The first “La Course by Le Tour de France” – a women’s race – will take place July 27, just hours before male riders will end their three-week jaunt through Britain and France to the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
Britain’s Emma Pooley and Vos were among four women riders who launched a petition last year seeking a women’s version of the Tour. Tour director Christian Prudhomme first dismissed the idea, then grumbled about the petition’s timing and relented to pressure.
Vos called the race an important step, “and let’s see what other opportunities we can get,” the Dutchwoman told The Associated Press on Tuesday, at the same time race organizers announced details.
She calls herself a “marraine,” French for godmother, of La Course, and will ride in the inaugural race.
La Course will cover 55 miles and will include 13 laps on the Champs-Élysées, with a likely sprint finish. The winner will receive about $31,000, the same sum awarded to the men for a Tour stage win.
“In addition to the 100 cyclists in the pack, policewomen from the Paris Police Prefecture will be responsible for watching over La Course, which will have a 100-percent female jury,” Tour organizers said in a statement.
Until now, the 110-year-old Tour almost has been exclusively a male preserve, with women sometimes employed on team staff, or on the winners’ podium handing out flowers and dispensing kisses on riders’ cheeks.
Tour organizers said the race will be broadcast live in 104 countries.
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