The 2022 Resurrection

When the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift launched in 2022, it represented more than race revival—it was admission of historic injustice and commitment to correction. The eight-day race, while shorter than men's three weeks, featured challenging routes including mountain stages. Zwift's title sponsorship brought technological innovation and global reach. Most importantly, the race received full ASO backing, ensuring stability and prestige.

Immediate Impact

The 2022 Tour de France Femmes exceeded expectations. Television audiences surpassed projections. Roadside crowds rivaled men's race numbers. The racing itself—aggressive, tactical, dramatic—disproved lingering prejudices about women's cycling entertainment value. Annemiek van Vleuten's victory, achieved through spectacular mountain performance, provided worthy inaugural champion.

The race's impact extended beyond immediate success. Young girls watching had role models competing for yellow jerseys. Women's teams secured better sponsorship deals. Media coverage of women's cycling increased year-round, not just during the Tour. The race catalyzed broader changes in professional women's cycling ecosystem.