Now in its fourth edition since the modern revival in 2022, the women’s Tour is already the most-watched race in women’s cycling — with a broadcast in 190 countries and consumption for more than 80 million viewing hours across seven key European nations in 2024 alone.
But beyond the stats and streaming hours, this year’s route, comprising nine stages that cover a total of 1,168.6 km (726.1 mi) with 17,240 metres (56,560 ft) of elevation gain, is packed with potential for drama, breakout moments, and a fierce battle for the yellow jersey.
Not sure where to start? Here’s your guide to the top contenders, rising stars, and what to watch, told through the eyes of five familiar cycling personas.
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The Former Roadie
“I used to race, now I just shout at the screen.”
You want tactics. You want GC drama. You want to see who has the legs in the mountains and who gambles on a breakaway.
Start with Demi Vollering (FDJ-SUEZ). After losing last year’s yellow jersey by just four seconds, she’s back with something to prove. She’s dominated nearly every major stage race in the past two seasons, Strade Bianche, Itzulia Women, and La Vuelta, and arrives in France as the clear favourite. The only question is: can she peak at the right moment?
Also watch: Marlen Reusser (Movistar). One of the best time trialists in the world, she’s climbing better than ever in 2025. She nearly matched Vollering at the Vuelta and Tour de Suisse and could be a real threat if she holds form over the full week.
This is the year where small gaps could decide the GC again — don’t blink.
The Grit-Lover
“I love the riders who never give up.”
You’ll want to root for Kasia Niewiadoma Phinney (Canyon//SRAM), last year’s winner and queen of consistency. She doesn’t win often, but she’s always in the mix and always fighting. Her Tour win last year wasn’t flashy; it was resilient, steady, and tactical. That four-second margin? All guts.
Kasia’s form in 2025 has been solid but not spectacular. No huge wins, but a Polish national title and a podium at Tour de Suisse show she’s still got the legs. The yellow jersey may come down to how well she defends on the toughest climbs. Expect her to be right there, hanging on, again and again.
Also watch: Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ). She just won her second Giro d’Italia with a perfectly timed move on the queen stage. She rarely has an off day and could surprise with her consistency and smart tactics over the full week.
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The Talent Scout
“I want to see who’s going to blow up this year.”
Meet Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck), mountain biker turned road sensation and arguably the breakout star of last year’s TdFF. She won a stage in a photo finish, wore both the polka dot and young rider jerseys, and came second on GC heading into the final day. Oh, and that was her first ever stage race.
This year, she’s back with even more experience and expectations. Don’t be surprised if she wins another stage, animates the climbs, or even makes a run at the podium again. Her style is punchy, bold, and never boring.
Also worth watching: the next Puck Pieterse, maybe someone like Cedrine Kerbaol or Antonia Niedermaier, riders who could shine on hilly stages or in the breakaways.
The Big Picture Fan
“I care about the race, but also what it means about women’s sports.”
Since its revival in 2022, visibility and engagement with women’s cycling have skyrocketed. Last year, more than 80 million hours of racing were watched in Europe alone. Prize money has grown. Salaries are up. And brands are taking notice. Nike now sponsors teams and riders like Vollering and FDJ-SUEZ.
The competition is tighter than ever. The average WorldTour salary hit €40,000 this year. Six different teams won stages in 2024. And the race went down to the wire, proof that, with the right kind of support, there’s nothing stopping women’s cycling from consistently delivering world-class racing.
This year, that momentum continues, and every viewer helps grow the sport. So tune in, talk about it, and watch the Femmes.
The Drama Hunter
“Just tell me when the chaos starts.”
Easy. Start watching from Stage 1. But keep your eyes especially peeled for:
- Stage 4: a punchy stage where GC riders can test their legs or lose major time.
- Stage 8: the high-mountain queen stage that finishes atop the Col de la Madeleine — this is where the real Tour will be won or lost.
- Stage 9: the final showdown, often decisive, especially if the gaps are still close.
And for pure tension? Look for head-to-heads between Vollering and Reusser on the climbs, or a Kasia comeback in the final kilometres. One well-timed attack could rewrite the GC.
Bonus drama: Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-Protime). World champion, absolute powerhouse, and wildly versatile — but also coming in with questions after a tough spring and back pain at the Giro. In any case, we are willing to bet that she’s showing up with the kind of fiery passion that is going to make headlines.
