Are Women Allowed To Ride In The Tour De France
The Tour de France is known as one of the most iconic cycling races in the world. Every year, professional male cyclists from across the globe compete in this grueling three-week event. However, one question that has been asked time and time again is whether women are allowed to ride in the Tour de France. In this article, we will explore the history of women’s involvement in cycling and whether they are permitted to compete in the race.
The History of Women’s Cycling
Cycling has been a popular sport for both men and women since the invention of the bicycle in the 19th century. Women, however, were not given the same opportunities as men when it came to participating in cycling races. This changed in 1898 when the first women’s cycling race was held in France. The race drew a huge crowd and sparked a new era of women’s cycling.
Throughout the 20th century, women’s cycling continued to gain popularity. In 1955, the Women’s Amateur Cycling Association was founded in the UK, and in 1984, women’s cycling was added to the Olympic Games. Today, there are numerous women’s professional cycling teams and races held around the world.
Women and the Tour de France
Despite the growth of women’s cycling, the Tour de France has remained a male-only event. The race was first held in 1903 and has never included female riders. This has led to criticism from cycling fans and advocates for women’s sports.
In 2014, a group of female cyclists launched a petition calling for women to be allowed to compete in the Tour de France. The petition gained over 100,000 signatures and sparked a conversation about gender equality in cycling.
The Alternative Race for Women
While women are not allowed to compete in the Tour de France, there is an alternative race for female cyclists called La Course by Le Tour de France. The race was first held in 2014 and is usually a one-day event that takes place during the Tour de France.
La Course has become a popular event for female cyclists and draws some of the biggest names in women’s cycling. The race follows a similar route to the Tour de France and gives female cyclists the opportunity to showcase their skills on a global stage.
The Future of Women’s Cycling
While the Tour de France is still a male-only event, the future of women’s cycling looks bright. The success of La Course has shown that there is a demand for women’s cycling, and more and more races are being added to the calendar.
Advocates for women’s cycling continue to push for greater gender equality in the sport. In 2018, the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) announced that a women’s Tour de France would be launched in 2022. This move was seen as a huge step forward for women’s cycling and has been welcomed by fans and professional cyclists alike.
Conclusion
While women are not currently allowed to compete in the Tour de France, the success of La Course and the announcement of a women’s Tour de France in 2022 show that the future of women’s cycling is bright. As more and more women take up cycling and push for greater gender equality in the sport, we can expect to see more female cyclists competing on a global stage.