7 April 2026
To understand Hutchinson’s commitment, you must understand Team SheRides. It is not just a cycling team, it is also committed to promoting women’s cycling, an activity where women still lack visibility at all levels.
While the Team is actively preparing for L’Étape du Tour 2026, its role goes far beyond the scope of a simple competition.
Breaking stereotypes by deconstructing gender prejudices in sport and encouraging every woman to get started. To achieve this, the Team has created a true community where every woman, whether a beginner or experienced, can share her passion in a supportive and motivating environment rather than riding alone.
A human adventure that values collective sport through projects that go beyond simple performance, offering everyone the chance to push themselves and step out of their comfort zone in a caring environment.
Instead of just riding alone, team members benefit from a solid structure to progress together. SheRides offers a training framework and personal support, with a specialized coach, allowing them to reach their goals and be as prepared as possible for L’Étape du Tour next July. This personalized coaching allows the riders to take ownership of their physical preparation and understand every stage of it, for those who previously rode purely by instinct.
They are also closely accompanied by a physiotherapist and a dietician-nutritionist who provide valuable advice in order to have a programme adapted to their practice and subsequently be able to give their best during races.
Wearing the SheRides jersey means wearing an identity and a collective energy. As the team points out, “being a woman on a bike is choosing to be visible, to no longer make oneself small, and to take one’s place”. It is a team that rides for all those who dare to believe in themselves and push the boundaries , and at Hutchinson, we support these values more than ever.
On July 19th, 15 women will set off on what is already announced as one of the most important stages in the history of L’Étape du Tour de France. Between Le Bourg-d’Oisans and Alpe d’Huez, Team Hutchinson SheRides is preparing to write a new chapter in its history.
An extraordinary challenge and a legendary route: the 2026 edition is not for everyone. The 170 km route with 5,400 metres of positive elevation gain is considered the most difficult of recent years. On the programme, the legendary sequence of the Col de la Croix de Fer, the Télégraphe, and the Galibier, before an unprecedented and formidable finish at Alpe d’Huez via the Col de Sarenne.
For our 15 cyclists, the objective is clear: cross the finish line and prove that limits are made to be pushed.
In 2022, women represented only 3% of the participants at the start of L’Etape du Tour. Last year, this figure rose to 7%, but while While this growth is encouraging, it serves as a reminder that the journey is far from over and progress is still too slow. That is why Hutchinson and SheRides continue to mobilise : each race number counts and every woman on the starting line is a victory.
Through our hashtag #HerOwnStory, we celebrate these unique life journeys and aim to highlight the faces that are making a difference. Being a woman on a bike amidst traffic or pelotons is a powerful act: it is about asserting oneself in everyone’s eyes as a female cyclist, as a beautiful example of determination, confidence, and self-improvement.
We are fortunate to count on inspiring ambassadors who embody this strength, such as Isabeau Courdurier, Apolline Guillemin, Julie Iemmolo, and many others. They are living proof that women’s cycling deserves to shine at all levels and share this same flame: that of existing fully on the road and paths.
Among the 15 riders of Team Hutchinson SheRides 2026, Oriane Albouy, 25, perfectly embodies this spirit of self-improvement. Here is her journey and motivations:
“Originally from a small village in Aveyron, I have been cycling since I was very young, but I have been riding regularly for a year, following an injury sustained while running. My goal this year is to reach a new level in my practice, to make real progress, and to feel ready for L’Étape du Tour. Joining Team SheRides is not only an opportunity to push my limits and ride in a team, but also, and above all, to highlight women’s cycling.”
For an event like this, gear choice is crucial. Once again this year, the 15 riders of the team will be competing with our Blackbird range, the ultimate choice for road cycling. For a challenge like L’Étape du Tour, these tires offer total confidence and are ready to deliver when it comes down to speed, comfort and grip especially with these new dimensions in 32 and 34mm, ideal for climbing and descending the many Alpine passes.
Developed in our historic factory, these tyres are therefore the choice for performance without compromise.
Blackbird Race: for pure efficiency and speed.
Blackbird: the perfect balance between grip, performance and durability.
Blackbird Allseason: for total reliability whatever the weather conditions.
On March 20th, the team had the opportunity to visit our factory in Montargis. From the plant tour and tyre mounting to receiving their gear and discovering their new kits, they experienced a total immersion into the heart of “Made in France”. They got a behind-the-scenes look at how our tyres are manufactured and gained a deep understanding of the technologies and materials they ride on.
It was also during this weekend in Montargis that they first discovered their new Blackbird tires and put them to the test as a team, right out on the road!