Following a successful edition in 2022, the Tour de France Femmes is back for its second edition (in this format) for 2023.

After decimating the field last time around, Annemiek van Vleuten once again starts as the favourite to take her second yellow jersey. Despite this, in the year since, SD Worx has bolstered their lineup and it should be a closer affair this time around as Demi Vollering looks to dethrone the stage racing Queen.

The Stages

Taking in a slightly different format to last year, the race begins with punchy stages that should shake up the general classification from the outset before encountering a handful of sprinter friendly stages in the middle of the race. The one mountainous day is a brute and the final time trial will be a test for everyone.

 

Stage One – Clermont Ferrand – Clermont Ferrand – 124km – Hilly

This first stage should favour the puncheurs as the final climb, the Côte de Durtol, is something of a wall. Featuring steep pitches of up to 9% and a technical descent, it would be a surprise to see the sprinters get back into the bunch in time for the finale.

Stage Two – Clermont Ferrand – Mauriac – 148km – Hilly

An undulating stage could see the breakaway get its first chance at victory, however the puncheurs that missed out on stage one will want to put things right at the end of today’s stage. Expect more gaps on the final climb of the Côte de Trébiac.

Stage Three – Collonges – La – Rouge – Montignac – Lascaux – 147km – Flat

Following a punchy start to proceedings, the sprinters will relish their first real opportunity on stage three. Despite featuring some short climbs, they should prove no issue for those hoping for a bunch sprint.

Stage Four – Cahors – Rodez – 177km – Hilly

The longest stage of the race resembles an Ardennes Classic and will serve as a test for the contenders for the overall victory. Queen of the Ardennes, Demi Vollering will fancy her chances today.

Stage Five – Onet le Château – Albi – 126km – Flat

A slightly lumpier day awaits on stage five, although I still believe it’s too easy for the breakaway to stay away as the final climb tops out with over 20km still to race.

Stage Six – Albi – Blagnac – 122km – Flat

The flattest stage of the race is the last opportunity for the sprinters to take a stage win. Meanwhile, the baroudeurs will be hoping for crosswinds on the exposed sections to snatch the victory away from the fast women.

Stage Seven – Lannemezan – Tourmalet Bagnères – De – Bigorre – 90km – Mountains

A stage that needs no introduction and will likely serve as the main GC day at this years’ race. The final climb of the Col du Tourmalet will be the most challenging many in the peloton have ever raced on as it takes them over 2,000 metres above sea level.

Stage Eight – Pau – Pau – 22km – ITT

The final battle for the yellow jersey will come down to who has the best time-trialling legs following a brutal day in the mountains. At first glance this TT looks simple enough, however two small climbs could be enough for significant time gaps to appear.

Main Contenders

Annemiek van Vleuten

The defending champion hasn’t been at her imperious best so far this season, however her overall victory at the inaugural Vuelta Femenina showed that her climbing legs still appear to be better than her rivals’. Her winning margin of almost four minutes in 2022 will certainly be hard to match, even in her best form.