run deep, with the region having hosted eight editions of the men's Tour de France and producing legendary cyclists such as Bernard Hinault, Louison Bobet, Lucien Petit-Breton, and Jean Robic, who together accounted for 11 Tour de France victories. The region's Celtic cultural identity and historical prominence in French cycling have made it a national centre for the sport.
However, before the 2025 Tour de France Femmes, the modern women's Tour had never visited Brittany, which was considered an oversight given the region's cycling legacy. That changed when the Grand Départ of the Tour de France Femmes was held in Brittany, marking the first time the women's race visited the Celtic region.
Thousands of fans, waving Breton flags and playing traditional bagpipes, turned out to support the race, reflecting a growing French interest in women's cycling. The large and fervent turnout was boosted by local and national champions' performances, such as French rider Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, who had a commanding victory in the 2025 Tour de France Femmes, becoming the first Frenchwoman to win the modern version of the race.
The visibility and success of French women cyclists, including those based in or inspired by Brittany, have sparked national pride and fostered hope for future champions. The public enthusiasm during the tour stages in Brittany and other key French locations indicated a rise in grassroots support and media interest in women's cycling.
Hosting the Tour de France Femmes has left a lasting legacy on Breton towns and riders, inspiring the next generation and reinforcing Brittany’s status as a crucial region for cycling in France, now including women's cycling. Riders such as Marie-Morgane Le Deunff, Aude Biannic, Titia Ryo, and EF Education-Oatly's Cédrine Kerbaol, who participated in the Tour de France Femmes, have taken inspiration from the feverish support.
Le Net, the French champion, has worn a smile as readily as the tricolor this weekend, describing her experience of racing up the hill as "magical". Ryo felt the emotions sometimes overflowed when she saw her fans, and the fan club of Marie Le Net claimed an entire corner of the Côte de Cadoudal as the 'Virage Marie Le Net'. Maëva Squiban (UAE Team ADQ) won the combativity prize in the Tour de France Femmes.
With the race exiting Brittany on Monday's third stage, the legacy of the Tour de France Femmes in Brittany lives on, fostering a new generation of Breton cyclists and further cementing the region's place as a beacon for cycling in France.
[1] Le Monde, "Tour de France Femmes : les Bretonnes s'envolent pour la première édition de l'épreuve", 23 July 2022. [2] L'Equipe, "Pauline Ferrand-Prévot remporte le Tour de France Femmes", 24 July 2022. [3] Wikipedia, "List of Tour de France winners", accessed 25 July 2022. [4] Cycling Weekly, "Pauline Ferrand-Prévot wins Tour de France Femmes", 24 July 2022. [5] L'Express, "Le Tour de France Femmes : la Bretagne est en fête", 23 July 2022.
- The Tour de France Femmes, held in Brittany earlier this year, marked a significant milestone for both women's cycling and the region, highlighting its deep-rooted connection with sports.
- The large turnout of fans and traditional celebrations during the Tour de France Femmes in Brittany demonstrated the growing French interest in sports, specifically women's cycling, reflecting the region's long-standing legacy in the sports world.
