2024 Tour de France Femmes

{{Main|List of teams and cyclists in the 2024 Tour de France Femmes}}

Twenty-two teams took part in the race.{{Cite web |date=24 April 2024 |title=Discover the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift 2024 teams! |url=https://www.letourfemmes.fr/en/news/2024/discover-the-tour-de-france-femmes-avec-zwift-2024-teams/1294282 |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=Tour de France Femmes |publisher=ASO |language=en}} The teams were announced on 24 April 2024. All 15 UCI Women's WorldTeams were automatically invited. They were joined by seven UCI Women's Continental Teams – the two best 2023 UCI Women's Continental Teams (Cofidis Women Team and Tashkent City Women Professional Cycling Team) received an automatic invitation, and the other five teams were selected by ASO, the organisers of the Tour. A total of 154 riders from 30 nationalities started the race, with the Netherlands having the largest contingent (32 riders).

UCI Women's WorldTeams

{{div col|colwidth=20em|style=margin-right:20%;}}

• {{UCI team code|AGS|2024}}
• {{UCI team code|CSR|2024}}
• {{UCI team code|WNT|2024}}
• {{UCI team code|FSF|2024}}
• {{UCI team code|FED|2024}}
• {{UCI team code|HPH|2024}}
• {{UCI team code|LTK women|2024}}
• {{UCI team code|LAJ|2024}}
• {{UCI team code|MOV women|2024}}
• {{UCI team code|CGS|2024}}
• {{UCI team code|DFP women|2024}}
• {{UCI team code|SDW|2024}}
• {{UCI team code|UAD women|2024}}
• {{UCI team code|TVL women|2024}}
• {{UCI team code|UXT women|2024}}

{{div col end}}

UCI Women's Continental Teams

{{div col|colwidth=20em|style=margin-right:20%;}}

• {{UCI team code|ARK women|2024}}
• {{UCI team code|COF women|2024}}
• {{UCI team code|EOC|2024b}}
• {{UCI team code|LKF|2024}}
• {{UCI team code|LDL|2024}}
• {{UCI team code|AUB women|2024}}
• {{UCI team code|TCW|2024}}

{{div col end}}

File:Alpe d'Huez, France (7957045090).jpg; {{convert|13.8|km|1|abbr=on}} long, which has an average gradient of 7.9% and features 21 hairpin turns.]]

Due to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics taking place immediately after the 2024 Tour de France, the 2024 edition did not take place immediately after the men's tour.{{Cite web |last=Farrand |first=Stephen |date=2023-07-10 |title=Tour de France Femmes to start in the Netherlands in 2024 |url=https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/tour-de-france-femmes-to-start-in-the-netherlands-in-2024/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710213207/https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/tour-de-france-femmes-to-start-in-the-netherlands-in-2024/ |archive-date=10 July 2023 |access-date=2023-07-10 |website=Cycling News |language=en}} Instead, it took place in the short gap between the Olympic Games and the 2024 Summer Paralympics in mid-August.{{Cite news |date=2023-10-25 |title=Tour de France will not finish in Paris for first time ever due to 2024 Olympics |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/oct/25/tour-de-france-will-not-finish-in-paris-next-year-for-first-time-in-history-cycling |access-date=2023-10-25 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=25 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025123836/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/oct/25/tour-de-france-will-not-finish-in-paris-next-year-for-first-time-in-history-cycling |url-status=live }}

In July 2023, it was announced that the Tour de France Femmes would have its first Grand Départ outside France—with three stage starts in the Netherlands, starting in Rotterdam.{{Cite web |date=2023-07-10 |title=Tour de France femmes 2024 : la Grande Boucle s'élancera de Rotterdam juste après les Jeux olympiques de Paris |trans-title=2024 Women's Tour de France: The Grande Boucle will start in Rotterdam just after the Paris Olympics |url=https://www.francetvinfo.fr/tour-de-france/femmes/tour-de-france-2024-femmes-la-grande-boucle-s-elancera-de-rotterdam-juste-apres-les-jeux-olympiques-de-paris_5941997.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804205819/https://www.francetvinfo.fr/tour-de-france/femmes/tour-de-france-2024-femmes-la-grande-boucle-s-elancera-de-rotterdam-juste-apres-les-jeux-olympiques-de-paris_5941997.html |archive-date=4 August 2023 |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=Franceinfo |language=fr-FR}} It was rumoured that the race would have a summit finish on Alpe d'Huez,{{Cite web |last=Thewlis |first=Tom |date=2023-10-18 |title=Tour de France Femmes set to conclude atop Alpe d'Huez in 2024 |url=https://www.cyclingweekly.com/racing/tour-de-france-femmes-set-to-conclude-atop-alpe-dhuez-in-2024 |access-date=2023-10-21 |website=Cycling Weekly |language=en}} with Cycling News noting that race organisers ASO seemed "keen to include at least one very famous climb" in each edition of the race.{{Cite web |last1=Frattini |first1=Kirsten |last2=Knöfler |first2=Lukas |date=2023-07-31 |title=8 striking moments that defined the 2023 Tour de France Femmes |url=https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/8-striking-conclusions-that-defined-the-2023-tour-de-france-femmes/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801151431/https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/8-striking-conclusions-that-defined-the-2023-tour-de-france-femmes/ |archive-date=1 August 2023 |access-date=2023-08-01 |website=Cycling News |language=en |quote=suggest that the ASO is keen to include at least one very famous climb every year}}

In October 2023, the full route was announced by race director Marion Rousse.{{Cite web |last=Puddicombe |first=Stephen |date=25 October 2023 |title=Tour de France Femmes 2024 route: A split stage, a taste of the Ardennes, and the Alpe d'Huez |url=https://www.rouleur.cc/blogs/the-rouleur-journal/tour-de-france-femmes-route |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=Rouleur |language=en |archive-date=25 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025220238/https://www.rouleur.cc/blogs/the-rouleur-journal/tour-de-france-femmes-route |url-status=live }} It comprised seven days of racing with eight stages, covering a total of {{convert|946|km|mi}}. The first three stages took place in the Netherlands, with two stages taking place on 13 August, a shorter stage followed by an individual time trial. The race headed south towards Belgium using roads used by other classic cycling races such as the Amstel Gold Race and Liège–Bastogne–Liège. Entering France, the race continued south heading towards the two final stages in the Alps, with the race culminating with a summit finish at Alpe d'Huez at an elevation of {{convert|1850|m|ft|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |title=Official route of Tour de France Femmes 2024 |url=https://www.letourfemmes.fr/en/overall-route |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802070523/https://www.letourfemmes.fr/en/overall-route |archive-date=2 August 2022 |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=Tour de France Femmes |publisher=ASO |language=en}} Alpe d'Huez was last featured in a professional women's race in the 1993 Tour Cycliste Féminin.{{Cite web |last=McGrath |first=Andy |date=2024-08-18 |title=Alpe D'Huez Ending at Tour de France Femmes 'Gives Opportunities Women Haven't Had' |url=https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france-femmes/alpe-dhuez-ending-at-tour-de-france-femmes-gives-opportunities-women-havent-had/ |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=Velo |language=en-US}}

Global Cycling Network stated that the route seemed "practically tailor-made for the strengths, preferences and origins" of defending champion Demi Vollering.{{Cite web |date=14 April 2023 |title=D-100 : on the second – Tour de France 2023 |url=https://www.letourfemmes.fr/en/news/2023/d-100-on-the-second/1293102 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414131044/https://www.letourfemmes.fr/en/news/2023/d-100-on-the-second/1293102 |archive-date=14 April 2023 |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=Tour de France Femmes |publisher=ASO}} Vollering welcomed the route, noting the stages in her home country of the Netherlands and stating that she "always wanted to ride Alpe d'Huez".{{Cite web |last=Moultrie |first=James |date=2023-10-25 |title=Demi Vollering excited for Dutch depart, Alpe d'Huez finish at 2024 Tour de France Femmes |url=https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/demi-vollering-excited-for-dutch-depart-alpe-dhuez-finish-at-2024-tour-de-france-femmes/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025153930/https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/demi-vollering-excited-for-dutch-depart-alpe-dhuez-finish-at-2024-tour-de-france-femmes/ |archive-date=25 October 2023 |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=Cycling News |language=en}} L'Équipe considered that the race would be decided on the final stage,{{Cite web |last=Wattraint |first=Robin |date=11 August 2024 |title=« Du jamais vu » : la mythique ascension de l'alpe d'Huez sera le juge de paix du Tour de France Femmes |trans-title="Never seen before": the legendary climb of Alpe d'Huez will be the deciding factor in the Women's Tour de France |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Cyclisme-sur-route/Article/-du-jamais-vu-la-mythique-ascension-de-l-alpe-d-huez-sera-le-juge-de-paix-du-tour-de-france-femmes/1490587 |access-date=2024-08-11 |website=L'Équipe |language=fr}} with British national champion Pfeiffer Georgi calling the ascent "brutal".{{Cite web |date=2024-08-09 |title=Tour de France Femmes 2024 stage guide: British champion Pfeiffer Georgi on the race route |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/cycling/articles/cn05yqrrqg9o |access-date=2024-08-11 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB |quote="The first climb [of the stage, over the Col du Glandon] is 20km at 7% and then the second [to Alpe d'Huez] is 13km at 8% and I thought 'that's brutal'."}}

{{Main|2024 Tour de France Femmes, Stage 1 to Stage 8}}

File:2023 AGR - start Demi Vollering (cropped).jpg was considered to be favourite for the general classification (GC)]]

Ahead of the race, defending champion Demi Vollering was considered to be the pre-race favourite for the general classification (GC), following Vollering's victories at La Vuelta Femenina and other stage races in 2024.{{Cite web |last=Jary |first=Rachel |date=9 August 2024 |title=Tour de France Femmes favourites 2024 – Who will win the yellow jersey? |url=https://www.rouleur.cc/blogs/the-rouleur-journal/tour-de-france-femmes-favourites-2024-who-will-win-the-yellow-jersey |access-date=2024-08-11 |website=Rouleur |language=en |quote=defending champion Demi Vollering stands out as the overwhelming favourite for the general classification victory}}{{Cite web |last1=Frattini |first1=Kirsten |last2=Moultrie |first2=James |date=2024-08-10 |title=The main talking points ahead of the 2024 Tour de France Femmes |url=https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/the-main-talking-points-ahead-of-the-2024-tour-de-france-femmes/ |access-date=2024-08-11 |website=Cycling News |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=11 August 2024 |title=Nos favorites du Tour de France Femmes 2024 : Demi Vollering en grandissime favorite |trans-title=Our favorites of the Tour de France Femmes 2024: Demi Vollering as a great favorite |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Cyclisme-sur-route/Article/Nos-favorites-du-tour-de-france-femmes-2024/1490461 |access-date=2024-08-11 |website=L'Équipe |language=fr}} Other contenders tipped for the general classification (GC) included Katarzyna Niewiadoma, Juliette Labous, Évita Muzic and Riejanne Markus.{{Cite web |last=Jary |first=Rachel |date=9 August 2024 |title=Tour de France Femmes favourites 2024 – Who will win the yellow jersey? |url=https://www.rouleur.cc/blogs/the-rouleur-journal/tour-de-france-femmes-favourites-2024-who-will-win-the-yellow-jersey |access-date=2024-08-11 |website=Rouleur |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=11 August 2024 |title=Tour de France Femmes 2024: Favourites to win GC, Top French rider, Ones to watch for premier women's cycling event |url=https://www.eurosport.com/cycling/tour-de-france-femmes/2024/favourites-gc-french-rider-ones-to-watch-womens-cycling_sto20027955/story.shtml |access-date=2024-08-11 |website=Eurosport}} Potential GC contender Elisa Longo Borghini would not take part in the race following a training crash earlier in August.{{Cite web |last=Lamoureux |first=Lyne |date=2024-08-10 |title=Elisa Longo Borghini to skip Tour de France Femmes following training crash |url=https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/elisa-longo-borghini-to-skip-tour-de-france-femmes-following-training-crash/ |access-date=2024-08-11 |website=Cycling News |language=en}}

Lorena Wiebes, Marianne Vos and Charlotte Kool were considered favourites for the points classification for best sprinter, with Vollering and Niewiadoma tipped for the Queen of the Mountains (QoM) classification.{{Cite web |last=Becket |first=Adam |date=2024-08-09 |title=Demi Vollering, Kasia Niewiadoma, Évita Muzic and more: 7 riders to watch at the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift |url=https://www.cyclingweekly.com/racing/demi-vollering-kasia-niewiadoma-evita-muzic-and-more-7-riders-to-watch-at-the-tour-de-france-femmes-avec-zwift |access-date=2024-08-11 |website=Cycling Weekly |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Strickson |first=Will |date=2024-08-07 |title=Cyclist's Tour de France Femmes predictions 2024 |url=https://www.cyclist.co.uk/in-depth/tour-de-france-femmes-predictions-2024 |access-date=2024-08-11 |website=Cyclist |language=en}} Shirin van Anrooij and Neve Bradbury were considered favourites for the young rider classification for best rider under the age of 23, and SD Worx were considered favourites for the team classification.{{Cite web |last=Moultrie |first=James |date=2024-08-06 |title='Our goal is clear: to defend Demi Vollering's Tour victory' – SD Worx-Protime reveal Tour de France Femmes roster |url=https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/our-goal-is-clear-to-defend-demi-vollerings-tour-victory-sd-worx-protime-reveal-tour-de-france-femmes-roster/ |access-date=2024-08-11 |website=Cycling News |language=en}}

Overall, the field of 154 riders had 18 of the top 20 riders in the world taking part – with Chiara Consonni and 2023 points classification winner Lotte Kopecky having skipped the Tour to focus on the Olympic Games.{{Cite web |date=7 August 2024 |title=An all-star cast for the Dutch premiere |url=https://www.letourfemmes.fr/en/news/2024/an-all-star-cast-for-the-dutch-premiere/1294307 |access-date=2024-08-11 |website=Tour de France Femmes |publisher=ASO |language=en}} Media coverage prior to the event was positive, with anticipation of the summit finish at the Alpe d'Huez and the Grand Départ in the Netherlands.{{Cite web |date=14 July 2024 |title=8 factors that will influence the 2024 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift |url=https://www.bikeradar.com/features/8-factors-that-will-influence-the-2024-tour-de-france-femmes-avec-zwift |access-date=2024-07-22 |website=Bike Radar |language=en}} The prize fund remained at €250,000 (compared to €2.5 million for the men's tour), with €50,000 for the winner of the general classification – making it one of the richest races in women's cycling.{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Ewan |date=2024-06-18 |title=How much is the 2024 Tour de France prize money? |url=https://www.cyclist.co.uk/in-depth/tour-de-france-prize-money |access-date=2024-08-11 |website=Cyclist |language=en}}

File:2024 Tour de France Femmes - 3e etappe podium 10 (cropped).jpg

The opening three stages took place in and around Rotterdam in the Netherlands. Stage 1 of the Tour took place on 12 August, with a flat course to The Hague. In a bunch sprint finish, Kool ({{UCI team code|DFP women|2024}}) won the stage, after favourite for the stage win Wiebes ({{UCI team code|SDW|2024}}) suffered a mechanical issue with her derailleur, meaning that she was unable to sprint for the line.{{Cite web |last=Becket |first=Adam |date=2024-08-12 |title='This is the best day of my life': Charlotte Kool powers to stage one of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift and takes yellow |url=https://www.cyclingweekly.com/racing/this-is-the-best-day-of-my-life-charlotte-kool-powers-to-stage-one-of-the-tour-de-france-femmes-avec-zwift-and-takes-yellow |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=cyclingweekly.com |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Whittle |first=Jeremy |date=2024-08-12 |title=Charlotte Kool breezes to sprint victory on stage one of Tour de France Femmes |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/aug/12/charlotte-kool-sprints-to-victory-in-stage-one-of-tour-de-france-femmes |access-date=2024-08-18 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} Kool therefore took the first yellow jersey of the race, as well as the green jersey of the points classification. The {{UCI team code|TCW|2024}} were criticised for its poor performance, with four of their riders abandoning the race after they were unable to keep with the pace of the peloton on the flat stage.{{Cite web |last=Moultrie |first=James |date=2024-08-12 |title='People can think what they want' – Tashkent City Women respond to criticism after four riders abandon Tour de France Femmes |url=https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/people-can-think-what-they-want-tashkent-city-women-respond-to-criticism-after-four-riders-abandon-tour-de-france-femmes/ |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=cyclingnews.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Jary |first=Rachel |date=13 August 2024 |title=200 euro salaries, inexperienced youngsters and gaming the system: Tashkent City justify their place at the Tour de France Femmes |url=https://www.rouleur.cc/blogs/the-rouleur-journal/200-euro-salaries-inexperienced-youngsters-and-gaming-the-system-tashkent-city-justify-their-place-at-the-tour-de-france-femmes |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=Rouleur |language=en}}

Stage 2 was a short, flat stage taking place on the morning of 13 August, with stage 3 taking place in the afternoon.{{Cite web |title=Stage 2 – Dordrecht > Rotterdam – Tour de France Femmes 2024 |url=https://www.letourfemmes.fr/en/stage-2 |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=Tour de France Femmes |publisher=ASO |language=en}} After nervous racing throughout the stage, Kool beat Wiebes in a sprint finish – with the bonus seconds available at the finish extending Kool's lead in the {{abbr|GC|general classification}} to 14 seconds, and maintaining her lead in the points classification.{{Cite web |last=Knöfler |first=Lukas |date=2024-08-13 |title=Tour de France Femmes: Charlotte Kool outpaces Lorena Wiebes to win stage 2 |url=https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-femmes-2024/stage-2/results/ |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=cyclingnews.com |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Whittle |first=Jeremy |date=2024-08-13 |title=Vollering takes Tour de France Femmes yellow jersey with time-trial win |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/aug/13/tour-de-france-femmes-cycling-demi-vollering |access-date=2024-08-18 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}

Stage 3 was a {{convert|6.3|km|abbr=on}} individual time trial in central Rotterdam.{{Cite web |title=Stage 3 – Rotterdam > Rotterdam – Tour de France Femmes 2024 |url=https://www.letourfemmes.fr/en/stage-3 |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=Tour de France Femmes |publisher=ASO |language=en}} Loes Adegeest ({{UCI team code|FSF|2024}}) set a fast time of 7 min 30 s, with Dutch favourite Ellen van Dijk ({{UCI team code|LTK women|2024}}) and double Olympic champion Kristen Faulkner ({{UCI team code|EOC|2024b}}) both setting times a second slower. Olympic time trial champion Grace Brown ({{UCI team code|FSF|2024|nolink=yes}}) suffered a puncture, losing around 30 seconds as the short course allowed no time to catch up.{{Cite web |last=Knöfler |first=Lukas |date=2024-08-13 |title=Tour de France Femmes: Demi Vollering rules Rotterdam with stage 3 time trial victory and moves into yellow jersey |url=https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-femmes-2024/stage-3/results/ |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=cyclingnews.com |language=en}} Chloé Dygert ({{UCI team code|CSR|2024}}) then set a slightly faster time than Adegeest, with Vollering ({{UCI team code|SDW|2024|nolink=yes}}) then setting a time five seconds quicker. Wearing the yellow jersey, Kool set a time of 7 min 50 s – thereby falling to 33rd overall, but retaining her lead in the points classification. Vollering therefore took the lead in {{abbr|GC|general classification}}, just three seconds ahead of Wiebes and five ahead of Dygert. Vollering was delighted with her stage win, tearily stating that she "really didn't see this coming".{{Cite web |last=Thewlis |first=Tom |date=2024-08-13 |title=Demi Vollering takes the yellow jersey early after an impressive time trial |url=https://www.cyclingweekly.com/racing/demi-vollering-powers-to-time-trial-victory-and-takes-over-race-lead-on-stage-3-of-the-tour-de-france-femmes-avec-zwift |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=cyclingweekly.com |language=en}}

Stage 4 was a hilly route heading south from Valkenburg in the Netherlands to Liège in Belgium, using climbs that feature in the races of Liège–Bastogne–Liège Femmes and Amstel Gold Race.{{Cite web |last=Knöfler |first=Lukas |date=2024-08-14 |title=Tour de France Femmes: Puck Pieterse stuns Vollering with first WorldTour victory in photo finish on stage 4 |url=https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-femmes-2024/stage-4/results/ |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=cyclingnews.com |language=en}} With {{convert|35|km|abbr=}} to go, Puck Pieterse ({{UCI team code|FED|2024|nolink=}}) began to pull away from the peloton on the Côte de La Redoute climb, before being chased back by {{abbr|GC|general classification}} contenders. Justine Ghekiere ({{UCI team code|AGS|2024}}) attacked on the next climb, gaining a small lead on the descent. The peloton then caught Ghekiere 300 metres from the top of the final climb, with Vollering, Pieterse, Katarzyna Niewiadoma ({{UCI team code|CSR|2024|nolink=yes}}) and Pauliena Rooijakkers ({{UCI team code|FED|2024|nolink=yes}}) then pulling away from the peloton. Pieterse took the {{abbr|QoM|Queen of the Mountains}} points at the top.{{Cite web |last=Davidson |first=Tom |date=2024-08-14 |title=Puck Pieterse pips Demi Vollering in photo-finish sprint to win stage 4 of the Tour de France Femmes |url=https://www.cyclingweekly.com/racing/puck-pieterse-pips-demi-vollering-in-photo-finish-sprint-to-win-stage-four-of-the-tour-de-france-femmes |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=cyclingweekly.com |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Whittle |first=Jeremy |date=2024-08-14 |title=Dutch delight rolls on as Puck Pieterse takes Tour de France Femmes stage |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/aug/14/dutch-delight-as-puck-pieterse-takes-tour-de-france-femmes-stage-four |access-date=2024-08-18 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} Descending towards Liège, the trio of Vollering, Niewiadoma and Pieterse pulled away from Rooijakkers – with Vollering taking bonus seconds on a minor climb located around {{convert|11|km|abbr=}} to go. At the finish, Pieterse outsprinted Vollering to take her first stage win of the Tour. Vollering retained her yellow jersey of the {{abbr|GC|general classification}}, extending her lead to 22 seconds. Pieterse took second place, the lead of the young rider classification as well as the polka-dot jersey of the mountains classification. Niewiadoma took third place, 34 seconds on {{abbr|GC|general classification}} behind Vollering. Kool retained her green jersey of the points classification.

Stage 5 took the riders south to Amnéville, entering France for the first time.{{Cite web |title=Stage 5 – Bastogne > Amnéville – Tour de France Femmes 2024 |url=https://www.letourfemmes.fr/en/stage-5 |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=Tour de France Femmes |publisher=ASO |language=en}} Pieterse extended her lead in the {{abbr|QoM|Queen of the Mountains}} classification by crossing summits ahead of the peloton. With teams preparing for a sprint finish, a sharp corner out of a roundabout with {{convert|6|km|abbr=}} remaining caught the peloton by surprise, with around 25 riders crashing at high speed. Riders who lost time included the yellow jersey of Vollering, 2nd place overall Pieterse and young rider contenders van Anrooij ({{UCI team code|LTK women|2024|nolink=yes}}) and Bradbury ({{UCI team code|CSR|2024|nolink=yes}}).{{Cite web |last=Becket |first=Adam |date=2024-08-15 |title=Blanka Vas sprints to stage five win at Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift after crash chaos |url=https://www.cyclingweekly.com/racing/blanka-vas-sprints-to-stage-five-win-at-tour-de-france-femmes-avec-zwift-after-crash-chaos |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=cyclingweekly.com |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Whittle |first=Jeremy |date=2024-08-15 |title=Vollering crash puts Tour de France Femmes crown in jeopardy as Vas shines |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/aug/15/demi-vollering-crash-puts-tour-de-france-femmes-conquest-in-jeopardy-as-blanka-vas-shines-cycling |access-date=2024-08-18 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} Vollering took some time to remount her bike, and was visibly in pain as she rode towards the finish.{{Cite web |last1=Weislo |first1=Laura |last2=Moultrie |first2=James |date=2024-08-15 |title=Tour de France Femmes leader Demi Vollering loses lead in late crash on stage 5 |url=https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/tour-de-france-femmes-leader-demi-vollering-loses-lead-in-late-crash-on-stage-5/ |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=cyclingnews.com |language=en}} Two riders abandoned the race following their injuries sustained in the crash, with Pfeiffer Georgi ({{UCI team code|DFP women|2024|nolink=yes}}) suffering a fractured neck and broken hand.{{Cite web |last=Becket |first=Adam |date=2024-08-16 |title=British champion Pfeiffer Georgi fractures neck in Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift crash |url=https://www.cyclingweekly.com/racing/british-champion-pfeiffer-georgi-fractures-neck-in-tour-de-france-femmes-avec-zwift-crash |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=cyclingweekly.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2024-08-16 |title=Tour de France Femmes 2024: Pfeiffer Georgi fractured neck and broke hand in stage five crash |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/articles/cpvyr1m20nxo |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} A small group of remaining riders including Niewiadoma, Faulkner, Blanka Vas ({{UCI team code|SDW|2024|nolink=yes}}), Liane Lippert ({{UCI team code|MOV women|2024|nolink=yes}}), and Cédrine Kerbaol ({{UCI team code|WNT|2024}}) pushed on towards the finish, fighting amongst themselves in the final kilometre. Finally, Lippert went in the final steep section, however Vas was strong enough to overtake her and take her first stage win in the Tour. Niewiadoma took the {{abbr|GC|general classification}} lead, 19 seconds ahead of Faulkner and 22 seconds ahead of Pieterse. She expressed her delight in taking the yellow jersey, stating that "It feels very special". Despite her crash, Pieterse retained her lead in the {{abbr|QoM|Queen of the Mountains}} and young rider classifications. Vollering had crossed the line 1 min 47 s behind Vas, and fell to 9th place overall, 1 min 19 s behind Niewiadoma. Following the stage, Vollering noted that she was glad not to "suffer any broken bones" given the speed of the crash, however following the race she subsequently admitted that her tailbone had been broken in the crash.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-25 |title=Demi Vollering reveals broken tailbone in crash that cost her Tour de France Femmes: "I had no feeling in my left leg at all" |url=https://cyclinguptodate.com/cycling/demi-vollering-reveals-broken-tailbone-in-crash-that-cost-her-tour-de-france-femmes-i-had-no-feeling-in-my-left-leg-at-all |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=CyclingUpToDate.com |language=en}} There was criticism of {{UCI team code|SDW|2024|nolink=yes}} for not sending riders to support Vollering to the finish line, with Vas noting that her radio was not working.{{Cite web |last=Price |first=Matilda |date=2024-08-15 |title=Confusion and chaos for SD Worx-Protime as Vollering is left behind while Vas wins |url=https://escapecollective.com/confusion-and-chaos-for-sd-worx-protime-as-vollering-is-left-behind-while-vas-wins/ |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=Escape Collective |language=en-US}}

Stage 6 took the riders further south on a hilly course to Morteau.{{Cite web |title=Stage 6 – Remiremont > Morteau – Tour de France Femmes 2024 |url=https://www.letourfemmes.fr/en/stage-6 |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=Tour de France Femmes |publisher=ASO |language=en}} Ghekiere rode with two separate breakaways to take maximum {{abbr|QoM|Queen of the Mountains}} points on the first four climbs, with Marianne Vos ({{UCI team code|TVL women|2024}}) winning the intermediate sprint, to reduce the margin between her and Kool. After the final climb, Kerbaol attacked from the peloton, descending at high speed – gaining a 30-second lead with {{convert|5|km|abbr=}} remaining. Despite a final steep climb towards the finish, Kerbaol took France's first ever stage win at the Tour. She moved up to 2nd place overall, 16 seconds behind Niewiadoma. Behind Kerbaol, Vos won the group sprint for second place, thereby taking the lead in the points classification from Kool. Ghekiere took the polka-dot jersey of the QoM classification, with Pieterse maintaining her lead in the young rider classification.{{Cite web |last=Becket |first=Adam |date=2024-08-16 |title=Cédrine Kerbaol powers to stage six win at Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, the first ever French victory |url=https://www.cyclingweekly.com/racing/cedrine-kerbaol-powers-to-stage-six-win-at-tour-de-france-femmes-avec-zwift-the-first-ever-french-victory |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=cyclingweekly.com |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Whittle |first=Jeremy |date=2024-08-16 |title=Kerbaol makes Tour de France Femmes history after downhill attack |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/aug/16/kerbaol-makes-tour-de-france-femmes-history-after-downhill-attack |access-date=2024-08-18 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} 16 riders remained within two minutes of the overall lead, with 9 different teams in the top 10.

File:TDFF24_Rooijakkers_Vollering.jpg ({{UCI team code|FED|2024|nolink=}}) and Demi Vollering ({{UCI team code|SDW|2024|nolink=}}) on Alpe d'Huez]]

File:Katarzyna Niewiadoma in de Tour de France Femmes 2024.jpg ({{UCI team code|CSR|2024}}) in pursuit on Alpe d'Huez]]

Stage 7 was the first of two stages in the French Alps, with five categorised climbs on the longest stage of the Tour from Champagnole to Le Grand-Bornand, {{convert|166.4|km|abbr=on}} in length.{{Cite web |title=Stage 7 – Champagnole > Le Grand-Bornand – Tour de France Femmes 2024 |url=https://www.letourfemmes.fr/en/stage-7 |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=Tour de France Femmes |publisher=ASO |language=en}}

Early on in the stage, Kool – winner of stages one and two – abandoned the race. Riding with the peloton, Pieterse claimed the {{abbr|QoM|Queen of the Mountains}} points on the first climb, beating Ghekiere; her rival for the polka-dot jersey.{{Cite web |last=Challis |first=Dan |date=2024-08-17 |title=Polka Dot jersey Justine Ghekiere conquers Tour de France Femmes stage 7 as Niewiadoma holds onto yellow |url=https://www.cyclingweekly.com/racing/justine-ghekiere-conquers-tour-de-france-femmes-stage-7-as-niewiadoma-holds-onto-yellow |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=cyclingweekly.com |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Whittle |first=Jeremy |date=2024-08-17 |title=Niewiadoma braces for showdown with Vollering in Tour de France Femmes |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/aug/17/justine-ghekiere-reaches-new-heights-with-tour-de-france-femmes-stage-win |access-date=2024-08-18 |work=The Observer |language=en-GB |issn=0029-7712}} A group of six riders broke away from the peloton – including Vos and Ghekiere. Ghekiere subsequently took maximum {{abbr|QoM|Queen of the Mountains}} points on the next two climbs, extending her lead in the mountains classification. Vos then won the intermediate sprint, extending her points classification lead. The lead of the breakaway grew to around 5 minutes, approaching the last two climbs of the stage. On the penultimate climb, the peloton worked hard to reduce the gap to the breakaway. Ghekiere attacked, attempting to solo towards the finish and gain further {{abbr|QoM|Queen of the Mountains}} points. At the top of the climb, Ghekiere had a lead of 2 min 30 s followed by a group including {{abbr|GC|general classification}} favourites such as Niewiadoma and Vollering. Despite attempts by {{abbr|GC|general classification}} contenders, the gap to Ghekiere did not fall substantially throughout the climb. Reaching the top of the final climb, Ghekiere won the stage by 1 min 15 s ahead of Maëva Squiban ({{UCI team code|ARK women|2024}}), further extending her lead in the mountains classification. In the last kilometre, Niewiadoma tested the remaining {{abbr|GC|general classification}} contenders with a powerful acceleration, with only Vollering able to follow. At the finish line, Vollering overtook Niewiadoma to take 3rd on the stage, gaining four bonus seconds for her efforts and moving up to 8th overall. Niewiadoma extended her overall lead to 27 seconds ahead of Pieterse. Kerbaol fell to third place overall, 10 seconds further back. Following the withdrawal of Kool, Vos now had an "almost unassailable" lead in the points classification.{{Cite web |last=Rook |first=Anne-Marije |date=2024-08-17 |title=Tour de France Femmes: Marianne Vos delivers masterclass in suffering and grit to secure the green jersey |url=https://www.cyclingweekly.com/racing/tour-de-france-femmes-marianne-vos-delivers-masterclass-in-suffering-and-grit-to-secure-the-green-jersey |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=cyclingweekly.com |language=en}} Following the stage, media noted that Vollering had only one more stage to make up time, with Niewiadoma noting that Sunday would be "the most important day of my career and maybe my team's existence".{{Cite web |last=Frattini |first=Kirsten |date=2024-08-17 |title='GC could be turned upside down' – Kasia Niewiadoma ready to defend Tour de France Femmes yellow on Alpe d'Huez |url=https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/gc-could-be-turned-upside-down-kasia-niewiadoma-ready-to-defend-tour-de-france-femmes-yellow-on-alpe-dhuez/ |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=cyclingnews.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Amy |date=17 August 2024 |title='We are talking about minutes' – As Alpe d'Huez looms, the GC is still all to play for at the Tour de France Femmes |url=https://www.rouleur.cc/blogs/the-rouleur-journal/we-are-talking-about-minutes-as-alpe-d-huez-looms-the-gc-is-still-all-to-play-for-at-the-tour-de-france-femmes |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=Rouleur |language=en}} In January 2025, Vollering revealed that the stage had been the hardest of her career owing to anxiety and pressure, noting that she "hit a breaking point" on the stage – and that in hindsight, finishing the stage was the "most meaningful personal victory in the entire Tour de France Femmes".{{Cite web |last=Moultrie |first=James |date=2025-01-28 |title='I felt like I was letting everyone down' – Demi Vollering opens up on struggles with anxiety and pressure at Tour de France Femmes |url=https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/i-felt-like-i-was-letting-everyone-down-demi-vollering-opens-up-on-struggles-with-anxiety-and-pressure-at-tour-de-france-femmes/ |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=cyclingnews.com |language=en}}{{Cite Instagram |postid=DFVlmkcuCTi |user=demivollering |title=This was one of the toughest days of my career. [...] During the race, I hit a breaking point. It's hard to describe what it felt like, but anxiety took over, and my thoughts spiraled. [...] Looking back, I realize this was one of my biggest wins—not just because I finished 3rd, but because I overcame one of the hardest moments I've faced. For me, this might have been my most meaningful personal victory in the entire Tour de France Femmes. |first=Demi |last=Vollering |author-link=Demi Vollering |date=28 Jan 2025 |access-date=29 Jan 2025 |ref=}}

Stage 8 was the queen stage of the race, a {{convert|149.9|km|abbr=on}} stage from Le Grand-Bornand to a summit finish at Alpe d'Huez.{{Cite web |title=Stage 8 – Le Grand-Bornand > Alpe d'Huez – Tour de France Femmes 2024 |url=https://www.letourfemmes.fr/en/stage-8 |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=Tour de France Femmes |publisher=ASO |language=en}} The riders tackled three categorised climbs – the second category Col de Tamié (9.5km with an average gradient of 4%), the hors catégorie Col du Glandon (19.7km with an average gradient of 7.2%) at an elevation of {{convert|1924|m|ft|abbr=on}}, and finally the hors catégorie Alpe d'Huez (13.8km with an average gradient of 8.1%). The race finished at the summit of Alpe d'Huez, at an elevation of {{convert|1850|m|ft|abbr=on}}.

The stage started with a breakaway of 22 riders, including Ghekiere in the polka-dot jersey. On the Col de Tamié, Ghekiere took maximum {{abbr|QoM|Queen of the Mountains}} points, increasing her lead in the mountains classification over Pieterse.{{Cite web |last=Challis |first=Dan |date=2024-08-18 |title=Niewiadoma claims 2024 Tour de France Femmes yellow jersey in nail-biting battle with Vollering on Alpe d'Huez |url=https://www.cyclingweekly.com/racing/niewiadoma-claims-2024-tour-de-france-femmes-yellow-jersey-in-nail-biting-battle-with-vollering-on-alpe-dhuez |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=cyclingweekly.com |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Whittle |first=Jeremy |date=2024-08-18 |title=Kasia Niewiadoma wins Tour de France Femmes by four seconds in epic finale |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/aug/18/tour-de-france-femmes-kasia-niewiadoma-demi-vollering |access-date=2024-08-19 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} The lead of the breakaway fell from 2 min 30 s to under 90 seconds as they approached the bottom of the Col du Glandon. The peloton pushed up the climb at a high pace, slowly reducing to a group of {{abbr|GC|general classification}} favourites. With {{convert|2.5|km|abbr=}} of the climb remaining, Vollering attacked from this group – with only Rooijakkers able to follow. Niewiadoma stayed with Lucinda Brand ({{UCI team code|LTK women|2024|nolink=yes}}), Évita Muzic ({{UCI team code|FSF|2024|nolink=yes}}) and Gaia Realini ({{UCI team code|LTK women|2024|nolink=yes}}), as Vollering and Rooijakkers quickly built up a lead of around a minute by the top of the Glandon. After a {{convert|20|km|adj=on}} descent into the valley, the pair had a lead of 90 seconds – putting them in the virtual yellow jersey. On the flat valley road, Niewiadoma worked with Brand, Realini and Muzic to reduce the gap to the pair ahead. At the foot of Alpe d'Huez, with {{convert|13.8|km|abbr=}} of the stage remaining, the gap had fallen to 45 seconds. On the climb, Vollering and Rooijakkers pushed hard to increase the gap to over a minute – the pair needed a winning margin of around 1 min 10 s to take the yellow jersey. However, Niewiadoma worked with Muzic and Realini to stabilise the gap, with {{convert|5|km|abbr=}} of the climb remaining. On the final part of the climb Vollering began to tire, with the gap to Niewiadoma falling to around 50 seconds. In the final metres of the stage, Vollering accelerated past Rooijakkers to take her second stage win of the Tour, taking 10 seconds in time bonuses for winning the stage. Around a minute later, Niewiadoma and Muzic crossed the finish line – with Niewiadoma therefore winning the yellow jersey by a margin of four seconds, the smallest margin of victory in Tour de France history.{{Cite web |last=Rook |first=Anne-Marije |date=2024-08-18 |title=The smallest margin of victory in Tour de France history: Tour de France Femmes was won by 4 seconds |url=https://www.cyclingweekly.com/racing/the-smallest-gc-margin-in-tour-de-france-history-tour-de-france-femmes-was-won-by-4-seconds |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=cyclingweekly.com |language=en}}

File:TDFF24 Podium maillots distinctifs.jpg, Justine Ghekiere, Katarzyna Niewiadoma and Marianne Vos]]

In the final general classification (GC), Katarzyna Niewiadoma ({{UCI team code|CSR|2024|nolink=yes}}) won the Tour de France Femmes with an advantage over defending champion Demi Vollering ({{UCI team code|SDW|2024|nolink=yes}}) of just four seconds. As well as taking second place, Vollering took the super-combativity award for the most combative rider. Pauliena Rooijakkers ({{UCI team code|FED|2024|nolink=yes}}) took third place overall after her strong performance on the final stage.

In the race's other classifications, Marianne Vos ({{UCI team code|TVL women|2024|nolink=yes}}) won the green jersey of the points classification for the second time, after winning it in the 2022 edition. Justine Ghekiere ({{UCI team code|AGS|2024|nolink=yes}}) took the polka-dot jersey as winner of the Queen of the Mountains (QoM) classification. Puck Pieterse ({{UCI team code|FED|2024|nolink=yes}}) took the white jersey as the winner of the young riders classification, which was awarded to the best-placed {{abbr|GC|general classification}} rider under the age of 23. {{UCI team code|LTK women|2024|nolink=yes}} won the team classification as the team with the lowest aggregate time among their three best-placed riders. Out of 153 starters, 110 finished the event.{{Cite web |date=18 August 2024 |title=Le Grand Bornand > L'Alpe D'Huez – Tour de France 2024 |url=https://prod.server.tissottiming.com/file/000317020D010101FFFFFFFFFFFFFF00 |website=Tissot Timing}}

Niewiadoma stated that the win was "a dream come true", noting that she had experienced a "rollercoaster of emotions" on the stage after Vollering accelerated away from her on the Col du Glandon.{{Cite web |last=Frattini |first=Kirsten |date=2024-08-18 |title=A magical four seconds – Kasia Niewiadoma secures the closest margin of victory in Tour de France history |url=https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/a-magical-four-seconds-kasia-niewiadoma-secures-the-closest-margin-of-victory-in-tour-de-france-history/ |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=cyclingnews.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Rook |first=Anne-Marije |date=2024-08-18 |title='I lost the faith that I could still do it' – Kasia Niewiadoma conquers the 'Mountain of Emotions' for Tour de France Triumph |url=https://www.cyclingweekly.com/racing/i-lost-the-faith-that-i-could-still-do-it-kasia-niewiadoma-conquers-the-mountain-of-emotions-for-tour-de-france-triumph |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=cyclingweekly.com |language=en}} Niewiadoma hoped that her victory would attract more women to ride and race. Vollering expressed her disappointment in losing by just four seconds, stating "that's a bit sour for me at the moment".{{Cite web |last=Moultrie |first=James |date=2024-08-18 |title='Empty, sour but proud' – Distraught Demi Vollering experiences Tour de France Femmes heartbreak up Alpe d'Huez |url=https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/empty-sour-but-proud-distraught-demi-vollering-experiences-tour-de-france-femmes-heartbreak-up-alpe-dhuez/ |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=cyclingnews.com |language=en}} Michel Cornelisse, the directeur sportif of {{UCI team code|FED|2024|nolink=yes}} stated that the race had been "a dream", with Rooijakkers in third place overall and Pieterse winning the young rider classification.{{Cite web |last=Moultrie |first=James |date=2024-08-19 |title='It's a dream for us' – Pauliena Rooijakkers makes Tour de France Femmes podium after matching Vollering in mountains |url=https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/its-a-dream-for-us-pauliena-rooijakkers-makes-tour-de-france-femmes-podium-after-matching-vollering-in-mountains/ |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=cyclingnews.com |language=en}}

{{notelist|refs=

{{efn|name=a|On stages 2 and 3, Marianne Vos, who was second in the points classification, wore the green jersey, because first-placed Charlotte Kool wore the yellow jersey as the leader of the general classification.}}

{{efn|name=b|On stages 5 and 6, Shirin van Anrooij, who was second in the young rider classification, wore the white jersey, because first-placed Puck Pieterse wore the polkadot jersey as the leader of the mountains classification.}}

}}

File:Maillot jaune TDFF24.jpg

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Media praised the race, with The Guardian calling the stage to Alpe d'Huez an "epic finale", L'Équipe stating that the race "surely exceeded all possible scenarios",{{Cite web |last=Martinez |first=Manuel |date=18 August 2024 |title=Descente, mésentente, relais : comment Niewiadoma a remporté le Tour pour 4 secondes (L'analyse) |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Cyclisme-sur-route/Article/Descente-mesentente-relais-comment-niewiadoma-a-remporte-le-tour-pour-4-secondes/1502179 |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=L'Équipe |language=fr}} and Rouleur calling it "the best race ever".{{Cite web |last=Jary |first=Rachel |date=19 August 2024 |title=The best race ever: Inside the Tour de France Femmes from the top of Alpe d'Huez |url=https://www.rouleur.cc/blogs/the-rouleur-journal/the-best-race-ever-inside-the-tour-de-france-femmes-from-the-top-of-alpe-d-huez |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Rouleur |language=en}} France Bleu stated that the race had been "full of spectacle and suspense"{{Cite web |date=2024-08-18 |title=Tour de France femmes : la Polonaise Kasia Niewiadoma s'impose au terme d'une édition pleine de spectacle et de suspense |trans-title=Women's Tour de France: Polish Kasia Niewiadoma wins at the end of an edition full of spectacle and suspense |url=https://www.francebleu.fr/sports/cyclisme/tour-de-france-femmes-la-polonaise-kasia-niewiadoma-s-impose-au-terme-d-une-edition-pleine-de-spectacle-et-de-suspense-4290945 |access-date=2025-01-28 |website=France Bleu |language=fr}} and Le Parisien considered that the 2024 edition had "offered itself some guarantees for the future".{{Cite web |last=Bérard |first=Christophe |date=2024-08-19 |title=Tour de France femmes : cette troisième édition a semé de belles promesses |url=https://www.leparisien.fr/sports/cyclisme/tour-de-france-feminin/tour-de-france-femmes-cette-troisieme-edition-a-seme-de-belles-promesses-19-08-2024-ATYPPVZFGVFI5J55V2DVS7WRQQ.php |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=leparisien.fr |language=fr-FR}}

There was specific praise for Niewiadoma and her {{UCI team code|CSR|2024|nolink=yes}} team, with Przegląd Sportowy stating that Niewiadoma had "proved something to the unbelievers".{{Cite web |last=Parfjanowicz |first=Sebastian |date=19 August 2024 |title=Mówili, że Polka nie zasługuje na triumf. Ale ona ich uciszyła. Co za słowa! |url=https://przegladsportowy.onet.pl/kolarstwo/kolarstwo-szosowe/mowili-ze-polka-nie-zasluguje-ale-katarzyna-niewiadoma-ich-uciszyla-co-za-slowa/nkejcdb |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Przegląd Sportowy Onet |language=pl}} There was also praise for Pieterse, Kerbaol and Ghekiere, as well as the crowds in the Netherlands.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-19 |title=Tour de France 2024 - Audiences, spectateurs, moyens financiers : le Tour confirme les progrès du cyclisme féminin |trans-title=Tour de France 2024 - Audiences, spectators, financial resources: the Tour confirms the progress of women's cycling |url=https://www.francebleu.fr/sports/cyclisme/tour-de-france-2024-audiences-spectateurs-moyens-financiers-le-tour-confirme-les-progres-du-cyclisme-feminin-4915023 |access-date=2025-01-28 |website=France Bleu |language=fr}} There was criticism of {{UCI team code|SDW|2024|nolink=yes}} and their tactics, the "logistical nightmare" of two stages on one day and the disparity in prize money.{{Cite web |last1=Moultrie |first1=James |last2=Frattini |first2=Kirsten |date=2024-08-19 |title=Notable feats and failures make 8 significant impressions at 2024 Tour de France Femmes |url=https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/notable-feats-and-failures-make-8-significant-impressions-at-2024-tour-de-france-femmes/ |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=cyclingnews.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Davidson |first=Robyn |date=2024-08-19 |title=Tour de France Femmes reflections: Winners, losers and future stars |url=https://www.cyclist.co.uk/in-depth/tour-de-france-femmes-2024-reflections |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Cyclist |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Whittle |first=Jeremy |date=2024-08-19 |title=Close finish can fire Tour de France Femmes to greater heights |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/aug/19/close-finish-tour-de-france-femmes-greater-heights-kaisa-niewiadoma |access-date=2025-01-29 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |quote=if there are still issues to be resolved. The crowds on the Alpe, a climb known for boisterous behaviour, were worryingly small and subdued. The live TV coverage of each stage was minimal, the transfers between stages too long and the inclusion of a split stage in the Netherlands – a stage and time trial on the same day – was unnecessary. Then there is the money. The total prize pot for the men’s Tour is €2.4m (£2.04m) and Pogacar took home €500,000. In the women’s race, the total is just under €247,000 and Niewiadoma pocketed €50,000.}} There was some disappointment regarding the lack of crowds on Alpe d'Huez, while noting the size of the roadside crowds were growing year on year.{{Cite news |last=Mickey |first=Abby |date=2024-08-19 |title=Scenes from the Alpe |url=https://escapecollective.com/scenes-from-the-alpe/ |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Escape Collective |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |date=2024-08-19 |title=Tour de France femmes 2024 : deux ans après son lancement, la compétition a suscité l'engouement |url=https://www.la-croix.com/sport/tour-de-france-femmes-2024-deux-ans-apres-son-lancement-la-competition-a-suscite-l-engouement-20240819 |access-date=2024-08-20 |work=La Croix |language=fr-FR |issn=0242-6056}}

Reacting to the final stage, race director Marion Rousse stated that she did not "remember ever experiencing such an intense moment"{{Cite web |last=Farvacque |first=Simon |date=26 Jan 2025 |title=La "fierté" de Marion Rousse, directrice du Tour de France Femmes : "J'ai tellement galéré sur mon vélo" |trans-title=The "pride" of Marion Rousse, director of the Tour de France Femmes: "I struggled so much on my bike" |url=https://www.eurosport.fr/cyclisme/tour-de-france-femmes/2025/la-fierte-de-marion-rousse-directrice-du-tour-de-france-femmes-jai-tellement-galere-sur-mon-velo_sto20073222/story.shtml |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=www.eurosport.fr |quote=Le Tour de France Femmes 2024, remporté par Katarzyna Niewiadoma pour 4 secondes devant Demi Vollering, a été un sommet de dramaturgie. Comment avez-vous vécu son épilogue ? Marion Rousse : [...] J'en ai encore des frissons quand j'en parle. J'étais avec Christian [Prudhomme] ce jour-là. On changeait d'avis toutes les deux minutes, au sujet de l'identité de la lauréate. C'était fantastique. Je ne me souviens pas d'avoir vécu un moment aussi intense durant toute ma carrière. |trans-quote=The 2024 Tour de France Femmes, won by Katarzyna Niewiadoma by 4 seconds ahead of Demi Vollering, was a peak of drama. How did you experience its epilogue? Marion Rousse: [...] I still get chills when I talk about it. I was with Christian [Prudhomme] that day. We changed our minds every two minutes about who the winner was. It was fantastic. I don't remember ever experiencing such an intense moment in my entire career.}} and that Christian Prudhomme, race director of the men's tour had told her that he was "jealous of the suspense of this race".{{Cite web |last=Zidda |first=Giovanni |date=19 August 2024 |title='Christian Prudhomme est jaloux' : Marion Rousse célèbre un Tour de France Femmes 'dingue' |url=https://www.rtbf.be/article/christian-prudhomme-est-jaloux-marion-rousse-celebre-un-tour-de-france-femmes-dingue-11422195 |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=RTBF |language=fr |quote="J'ai fait la route avec Christian Prudhomme (le directeur du Tour de France hommes) et il m'a dit "je suis jaloux du suspense de cette course". |trans-quote="I made the road with Christian Prudhomme (the director of the Tour de France men) and he told me "I'm jealous of the suspense of this race".}} Cycling Weekly concluded that the "razor-thin" margin of victory demonstrated the "extraordinary level of competition in women's cycling and the depth of talent in the field". Danny Stam, directeur sportif of {{UCI team code|SDW|2024|nolink=yes}} later expressed his disappointment in losing the Tour, stating that the crash on stage 5 "was decisive because we lost those damn four seconds that cost Demi Vollering the yellow jersey".{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=2024-10-28 |title=SD Worx - Protime boss still rueing Tour de France Femmes disaster "that cost Demi Vollering the yellow jersey" |url=https://cyclinguptodate.com/cycling/sd-worx-protime-boss-still-rueing-tour-de-france-femmes-disaster-that-cost-demi-vollering-the-yellow-jersey |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=CyclingUpToDate.com |language=en}}

There was anticipation for the 2025 edition of the race, with an increase in the length of the race to nine days, and the return of four-time Giro d'Italia Women winner Anna van der Breggen and French multi-discipline world champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévot to the peloton.{{Cite web |last=Azé |first=Maria |date=18 August 2024 |title=Marion Rousse fait le bilan du Tour de France femmes et annonce déjà une prochaine édition incroyable |url=https://rmcsport.bfmtv.com/cyclisme/marion-rousse-fait-le-bilan-du-tour-de-france-femmes-et-annonce-deja-une-prochaine-edition-incroyable_AV-202408180263.html |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=RMC Sport |language=fr}}

As with previous editions, live television coverage was provided by France Télévisions in conjunction with the European Broadcasting Union.{{Cite web |date=17 June 2021 |title=THE TOUR DE FRANCE LAUNCHES THE TOUR DE FRANCE FEMMES AVEC ZWIFT – Tour de France 2022 |url=https://www.letour.fr/en/news/2021/the-tour-de-france-launches-the-tour-de-france-femmes-avec-zwift/1291805 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102105847/https://www.letour.fr/en/news/2021/the-tour-de-france-launches-the-tour-de-france-femmes-avec-zwift/1291805 |archive-date=2 November 2022 |access-date=2022-02-15 |website=www.letour.fr |quote=In terms of media exposure, the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will benefit from daily live television coverage with a broad exposure all over the world. France Télévisions will extend its "afternoon of cycling" coverage of the Tour de France by one week to allow viewers the chance to support their champions. In addition, an agreement with the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) will mean that the event will be broadcast on large public channels in the biggest European markets.}}{{Cite web |date=October 2024 |title=Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift 2025 Press Kit |url=https://storage-aso.lequipe.fr/ASO/cycling_trf/tdffaz25-dossier-de-presse.pdf |access-date=27 Jan 2025 |publisher=Amaury Sport Organisation |page=34}} At least two and a half hours of each stage were broadcast, with the first two stages in the Netherlands shown from start to finish.{{Cite web |date=11 August 2024 |title=How to follow the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift |url=https://storage-aso.lequipe.fr/ASO/cycling_trf/how-to-follow-the-tour-de-france-femmes-avec-zwift.pdf |url-status= |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=27 January 2025 |website=Tour de France Femmes |quote=}} The race was shown in 190 countries on 24 television channels.

In France, France 2 reported a peak of 3.5 million viewers watched stage 8 to Alpe d'Huez, with 1.5 million to 2 million viewers watched the race during the week.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-19 |title=Tour de France (F) : La grande boucle a confirmé les progrès du cyclisme féminin |trans-title=Tour de France (F): The big loop confirmed the progress of women's cycling |url=https://www.lefigaro.fr/sports/cyclisme/tour-de-france/tour-de-france-f-la-grande-boucle-a-confirme-les-progres-du-cyclisme-feminin-20240819 |access-date=2025-01-27 |website=Le Figaro |language=fr |quote=Si les audiences TV se sont tassées sur France Télévisions (oscillant entre 1,5 et 2 millions de téléspectateurs en semaine), elles ont par contre grimpé en flèche en Belgique (+20% d'audience par rapport à 2023) et aux Pays-Bas (+40%), prouvant un intérêt marqué pour le Tour féminin hors de France. |trans-quote=While TV audiences have fallen on France Télévisions (fluctuating between 1.5 and 2 million viewers during the week), they have, on the other hand, soared in Belgium (+20% audience compared to 2023) and in the Netherlands (+40%), proving a marked interest in the women's Tour outside France.}} In Belgium, an average of 394,000 viewers watched the final stage, with four stages of the race having an average of over 240,000 viewers. In the Netherlands, nearly a million viewers (923,000) watched the final stage, just fewer than the 957,000 viewers that watched the final stage of the men's Tour de France.{{Cite web |last=Mitchell |first=Mathew |date=2024-08-19 |title=Almost a million viewers tune in for the thrilling final stage of Tour Femmes 2024 in the Netherlands |url=https://procyclinguk.com/almost-a-million-viewers-tune-in-for-the-thrilling-final-stage-of-tour-femmes-2024-in-the-netherlands/ |access-date=2025-01-27 |website=ProCyclingUK.com |language=en-GB}} Le Figaro noted that although viewership in France had fallen slightly, there was 20% more viewers in Belgium and 40% more in the Netherlands compared to the 2023 edition.

{{reflist}}

• [https://www.letourfemmes.fr/en Official website]

{{Tour de France}}

{{2024 UCI Women's World Tour}}

{{Cycling stage recaps|2024 Tour de France|1|11|12|21}}

Tour de France Femmes

Tour de France Femmes 2024

Tour de France Femmes

Category:2024 in French women's sport

Tour de France Femmes