30 March 2023
Hutchinson, the Official Supplier of l’Etape du Tour de France, has partnered with the association Femme & Cycliste to allow twelve women to join a team with “pro-level” support to take on the challenge of the 2023 l’Etape du Tour de France.
This iconic granfondo, which will take place on July 9, 2023, will allow the twelve selected cyclists to compete against more than 15,000 cyclists to cover 152 kilometers with over 4,100 meters of elevation gain.
Last December, Hutchinson and Femme & Cycliste launched a call for applications to join the team. Twelve different profiles were ultimately selected, not for their starting level, but for their commitment to taking advantage of this opportunity to prepare and improve, and to share their experience to inspire other women cyclists to get into this sport. Among the twelve women, there are cyclists of all ages and backgrounds, united by their passion for the sport and the desire to progress together.
The Hutchinson – Femme & Cycliste team project aims to offer an opportunity to all motivated cyclists to participate in a “pro-level” experience and inspire other women to take on these kinds of challenges.
Last weekend, the French tyre manufacturer hosted the Hutchinson – Femme & Cycliste team at its Chalette-sur-Loing factory for their first training and open discussion weekend. The opportunity for the twelve cyclists to become familiar with the Hutchinson tyres they will use to take on the challenge of the 2023 l’Etape du Tour de France.
The team members also completed a hundred-kilometer ride, equipped with the official team kit. This first training weekend allowed the cyclists to start getting to know each other and get into shape for their next step: a personalized training program developed in partnership with Studio 446.
As part of this ambitious project, the twelve cyclists benefit from “pro-level” support throughout the season, including physiological tests, a personalized training program, meetings, course reconnaissance, and regular follow-up to support them in their progress. This rigorous preparation is essential to succeed in l’Etape du Tour de France and represents an enriching experience for all team members.
This prestigious granfondo and most anticipated amateur race of the year, represents a significant challenge for the twelve selected cyclists. This event is very demanding in terms of physical and mental preparation, with its 152 kilometers of course and more than 4,100 meters of elevation gain. But this race is also an opportunity for the members of the Hutchinson – Femme & Cycliste team to push their limits and experience a unique sporting experience.
The Hutchinson – Femme & Cycliste project is an important initiative to promote women’s participation in cycling, offering a unique opportunity for twelve women to participate in the 2023 Tour de France Stage under the best possible conditions. This project is also a strong symbol of the #HerOwnStory campaign launched by Hutchinson to promote women’s participation in cycling at all levels and encourage women to come together and claim the space they deserve in the sport. The Hutchinson – Femme & Cycliste team project highlights committed and determined women who wish to inspire and encourage other women to get into this sport.
Annet BAKEN, Aurélie POINARD, Berta ARRANZ CEREZO, Delphine SALGUES, Emilie BOUTILLOT, Estelle CARRIER, Julie LANGLOIS, Léa GRISOUARD, Ludmilla DIAKOWSKI, Louise GUILLEMAILLE, Stephanie MOTTE, Sylvie LORE, Tamara KROLL (Director), Lucile DANDIN (special guest).
Photos credits: @sofigato