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The Tour de France Femmes does more than just captivate spectators. According to data provided by Strava, the race has also inspired many women to get on their bikes, with a dramatic increase in rides and first-time long-distance rides. Even Mont Ventoux has seen an influx of amateur cyclists.
Source: Press Release
+849% increase in attempts on Mont Ventoux
This is undoubtedly the most striking figure in this study: attempts recorded on the iconic Mont Ventoux segment increased by 849% during the week of the Tour de France Femmes, compared to the previous week.
In other words, the number of cyclists who came to test themselves on the slopes of the “Giant of Provence” increased nearly tenfold. This effect illustrates the influence of professional racing on amateur cycling: watching the world’s best female cyclists climb the mountain passes clearly inspires people to hit the road themselves.
More Women on the Roads
The Tour’s impact is also reflected in French data. During the race week, women logged 15% more bike rides in France, while the total distance covered increased by 28% compared to the previous week.
Globally, Strava data shows a notable increase in long rides. The number of women who logged their longest-ever bike ride rose by 30% during this period.
Even more impressive, the number of first-time 50-km rides rose by 41%, while first-time 100-km rides surged by 60%.
This trend therefore does not seem to be limited to cyclists already accustomed to long distances. The Tour de France Femmes may also have served as a catalyst for female cyclists who took advantage of the event to push their own limits.
Another interesting finding: three out of four rides were done solo. The women in question therefore mostly chose to cover these new distances at their own pace and on their own terms.
The professional peloton also set the record books ablaze
Strava data also allows us to measure the performance of the professional peloton competing in the Tour de France Femmes. The riders earned a total of 994 QOM (Queen of the Mountain) titles across various Strava segments. That averages out to 110 QOMs per stage, compared to 96 KOMs per stage for the men.
One rider stood out in particular: Demi Vollering claimed 84 QOM titles all by herself.
The cumulative elevation gain is equally impressive. The women’s peloton climbed a total of 1.18 million meters, the equivalent of 133 ascents of Mount Everest.
Across all stages, the average speed was 30.2 km/h.
1.4 million calories burned
Finally, Strava had some fun converting the peloton’s collective effort into a more relatable unit: calories. The riders collectively burned approximately 1.4 million calories during the race. According to Strava, that’s enough energy to make about 12,400 cappuccinos.
Beyond the spectacular numbers, this data highlights an interesting phenomenon: the Tour de France Femmes seems to extend far beyond the realm of professional competition. Both in France and abroad, the race inspires people not only to ride, but also to ride farther.
The increase in first-time rides of 50 and 100 km is particularly telling in this regard. The Tour doesn’t just inspire cyclists to dream—for some female spectators, it also seems to provide the push needed to take action.
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