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From May 18 to 21, 2022, the 1st international women’s stage race in Île-de-France will take place. In support of women’s sports in general and women’s cycling more specifically, this event will take place across several departments in the Île-de-France region (route currently being approved) and already benefits from the support of the UCI, the French Cycling Federation, the Île-de-France Region, and the French Association of Professional Cyclists.
Source: Press Release
Women in Sport
While the history of organized sport dates back more than 3,000 years to the athletic contests held in Olympia, it was not until 1912 that women were allowed to participate in the games, and then in only 2 disciplines (swimming and diving). But times have changed considerably, and women’s sport now has its rightful place in world competitions. Indeed, since January 1, 2020, women’s cycling has reached a new level and now has 8 UCI Women’s World Tour teams with real employment contracts for “professional female cyclists.” France even has a UCI World Tour team: FDJ NOUVELLE AQUITAINE.
The Organizing Committee of the Tour des Dames, with its “Tour des Dames de Coeur” operation, will be committed to supporting several cycling associations, including “Mon Vélo est une vie.” Eager to bring sport into families, the Committee also organizes, at each stage start and at the heart of the Time Trial, an environment called “Faites du vélo et Fête du vélo” (Cycle and Celebrate Cycling). All audiences will be targeted through various stands and workshops for both adults and schoolchildren, such as introductory cycling courses, Highway Code, learning to ride a bike (Mon Vélo est une vie), and learning how to prepare, maintain, and repair a bike.
An Eco-Responsible Race
In tune with its time, the Tour des Dames will be an eco-responsible race. It will therefore use the least polluting mode of transport in the world. In parallel, all communication materials, from banners to gadgets and merchandise, must provide proof of their belonging to recycling chains and eco-responsible manufacturing. All food supplies must come exclusively from local Île-de-France productions with visible traceability. The management of privatized areas for the race, start, finish, and route will be organized to allow for zero impact on biodiversity and a zero-waste balance in the developed areas.
An Exceptional Patron
Who better to be the ambassador for the first edition of the Tour des Dames? The answer is simple: Marc Madiot! Before becoming the passionate leader we all know, Marc Madiot was a renowned professional rider. In 1997, he created the FRANCAISE DES JEUX team (which has since become GROUPAMA FDJ), a structure with which he has been competing at the highest level for 24 years! But Marc Madiot is above all a “fanatic” of cycling in all its forms, as there are few. Road, Cyclo-cross, and so many others… all disciplines bring him pleasure, emotion, his heart races and his hairs stand on end!
All information at: https://www.letourdesdames.fr/
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