Top 10 Tour de France Femmes Cyclists of All Time

The Tour de France Femmes is a prestigious cycling event offering a platform to female cyclists who want to compete at the highest level. It plays a significant role in promoting global women’s cycling. Started in 1955, the tour was discontinued after a few years. However, the prestigious tour was revived in 2022 and has become a talking point in the cycling world since that year. Here are the top 10 Tour de France Femmes cyclists who have left an indelible mark on the race.

1. Annemiek van Vleuten (Netherlands)

Annemiek van Vleuten is undoubtedly one of the most iconic cyclists in the tour’s history. The Dutch rider, known for her strength in time trials and mountain stages, claimed the overall victory in the inaugural 2022 edition. She also dominated the 2021 and 2022 World Championships, showcasing her consistency across different disciplines. Van Vleuten’s tactical prowess and resilience on difficult climbs make her one of the most successful riders in the race’s history.

2. Marianne Vos (Netherlands)

Marianne Vos is a legend in women’s cycling and has significantly impacted the tour. Known for her versatility, Vos has excelled in various disciplines, including sprints, classics, and stage races. Although she hasn’t yet won the overall title in the tour, her multiple stage wins, including in 2022, have cemented her as one of the race’s most successful riders. Vos’ strategic mind and her consistency make her a force to reckon with in every race she competes in.

3. Lucinda Brand (Netherlands)

Lucinda Brand is another powerhouse from the Netherlands who has consistently performed on the tour. Brand is a skilled cyclo-cross rider, known for her tenacity and aggressive racing style. She won the first stage of the 2022 tour and was a significant contender in the general classification. Her ability to excel in varied conditions has made her a fan favourite, and she continues to be a strong competitor in the race.

4. Kirsten Neuschäfer (South Africa)

Kirsten Neuschäfer made history as one of the most consistent performers. Although her experience in the race has been limited, she has already made a lasting impact with her determination and perseverance. Her performances in the mountain stages have showcased her incredible climbing ability, positioning her as one of the future stars of the race.

5. Lotte Kopecky (Belgium)

Lotte Kopecky is known for her powerful sprinting and her ability to perform in one-day races. A multiple-time Belgian national champion, Kopecky claimed a memorable stage win in the 2022 edition of the tour. With her dynamic racing style, she quickly established herself as one of the top riders in the race, and her ability to perform on a variety of terrains makes her a top contender in the future.

6. Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig (Denmark)

Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig is one of the most exciting and dynamic riders in the Tour de France Femmes. The Danish climber has shown her prowess in mountainous stages, and her aggressive racing style has made her a standout in the race. She has already won multiple stages and consistently challenged the race’s leaders, proving her potential for even greater success in future editions.

7. Audrey Cordon-Ragot (France)

Audrey Cordon-Ragot is a respected rider in the world of women’s cycling, and her performances in the tour have been consistently strong. A French national champion, Cordon-Ragot is known for her time-trial skills and her ability to perform in stage races. Her steady performances in the tour make her one of the most respected cyclists in the peloton.

8. Elisa Longo Borghini (Italy)

Elisa Longo Borghini is a well-rounded Italian cyclist with a strong track record in stage races. Although she hasn’t claimed the overall victory in the tour, she has consistently finished in the top rankings and has been a major contender in the general classification. Her tactical mind and ability to perform in both hilly and flat stages make her one of the best riders in women’s cycling.

9. Chloe Dygert (United States)

Chloe Dygert is one of the rising stars in the world of women’s cycling and has already made a mark on the tour. Known for her exceptional time-trialling skills, Dygert has demonstrated her ability to compete at the highest level in women’s cycling. While she is still young, her potential in the tour is immense, and she is expected to be a significant force in the future.

10. Trek-Segafredo Team

While not a single rider, the Trek-Segafredo team has played an influential role in the tour. With riders like Elisa Longo Borghini, Lizzie Deignan, and Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig, the team has consistently been one of the most successful and dominant forces in the race. Their collective strength and teamwork make them one of the most formidable teams in women’s cycling history.

Conclusion

The tour has seen some extraordinary athletes who have pushed the boundaries of women’s cycling. While some of the cyclists on this list have already made their mark, others are still in the early stages of their careers, and their potential is immense. As the race continues to grow in prominence, these cyclists and teams will likely continue to shape the future of women’s cycling, inspiring the next generation of riders to chase their dreams at the Tour de France Femmes.