Human Powered Health Cycling is at the biggest bike race in the world, the Tour de France Femmes, from August 1 through 9.
With nine stages, the race begins in Switzerland and follows a rolling route looping into the south of France, finishing with a hilly circuit around the city of Nice.
Key stages include a crucial mid-race 21 km time trial on stage 4 and the appearance of the legendary Mont Ventoux summit finish on stage 7. Nicknamed the Giant of Provence, the Ventoux is one of the most inhospitable theaters of racing in the sport and has a storied past in the men’s edition.
With a record 18,795 meters of total elevation across 1,175 kilometers of racing, all eyes across the globe will be fixed on the women’s peloton as they battle for the Maillot Jaune.
The parcours has something for every kind of athlete, and the team’s roster reflects that diversity. Barbara Malcotti and Thalita de Jong have competed in every edition of the Tour and, with Nina Buijsman, will lead the team over the mountains. They are backed up by debutant Carlotta Cipressi and Titia Ryo, competing in the white jersey classification in her home race. Marit Raaijmakers starts her fourth Tour and will be a key teammate on every stage, with Lily Williams hoping to continue her success in group finishes at a WorldTour level.
Tour de France femmes Stage by Stage
8/1
Stage 1
Route: Lausanne – Lausanne
Distance: 137 km
Parcours: Rolling
Look out for: An uphill finish, 2.6 km at 4.8%
What matters: Staying within the front group, battling for victory whilst defending GC ambitions
The race begins in Switzerland with a hilly 137 km loop featuring two climbs. It’s a perfect opener for puncheurs chasing the first yellow jersey. Expect aggressive racing as riders seek to gain early time before the mid-race time trial.
8/2
Stage 2
Route: Aigle – Genève
Distance: 149 km
Parcours: Flat
Look out for: With five categorized climbs, the battle for the polka dot jersey will well and truly be on
What matters: Staying in contention for a final dash with the potential for winds
Stage 2 starts at the UCI headquarters in Aigle and winds through the Swiss hills. Though five small climbs pepper the day, the final 40 km are flat, suiting the sprinters. Strong winds and narrow valley roads could cause splits.
8/3
Stage 3
Route: Genève – Poligny
Distance: 157 km
Parcours: Medium Mountains
Look out for: A bonus time sprint that comes at the end of the day’s climbing will push the speeds up
What matters: If it is to be a breakaway day, having representation in the early move
The peloton enters France on a 157 km route through the Jura Mountains. Early climbs like the Col de la Faucille will test climbing legs, followed by rolling roads toward a fast finale. Breakaway hopefuls may eye this transition stage for glory.
8/4
Stage 4
Route: Gevrey-Chambertin – Dijon
Distance: 21 km
Parcours: ITT
Look out for: The 1.8 km at 6.9% Lacets de Marsannay climb leading to a plateau at 9.7 km in
What matters: A well-paced effort up the climb to remain in contention, whilst not burning too many matches
A 21 km individual time trial, starting amid Burgundy’s vineyards, rises up the Lacets de Marsannay climb before descending into Dijon. The technical course will likely significantly reorder the general classification ahead of the mountains.
8/5
Stage 5
Route: Mâcon – Belleville-en-Beaujolais
Distance: 140 km
Parcours: Medium Mountains
Look out for: The final climb, Mont Brouilly, 3.3 km at 7.4%, topping out with 11 kilometers to race
What matters: The ability to go deep into the reserves on multiple climbs, Ardennes-style
Stage 5 features eight categorized climbs and 2,783 meters of elevation across Beaujolais wine country. The unrelenting terrain offers little rest, with multiple short, steep ascents. It’s a day for punchy climbers or opportunistic breakaways
8/6
Stage 6
Route: Montbrison – Tournon-sur-Rhône
Distance: 153 km
Parcours: Medium Mountains
Look out for: The 8.5 km at 5% Col de Lalouvesc leading to the 3.2 km at 6.2% Côte de Boucieu-le-Roi setting up another mountainous finish
What matters: Strong legs on the uphill and solid handling on the descents
Six climbs across 153 km, including the Col de Lalouvesc and Côte de Boucieu-le-Roi, make this a leg-breaking day. Constant elevation changes will wear down the peloton, while the technical descents could reward daring riders.
8/7
Stage 7
Route: La Voulte-sur-Rhône – Mont Ventoux
Distance: 144 km
Parcours: High Mountains
Look out for: It’s all about the Giant of Provence, 15.7 km at 8.7%, with 3,369 meters of total elevation on the stage
What matters: The key part of Mont Ventoux has always been Chalet Reynard, the final refuge 6 km from the line, just before the climb opens up to its inhospitable moonscape push to the summit
The “Queen Stage” culminates with the brutal ascent of Mont Ventoux. After three smaller climbs, the peloton faces the barren slopes of the bald mountain. The wind and gradient will shatter the race. Whoever triumphs here may all but secure the yellow jersey.
8/8
Stage 8
Route: Sisteron – Nice
Distance: 175 km
Parcours: Medium Mountains
Look out for: The 2.4 km at 4.5% Côte de la Ginestière launchpad, followed by another brief ramp, topping out inside 10 kilometers to go, think Milano-Sanremo
What matters: Strong positioning on the descent to Nice
At 175 km, the day after Ventoux is the longest stage of the race, rolling through Provence to the Côte d’Azur. Mostly suited to sprinters, but late climbs like Côte de Colomars and Côte de la Ginestière could upset the script and are great launchpads for late attacks. With just a handful of flat kilometers into Nice, there might not be enough distance to reel in a strong descender.
8/9
Stage 9
Route: Nice – Nice
Distance: 99 km
Parcours: Medium Mountains
Look out for: Four ascents of the Col d’Éze, three at 7.8 km at 6%, with the final ascent on a different route, slightly shorter at 6.1 km, but steeper at 7.6%
What matters: Leaving everything on the final steep climb to compete for victory on the promenade
A 99 km circuit stage closes the race, featuring four ascents of the Col d’Éze, which is one of the marquee climbs featured in the men’s Paris-Nice. Short but explosive, it’s ideal for late attacks and a GC showdown overlooking the beautiful Mediterranean.
How to watch
USA
NBC Sports / Peacock
Stage 1 – 4 from 9:30 am EDT / 8:30 am CDT / 7:30 am MDT / 6:30 am PDT
Stage 5 from 7:30 am EDT / 6:30 am CDT / 5:30 am MDT / 4:30 am PDT
Stage 6 from 9:30 am EDT / 8:30 am CDT / 7:30 am MDT / 6:30 am PDT
Stage 7 from 9:15 am EDT / 8:15 am CDT / 7:15 am MDT / 6:15 am PDT
Stage 8 from 9:30 am EDT / 8:30 am CDT / 7:30 am MDT / 6:30 am PDT
Stage 9 from 9:45 am EDT / 8:45 am CDT / 7:45 am MDT / 6:45 am PDT
Canada
FloBikes
Greater Europe
Eurosport/Discovery+/HBO Max (territory dependent)
Stage 1 – 4 from 15:30 CET
Stage 5 from 13:30 CET
Stage 6 from 15:30 CET
Stage 7 from 15:15 CET
Stage 8 from 15:30 CET
Stage 9 from 15:45 CET
UK
HBO Max/TNT Sports
Stage 1 – 4 from 14:30 CET
Stage 5 from 12:30 CET
Stage 6 from 14:30 CET
Stage 7 from 14:15 CET
Stage 8 from 14:30 CET
Stage 9 from 14:45 CET
Click here for a full, comprehensive list of broadcasters and territories
What our athletes think
Barbara Malcotti
This is the biggest race on our calendar and one that every cyclist dreams of racing. Competing against the best riders in the world on such iconic roads is always a privilege, and after all the preparation we’ve done, I can’t wait to give my best for the team and see what we can achieve together.
Mont Ventoux is one of the most iconic climbs in the history of cycling. Every cyclist grows up hearing about Ventoux, so having the opportunity to race on it is something truly special. I know it will be an incredibly tough day, but that’s exactly what makes it so exciting. It’s the kind of climb that creates unforgettable moments and rewards the strongest riders.
My main goal is to perform at my best and help the team achieve the best possible result. Personally, I’d love to be competitive in the mountains and fight for a strong overall result. Beyond racing, I hope to inspire young girls to believe that with passion, dedication, and hard work, they can chase their dreams. Women’s cycling has grown enormously over the past few years, and it’s wonderful to be part of that journey and hopefully encourage the next generation to get on a bike.
Nina Buijsman
I’m super excited to be back at the Tour! It’s been a few years since I last raced it, but I have amazing memories from that first edition. I was blown away by how big the event was and by the incredible crowds along the roads. Having my parents there again makes it even more special. These are the moments that remind me also why I love racing.
One of my strengths is that I recover really well between stages. The opening days are usually a bit harder for me because everyone is still fresh. But as the race goes on and fatigue starts to build, I tend to come into my own. That’s when I can push a little harder, find another level, and hopefully discover a new limit.
My biggest goal is to discover my limits. I’m still improving, just like everyone else in the peloton, and I’m curious to see how far I can push myself. The GC will follow from that, but above all I want to race aggressively. With such a strong and aggressive team around me, I think we can achieve some amazing things. At the same time, I want to enjoy every moment of this race together with the team.
I also hope we can inspire the next generation. The way women’s cycling is raced today is really exciting, and I hope we can inspire kids with that. Watching great races on television gave me more ambition in the past. Now I hope we can pass that feeling on to young riders and continue helping women’s cycling grow.
Photos: GettySport, Human Powered Health, A.S.O
