Women's Tour de France 2025: in the wheel of a conquest

On July 25, 2025, the women's Tour de France peloton will set off for a new edition. A ten-day, breathless, committed adventure that will end on August 3 in the heart of the Alps.

And like their male counterparts, the women racers will be tackling a number of legendary passes borrowed from Route des Grandes Alpes ®: this year, the Madeleine (1993 m) and Joux-Plane (1691 m) will be on the program. Mythical, demanding passes that have forged so many tales of courage and feats.

But to measure the scope of this event, we also need to look in the rear-view mirror. For if women are now racing on the world's greatest roads, it's at the price of a long struggle. France Culture offers a fascinating 4-part podcast entitled Tour de France féminin, le récit d'une conquête (listen here).

This podcast isn't just about cycling. It's not just about the exploits of the great Jeannie Longo. It's about the struggle for recognition, legitimacy and visibility. It highlights what cycling has meant - and still means - to women's emancipation. How it has liberated bodies, opened paths, and broken down many barriers.