ROTTERDAM, 10 July 2023 – Marking a significant moment in women's cycling, the 2024 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will start in the Netherlands, crossing through Rotterdam, The Hague, and Dordrecht.
The commencement in the Netherlands
Three stages of the prestigious race will take place on 12 and 13 August 2024 in these regions. The first leg commences in Rotterdam, concluding in The Hague, while the second stage begins in Dordrecht and finishes back in Rotterdam. In the afternoon, there is a time trial scheduled in the centre of Rotterdam. Full route details will be unveiled in Paris on 25 October.
Women's cycling has seen rapid growth in recent years. The 2022 launch of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift met significant success, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors alongside a vast television audience. Dutch cyclists demonstrated their prowess in the initial edition, securing six of the eight stage victories.
Marion Rousse, director of the event, explained the decision to host the first foreign start of the world's largest cycling race in the Netherlands. “Given the country's influential role in women's cycling, it was a logical choice,” Rousse noted.
A collaborative endeavour
Rotterdam, The Hague, and Dordrecht anticipate jointly delivering a unique cycling event, aiming to foster local pride and international attention. Furthermore, the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift is expected to enhance the sports policy of the three cities.
Rotterdam's ambition
Rotterdam's Alderman for Sports, Faouzi Achbar, expressed his pride at the city's involvement in the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. “Rotterdam aspires to be a leader in mobility and equality. Hosting the start of the Tour offers a unique platform to advance these ambitions,” Achbar shared.
The Hague's connection
The Hague, as the finishing city for the first stage, is closely involved in the event's organisation. Sports Alderman, Hilbert Bredemeijer, noted the importance of both men's and women's cycling. “We aim to create a popular celebration along the route and further stimulate sports participation,” Bredemeijer mentioned.
Dordrecht's pride
Marc Merx, Dordrecht's Alderman, expressed confidence that hosting the second stage's start will inspire more citizens to embrace cycling, both recreationally and competitively.
Getting to the event
For those planning to attend the event in Rotterdam, the city is conveniently accessible via train, bus, and car, boasting a robust public transportation system. The city centre, where the time trial takes place, is a bustling area brimming with shops, eateries, and cultural sites.
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