The past few years have seen huge milestones in the development of women’s cycling. From the long overdue debut of Paris-Roubaix Femmes, the expansion of the Women’s WorldTour and of course the return of the women’s edition of the Tour de France in 2022. It’s clear, however, that there is still much to be done in terms of encouraging greater diversity in cycling. This is why we’re launching the #HerOwnStory campaign.
#HerOwnStory is about tackling the level of women’s participation in cycling across all levels, it’s about having a frank and open conversation about the barriers to entry and inspiring women to come together, claim the space they deserve and tell their stories to people everywhere in an effort to redress the gender imbalance in the sport.
As part of the #HerOwnStory campaign, we have partnered with L’Etape du Tour de France to offer six women the opportunity to travel to France and complete the 30th edition of what is arguably the world’s most prestigious Gran Fondo. L’Etape will take place on the 10th July and will follow the same route as stage 12 of this year’s Tour de France. Taking in the three iconic alpine climbs of Col du Galibier, Col de la Croix de Fer and Alpe D’Huez the route is not to be taken lightly and will take grit, determination and likely a dash of teamwork to complete.
Applications are open to womxn of all levels of riding ability throughout Europe but we would highlight that L’Etape is a 170km ride with more than 4,700m of elevation gain throughout Alpine terrain so a good level of fitness will be required to complete the route.
Applications must be submitted before June, 7th 2022.
I’m Apolline, 25 living in Annecy, FR
I started with fixed gear in 2016 and moved to road and gravel in 2018.
I ride by bike everyday, cycling is my way of transportation, my sport, my passion and a small part of my job.
Personally i never faced any major hindrance regarding my practice of cycling.
I just think I could enjoy more and quicker the feeling of cycling if more women were riding bikes at my beginning. For sure you feel more comfortable asking question to someone similar and who can face the same issue.
Less races have dedicated women categories what doesn’t encourage us to compete and so to have a different vision of the sport.
Have more women in the staff to relate and talk about women specific needs and tastes.
Gender equity in the communication (athletes, ambassadors,… ) and gender equity in the product offer (for textile mainly).
Drink water, lot of water ahah
More seriously eat well the day before and morning before the start and train for few long rides and few climbs to train your body to this pain.
Talk to the people next to, we are all on the same boat you and enjoy 🙂