As expected, all 15 UCI Women’s WorldTeams have secured their places, joined by seven ProTeams—two of which earned automatic invitations based on 2024 UCI rankings, and five that received wildcard entries. While the line-up largely reflects predictions, a few notable shifts, returns, and absences are already sparking discussion.
Building on a legacy of drama and progress
Since its modern revival in 2022, the Tour de France Femmes has established itself as one of the crown jewels of the women’s racing calendar. From Annemiek van Vleuten’s historic victory at La Planche des Belles Filles in the inaugural edition to Demi Vollering’s triumph on the Col du Tourmalet in 2023, and Kasia Niewiadoma’s emotional win atop Alpe d’Huez in 2024, the race has never failed to deliver spectacle, heartbreak, and brilliance.
And, of course, the 2025 edition promises more of the same — and then some. The route, announced in the off-season, features legendary Alpine climbs like Col de la Madeleine, Col de Joux Plane, and a dramatic summit finish in Châtel, poised to test the mettle of the peloton’s best climbers and GC contenders.
Who’s in: The official 2025 team roster
The 22 teams set to compete represent a mix of seasoned WorldTour squads and hungry Continental outfits eager to prove themselves on cycling’s biggest stage.
UCI Women’s WorldTeams
- AG Insurance–Soudal
- Canyon–SRAM zondacrypto
- Ceratizit Pro Cycling Team
- FDJ–SUEZ
- Fenix–Deceuninck
- Human Powered Health
- Lidl–Trek
- Liv–AlUla–Jayco
- Movistar Team
- Roland
- Team Picnic PostNL
- Team SD Worx–Protime
- Team Visma | Lease a Bike
- UAE Team ADQ
- Uno-X Mobility
These teams form the foundation of top-level women’s racing and are expected to field some of the biggest names in the sport. With previous winners, current champions, and a wealth of talent across sprint, climbing, and GC categories, the battle for stage wins and jerseys will be fierce from start to finish.
Automatic invitations (Top ProTeams of 2024)
EF Education–Oatly
Formerly known as EF Education–TIBCO–SVB, this US-based team earned its spot as the highest-ranked Continental team in 2024. With a renewed focus and rebrand powered by new sponsorship from oat milk giant Oatly, the team returns to the Tour with both experience and ambition.
VolkerWessels Cycling Team
This Dutch outfit returns to the race after missing out in 2024. They last competed in the 2022 edition under the name Parkhotel Valkenburg and were awarded a place in 2025 thanks to their strong Continental ranking.
Wildcard selections
- Arkéa–B&B Hotels Women
- Cofidis Women Team
- Laboral Kutxa–Fundación Euskadi
- St Michel–Mavic–Auber93
- Winspace Orange Seal
These five wildcard entries reflect a diverse mix of French regional teams, international challengers, and returnees. The reappearance of Winspace Orange Seal is particularly notable—the team competed in the inaugural 2022 edition but hasn’t been seen at the Tour since.
Who’s out?
One of the more significant absences from this year’s race is Lotto Dstny Ladies. Despite a long-standing presence in the peloton, they missed out on a wildcard selection for 2025. The team’s ranking dipped after the departure of Thalita de Jong, who transferred to Human Powered Health.
Also absent is OU7 Cycling Team (formerly Tashkent City Women), a 2024 participant whose results did not merit a return invitation. In their place, VolkerWessels takes the spot they occupied last year. Interestingly, VolkerWessels was a notable omission in 2024. In 2022, they gained attention by holding the Queen of the Mountains jersey for six days, shared between Femke Markus and Femke Gerritse, and their comeback adds depth to this year’s climbing battles.
A look back: Drama on the Alpe in 2024
The 2024 Tour de France Femmes went down to the wire in one of the most memorable finishes yet. Canyon–SRAM’s Kasia Niewiadoma secured overall victory with a razor-thin four-second margin over defending champion Demi Vollering. It was a race decided on the legendary slopes of Alpe d’Huez, where Vollering took the stage win but couldn’t quite make up the time she needed.
Elsewhere, Marianne Vos claimed her second points classification (green jersey), confirming her unmatched consistency and finishing speed. Justine Ghekiere (AG Insurance–Soudal) emerged as the Queen of the Mountains, while Puck Pieterse impressed with her climbing and tactical maturity to secure the white jersey for best young rider.
What to expect in 2025
With the stakes higher than ever and a GC battle that’s grown increasingly fierce each year, all eyes are on the Alps in 2025. The inclusion of the Col de la Madeleine and Joux Plane—both Tour de France icons—suggests a brutal, climber-friendly route that will likely see explosive showdowns between the likes of Niewiadoma, Vollering, and any rising stars hoping to crack the podium. This mix of rolling Breton roads, punchy mid-stage ascents, and full-on Alpine tests will demand versatility. Sprinters and rouleurs may find opportunities early on, but by week’s end, the race will almost certainly belong to the climbers.
Much remains to be seen in terms of final start lists, but the Tour’s team roster already hints at a thrilling summer. Will Kasia Niewiadoma return to defend her title? Can Demi Vollering reclaim the top step of the podium? And which of the younger riders—perhaps Pieterse, Zoe Bäckstedt, or Niamh Fisher-Black—will rise to the occasion?
Beyond the individual names, the presence of top teams like Team SD Worx–Protime, Lidl–Trek, Movistar, and Team Visma | Lease a Bike ensures a high level of tactical complexity and unpredictability.
Meanwhile, wildcard and Continental squads will look to make their mark in breakaways, jersey competitions, and media coverage. Teams like Cofidis, Arkéa, and Winspace Orange Seal may not have the depth to challenge for GC, but they can animate the race and give young riders a chance to shine on the biggest stage.
A stage for the present and future of women’s cycling
Since its return in 2022, the event has drawn record-breaking audiences, attracted major sponsors, and offered a platform for dramatic sporting moments that transcend cycling. The broader team picture also reflects a continued professionalisation of the women’s peloton. More teams are securing major sponsorships, like EF Education’s tie-up with Oatly and the growth of regional European outfits like Laboral Kutxa and St Michel. This deepening support gives more riders a chance to break through on the biggest stage, which can only mean one thing for fans: more surprises, more heartbreak, more unforgettable moments.
All that remains now is the countdown to July 26. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as we get ready for the action to begin!
