UCI Launches Women’s Cycling Week Ahead of Le Tour de France

The International Cycling Union (UCI) is joining forces with key partners ahead of this month’s historic La Course by Le Tour de France, to launch the Women’s Cycling Week (WCW).

WCW will take place from 20 July – 27 July with the aim of growing the profile of women’s cycling at every level through a series of events that will take place throughout July to get more girls and women riding.

Among other events the WCW will include a ‘Ride to Paris’, where a group of 25 amateur women cyclists from around the world will ride from Utrecht in Holland to Paris in just four days, arriving on 26 July the day before La Course by le Tour de France.

UCI President Brian Cookson, who will be presenting medals to La Course by le Tour de France podium finishers, said: ‘‘We are entering an historic moment for women’s cycling with La Course by Le Tour de France on 27 July which will attract a level of media focus and attention on women’s cycling never before seen in the history of the sport.

‘‘It is critically important that as a sport we embrace this unique opportunity to further shine the light on women’s cycling and get more girls and women riding bikes. This is exactly what the WCW is seeking to achieve.’’

UCI Vice-President Tracey Gaudry stated: ‘‘The UCI is determined to maximise recognition of women in cycling as a sport and for participation.

‘‘This outstanding event will showcase the strength, thrill and drama of women’s cycling to millions of viewers worldwide.’’

Dutch champions Marianne Vos said: ‘‘The sport has grown in the last few years and it is great to celebrate the achievement of women’s cycling.

‘‘My dream is to make cycling more accessible to women. I want to take the best from both men’s and women’s cycling and use this to create a stage from which the dreams of every aspiring cyclist can be launched, whether they are young, old, fellow professionals or future talents.’’

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