Following substantial media coverage, and a petition signed by over 100,000 people,[4] ASO launched La Course by Tour de France in 2014.[5][6] The race would be held in conjunction with the Tour de France, with the first edition taking place as a one-day race on the Champs-Élysées in advance of the final stage of the men's race.[6] The race was welcomed by the professional peloton and the media,[7] with Vos stating that the race would be a "fantastic showcase after last year's [World Championships] and the 2012 Olympics".[8]
In subsequent years, the race took place in a variety of locations such as Pau, Col de la Colombière and Col d'Izoard in conjunction with the men's race, as the ASO argued that this was the "best way to shine a light on female cycling".[5][9] The race was initially praised for the exposure gained by 'sharing the stage' with the Tour de France, with sponsors welcoming the visibility of the Champs-Élysées, and live TV coverage in conjunction with the Tour de France.[9][10]
Criticism
However, the races were criticised by riders, teams and the media. Some felt that the race was an 'after thought' and were overshadowed by the men's race.[9][10] ASO were criticised for not doing enough to promote the race.[11][12] The 2017 edition was specifically criticised for a lack of facilities for riders and teams, no support to get from the Col d'Izoard to Marseille, as well as issues regarding the pursuit time trial format in Marseille.[13] Riders noted that the stages weren't hard enough for the professional peloton, with former cyclist & commentator Joanna Rowsell stating that "We need mountain climbs, flat stages, time trials and a Champs-Elysees finish".[14]
The race was also criticised for not being a "full Tour de France", with campaigner Kathryn Bertine stating her disappointment that the race had not evolved into a multi day stage race.[15][11] Pushing back on criticism, ASO stated that logistical issues mean that a men's and women's Tour de France would not be able to be staged simultaneously,[6] and that any race must be financially sustainable.[11][16]
Replacement by Tour de France Femmes
In June 2021, ASO announced that the Tour de France Femmes - a multi day stage race - will take place for the first time in 2022. This new 8 day race took place following the Tour de France, replacing La Course.[2][17]
A total of six of the eight editions were won by cyclists from the Netherlands.[19]
Notes
^Although a pursuit race also scheduled according to the organisation as stage 2, the race results in the UCI database were constituted from the result on the Col d'Izoard. Whether using the terminology of the organisation or the UCI, the winner was the same.[18]
^"Women's Tour manifesto published". BBC Sport. 12 September 2013. Retrieved 2022-02-15. More than 93,000 have signed a petition by the group, led by cyclist and writer Kathryn Bertine, World Ironman champion Chrissie Wellington, and cyclists Marianne Vos and Emma Pooley.
^"La Course to showcase women's cycling". BBC Sport. 15 July 2014. Retrieved 2023-10-23. "This is a fantastic showcase after last year's Worlds and the 2012 Olympics," she said.
^"LET THEM RACE | THE CASE FOR A WOMEN'S TOUR DE FRANCE". Liv Bicycles. Retrieved 15 February 2022. But, if you ask many of the elite racers at La Course, the women's race feels like a parade compared to the grandeur of the Tour de France the men take for granted.
^"Tour De France Rest Day 2 Highlights". Tour de France. Episode 17. 18 July 2022. 29:32 minutes in. ITV4. Retrieved 19 July 2022. In terms of getting off the mountain the day of the race, there was no police escort there was nothing. Every team was left to discover how get to Marseille. It took us 9 hours and we were expected to race the next day. Then at the race, I was looking for a female toilet and there wasn't any, there was no facilities. I was offered a 'she wee' and I almost thought about not starting
Marianne Vos (NED)
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