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The route for the 2025 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift has been revealed, and with four tough mountain stages, it will be the most challenging edition yet. The opening stage kicks off with a 70km route starting at Mairie de Vannes, featuring a demanding triple climb of the Cadoulol ascent. Stage 2 takes the peloton on a hilly 110km course from Brest to Quimper. For Stage 3, the peloton will cover 162km of flat terrain from La Gacilly to Angers, followed by a 128km flat route from Saumur to Poitiers. Stage 5, the longest stage of the race, stretches over 166km from Chasseneuil-du-Poitou to Guéret, showcasing a challenging hilly profile. The next day, riders will face a mountainous 124km stage from Clermont-Ferrand to Ambert, which includes three significant climbs. The mountainous challenges continue in the following stage, stretching over 160km from Bourg-en-Bresse to Chambéry. Stage 8 is also a tough one, with riders navigating 112km from Chambéry to the Col de la Madeleine. The final day offers no respite, with competitors tackling another mountain stage featuring two steep climbs, promising a thrilling conclusion to the race.
The presentation of the Giro d’Italia, scheduled for 12 November, has been postponed. No reasons have been provided by the organisers but media reports suggest that issues with the Grand Depart for the men’s edition in Albania need to still be ironed out. No new date for the presentation has been set yet.
Demi Vollering has signed a two-year contract with FDJ-SUEZ, with the team announcing her signing only last week. The 2023 winner of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will join the French WorldTour squad as a leader alongside Évita Muzic and new recruit Juliette Labous. The Dutch rider has said: “from our very first meeting, I felt an immediate connection with the FDJ-SUEZ team. I couldn’t stop smiling! I’m excited to embark on this new adventure and rediscover myself within this team.” Stephen Delcourt, General Manager of FDJ-SUEZ, praised the new signing, stating: “this is a great day and a significant step forward for the team. Demi is an exceptional champion, and we can’t wait to support her development and see her compete in our blue, white, and red jersey. With our sponsors, FDJ and SUEZ, along with our longstanding partners, we have worked hard to establish a competitive world-class team built on a solid foundation.” Vollering’s signing completes FDJ-SUEZ’s recruitment for the 2025 season, resulting in a 17-rider roster.
Luxembourgish rider, Nina Berton, formerly with CERATIZIT-WNT Pro Cycling, has signed with EF-Oatly-Cannondale. Though she has only raced professionally for two years, Berton has quickly established herself as an emerging talent. “The classics are my favourite races,” she shared. “I love the challenge of a long, hard day of racing, especially in tough weather conditions. I still have much to learn, but my goal for the classics season is to support my teammates and help us achieve a strong result.”
Several riders from ARKEA-B&B HOTELS have signed contract extensions with the team: Sweden’s Emilia Fahlin, Dutch rider Maaike Coljé, French U23 time trial champion Océane Mahé and French cyclo-cross specialist Amandine Fouquenet. General Manager Emmanuel Hubert notes: “Océane Mahé, as a neo-professional, has shown remarkable promise this year, particularly in time trials, culminating in her Espoirs title. We’re also thrilled to have Emilia Fahlin back; she not only serves as the team’s road captain but also delivered impressive performances in the early sprint stages of the Tour de France Femmes. As for Maaike Coljé, she exemplifies the ideal teammate, consistently giving her all for the group, and her selflessness allows her to shine as an individual.” With regards to Fouquenet, he adds: “cyclo-cross is a great way to learn about cycling, and to train tomorrow’s good road racers. Amandine is one of France’s top cyclo-cross specialists, and is improving at international level and we didn’t hesitate to extend her contract.”
Former cyclocross rider Alice Arzuffi has joined LABORAL Kutxa-Euskadi Fundazioa for the next two years. Since 2022 the Italian climber has focused on road racing, having previously ridden for Bizkaia Dunrango and CERATIZIT-WNT Pro Cycling.
Italian climber Greta Marturano signed with UAE Team ADQ for two years. Previously with Fenix-Deceuninck, she will be an important support rider especially on tough stage races. She commented: “I chose to join UAE Team ADQ for the next two seasons because I really like their team spirit. They race united, always working together to achieve the best possible result. I love this team’s approach that I’ve observed over the years. Plus, having top-level athletes by my side will be a huge motivation for me to give my best.”
The UAE Development Team has signed three more promising riders who will join the team for the 2025 season. The new recruits are Belgian time trial specialist Febe Jooris, who has signed a three-year deal, Spain’s Paula Blasi, who switched from duathlon to cycling on a two-year contract, and French sprinter and puncheur, Amalia Debarges, who has committed for the 2025 season. Dutch rider Fee Knaven has also joined the squad. This season, Knaven won her second straight Junior National Time Trial Championships and then followed that with second in the time trial at the European Continental Championships.
Marta Cavalli will be leaving FDJ-SUEZ after four years with the French squad. The Italian won Amstel Gold and La Flèche Wallonne Féminin in 2022, and in the same year was second in the GC at the Gito d’Italia. Training crashes in the past year had unfortunately hampered her performance in competitive racing, and she has not revealed her plans for next year.
FDJ-SUEZ‘s future has been secured, with both FDJ and SUEZ continuing to sponsor the team through 2028. The two French companies have been co-sponsors since 2022. The team and its sponsors have high ambitions, with winning the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift being one of their priorities.
NXTG Racing has announced the appointment of Eva Buurman and Bodi Del Grosso as new Sports Directors, with Marco Aerts as Assistant Sports Director. They three will lead the next generation of female riders, focusing on both performance and personal growth.
In a recent interview, Slovenian national champion in both road and time trial, Urška Žigart, has announced an exciting new initiative. Together with Tadej Pogačar, she will be launching a youth cycling team for girls, developing junior and U23 riders. Set to hit the road in 2025, the project is nearly ready for its debut. “This year, with all that has happened, I’ve realised even more how vital it is to give back to Slovenian cycling,” she shared, highlighting her motivation for establishing the team.
Arianna Fidanza, who has been with CERATIZIT – WNT Pro Cycling for the past two years, has signed with Laboral Kutxa – Fundación Euskadi through 2026. “This is a team that is steadily growing at the highest level and being part of this adventure means a lot to me,” she shared about her decision to sign with the team.
Former Spanish champion Lourdes Oyarbide has announced her retirement from professional cycling at the age of 30. After six successful years with Movistar, and this past year with Laboral Kutxa – Fundación Euskadi, she is ready to embark on a new chapter. During her cycling career, Oyarbide also earned a degree in Industrial Design Engineering. In an Instagram post, she reflected on how cycling has allowed her to explore the world, experience diverse cultures, and connect with incredible people, and expressed her gratitude for these opportunities.
The 2024 ANOCA awards were held last week in Cascais, Portugal. The award for the best Female Team in Individual Sports of the Paris 2024 Olympics went to British riders Emma Finucane, Katy Marchant and Sophie Capewell.
The Times has published the nominees for Sportswoman of the Year award and they include Emma Finucane, Sarah Storey, Sophie Unwin, Cat Ferguson and Val French.
Ride the Route will see a team of female amateur cyclists take on the world’s most iconic cycling challenge by riding all stages of the 2025 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, just one day ahead of the professionals, all to raise funds for Cure Leukaemia, the official U.K. charity partner of the race. More details can be found here.
After an eight-year hiatus from the U.S. racing scene, the ’Battenkill‘ will return on 10 May next year. The women’s elite category will consist of 120km on a mix of gravel and paved roads in New York state.
Canyon//SRAM Racing and Canyon//SRAM Generation will become Canyon//SRAM zondacrypto from next year, as part of a new three-year co-title partnership deal. Established in Poland in 2014, Zondacrypto supports the trading of numerous cryptocurrencies. Team Manager Ronny Lauke has explained: “as we evolve as a team, it’s essential to align with partners that share our drive for innovation and ambition. The dynamic approach to digital finance that zondacrypto has, coupled with its vision for the future, makes it the perfect partner to help us push boundaries both on and off the bike. Together as CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto, we look forward to forging new paths and continuing to elevate women’s cycling globally.”
Australian cycling has been lamenting the decline of local races, particularly with the reduction of the National Road Series. In response, the ProVelo Super League aims to fill this void by raising the standard of competition and bridging the gap to the professional ranks. Designed as a ‘Road to the WorldTour,’ the league will feature live broadcasts and offer an enticing opportunity for winners, namely stagiaire contracts with Jayco AlUla and Liv Jayco AlUla. Many of Australia’s top riders, including Tiffany Cromwell, Amanda Spratt, and Sarah Roy, began their international careers through the former National Road Series. There is hope that the ProVelo Super League will provide similar pathways for emerging talents, enabling them to advance within the professional cycling world.
USA Cycling has announced the launch of its first Junior Gravel National Series, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of elite riders. Tailored specifically for riders aged 15-18, this five-race series provides young athletes with the chance to gain essential racing experience and earn recognition at some of the nation’s premier gravel events, including Unbound Gravel and the USA Cycling Gravel National Championships. The series kicks off in March next year, offering an exciting opportunity for aspiring riders to showcase their talent and passion for the sport.
Results
Koppenberg Cross: Fem van Empel (NED) ahead of Lucinda Brand (NED) and Sara Casasola (ITA)
Voxwomen Cycling Hub
Exciting news! Voxwomen has just launched the Voxwomen Cycling Hub, a paid membership packed with exclusive content, behind-the-scenes access, discounts, and more. By joining, you’re not only unlocking premium perks, but also directly supporting the growth of women’s cycling. Don’t miss out on this chance to dive deeper into the sport you love and be part of a community that’s driving real change. Sign up today and help us elevate women’s cycling together!
Blog
As the road season comes to a close, Abi Smith recaps her top five races of 2024. From the thrill of the UAE Tour’s first big climbs, to the unparalleled excitement of Roubaix, each race brought unforgettable moments. Find out Abi’s top 5 here.
The Women’s Cycling Podcast
Becca Charlton is joined by Hannah Walker, pro rider turned commentator, to discuss her career progression & share some emotional stories. We also talk with ultra-endurance racer Lael Wilcox & Sara Felton about her inspirational Tour de France feat. Listen to it here on Spotify.
Voxwomen Club
Calling all cycling enthusiasts! Join the Voxwomen Club for some exciting upcoming rides. The next one is coming up soon, so find out more here
This week in cycling history
Marianne Martin
Marianne Martin, born on 1 November 1957, made history in 1984 when she won the inaugural Tour de France Féminin, then called La Grande Boucle. She managed to take the last spot on the U.S. team after persuading the committee to give her a chance, and a few weeks later she headed to the first Grande Boucle. The media initially was not very interested in the women’s event, but after Martin performed so well, all that changed and she garnered admiration and interest from the press and spectators alike. Her achievement remains a significant milestone in U.S. cycling history. Retiring due to health reasons, Martin still rides her bike and owns a photography business in Colorado. Earlier this month, the 67-year-old was involved in a serious crash while descending in her bike just outside Boulder, Colorado. The impact left her with severe injuries including a collapsed lung, a fractured collarbone, 12 broken ribs and concussion. She was rushed by ambulance to the hospital, where she spent several days in the intensive care unit. Her injuries have sparked an outpouring of support from the cycling community, leading to the creation of a GoFundMe page to aid in her recovery.
Ina-Yoko Teutenberg
The now 50-year-old former German pro rider celebrated her birthday on 28 October. Competing from 2000 to 2013, Teutenberg set an impressive record, winning over 200 races, including the Team Time Trial World Championships in 2012. After a career-altering accident led to her retirement, she transitioned into a pivotal role in cycling administration, directing the junior men’s and women’s programs for USA Cycling in Europe. In 2019, she was appointed Sports Director of Trek-Segafredo’s women’s team. That same year, she also took on the role of Women’s Road Sports Director at USA Cycling, overseeing preparations for the World Championships and Olympic Games.
WorldTour highlight videos
Catch up on the action from the Tour of Guangxi right here.
