Just a few hours before the racers, the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift Challenge heads up to the stage finish in Alpe d'Huez. However, it is not about the fastest time: the event does not offer a ranking or timekeeping. Cyclists can also take part by mountain bike or e-bike. The start is from 12:30 pm at the foot of the climb in Bourg d'Oisans and there are 14 kilometres and 1120 metres of altitude to conquer before the finish. A few hours before the professional peloton, spectators can be expected to cheer them on along the route.
Follow the Tour de France Femmes live
Participants can then watch the finale of the Tour de France Femmes live at the finish line. On this day, the professionals will start in Le Grand Bornand for the eighth and final stage of the Tour 2024. The overall winner of the tour will therefore be crowned in Alpe d'Huez. Will a Dutchwoman win on the mountain of the Dutch?
Participation costs 45 euros. The entry fee includes a Santini jersey. The jersey is valid as an entry ticket to a reserved area at the stage finish.
Info: www.timeto.com
Brief history of the climb to Alpe d'Huez in cycling
The climb to Alpe d'Huez is one of the most legendary and famous climbs of the Tour de France. It is not one of the most difficult in sporting terms, but the atmosphere on this mountain is unrivalled. This is due to its long history:
Alpe d'Huez was included in the Tour de France for the first time in 1952. Fausto Coppi was the first rider to reach the summit as a stage winner. In 1986, the entire cycling world watched as Greg LeMond and Bernard Hinault crossed the finish line together after previously battling each other. Lance Armstrong's victory in 2001 is also unforgettable, when he led Jan Ullrich into the madness with a big bluff. Apparently he was suffering that day - in reality he was just preparing his surprise attack.
The fastest officially recognised time for the climb is around 37 minutes, set by Marco Pantani in 1997. The climb stretches over 13.8 kilometres with an average gradient of 8.1 per cent. The 21 hairpin bends are named after former stage winners. The curve of the Dutch (curve 7), where Dutch fans create a great atmosphere, is well known from TV.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
