Women's Tour de France: Col de la Madeleine as the Honorary Magistrate, Schedules, Top Climbers...
The 4th edition of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift is gearing up for its most crucial stage yet, Stage 8, which will take place on the 111.8 km route from Chambéry to Saint-François Longchamp, featuring the legendary Col de la Madeleine climb.
This high mountain stage, scheduled to start at 13:45 CET, is expected to be won or lost. The race profile includes two major alpine climbs from the start, with the challenge intensifying as riders reach the Col de la Madeleine, a brutal ascent that tests pure climbers. The fastest finish is estimated to be around 17:15 CET.
The stage demands excellent climbing strength and endurance, with steep gradients throughout the final climb. Favorite riders expected to shine on this decisive day include Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney (defending champion), Demi Vollering, Lotte Kopecky (Paris 2024 bronze medalist), Elisa Longo Borghini (Giro d'Italia Women champion), and home favorite Pauline Ferrand-Prevot.
The queen stage begins in Chambéry, the city where Maeva Squiban achieved a double. Squiban, winner of the first two mountain stages, could also contend for the victory. The stage is the queen stage of the race, and the Col de la Madeleine, a first-category climb spanning 18.9 km at an average gradient of 8%, will serve as the finish line.
The route also includes the Col du Frêne and the first difficulty of the stage, the Col des Plainpalais (13.2 km at 6.3%). After a short respite, the Côte de Saint-Georges-d'Hurtières (4.8 km at 5.9%) will be encountered.
The direct broadcast on France 2 begins at 1:55 PM, with the estimated arrival time for the stage at 5:15 PM. The real departure for the stage is at 2:00 PM. The winner of this stage may well find themselves in a strong position for the overall classification.
Riders competing in the 4th edition of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift are preparing for the French sports event's most challenging stage, Stage 8, which includes the legendary Col de la Madeleine climb, a test for pure French sports enthusiasts. The stage's Queen, starting in Chambéry, has been the site of historic performances, such as Maeva Squiban's double wins in the past.
