The race is set to kick off from the Netherlands, marking its Grand Départ from Rotterdam on August 12, journeying through The Hague, Dordrecht, and Valkenburg before venturing into the heartlands of Belgium and France. This change of dates from late July to mid-August is to pave way for the Olympic Games slated for July 26-August 11 in Paris.
Unveiled in a grand ceremony in Paris on October 25, the race directors Christian Prudhomme and Marion Rousse disclosed the route details for both the men’s and women’s races, instilling much anticipation for what’s to come. The highlight of this revelation is the climactic finish atop the legendary Alpe d’Huez which is bound to test the mettle of the peloton and provide a thrilling spectacle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67RidX5anHU
The stages are well-varied to cater to sprinters, climbers, and time trial specialists alike. The first three stages in the Netherlands are set to commence with a flat 124km stretch from Rotterdam to The Hague on August 12. The excitement continues on August 13 with a bustling day of racing; the morning will feature the second stage, a shorter 67km dash from Dordrecht to Rotterdam, and as the day progresses, the afternoon will usher in the third stage, a brisk 6.3km individual time trial within Rotterdam. This double-header on August 13 is designed to test the endurance and versatility of the riders, making for a captivating display of racing prowess.
As the race transitions to Belgium on August 14, stage 4 mirrors the Ardennes Classics, taking the riders from Valkenburg to Liège over a 122km hilly terrain. The following day, the peloton will set forth from Bastogne, racing 150km to Amnéville in France, marking the race’s entry into French soil.
With the Alps looming, stage 6 on August 16, is a 160km hilly ride from Remiremont to Morteau, setting the stage for the mountainous challenges ahead. On August 17, the first Alpine stage of 167km will commence from Champagnole, concluding at Le Grand-Bornand, the longest of all stages.
The grand finale awaits on August 18 with a 150km mountain stage from Le Grand-Bornand to the revered Alpe d’Huez. The riders will first tackle the challenging Col du Glandon before reaching the summit finish at Alpe d’Huez, encapsulating a grueling yet exhilarating climax to the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift 2024.
We cannot wait for it to start!
