Femme Power

I had my doubts. Firstly, how can you have a Tour of France which mainly stayed outside the country? Secondly, would there be enough public interest to create the atmosphere that makes the Tour so special? Thirdly, was there enough in depth strength within the peloton to make it legitimate? Fourthly, would I remember how to call it by its correct name? Nonetheless, the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, was coming to town so I had to check it out.

Prior commitments meant that I was driving back from Switzerland on the Saturday morning of the day that the female peloton was rolling into Le Grand Bornand. I had not had a chance to see any of the set up and preparations, so I was arriving cold. At midday, I met up with Chris to cycle up the Colombiere to the finish line in Chinaillon. This was about 4 hours before they were due- necessary with road closures. In my mind, I thought it would be like the Criterium du Dauphine, some support but pretty sparse crowds. Afterall, it is a new format and not particularly known to "Le Grand Public".

Accumulating crowds at the finish

Immediately though I was struck by the tell- tale signs of an imminent race; people picnicking, campervans in lay bys, random saxophone players.... it was a pleasant ambience. We continued and arrived in Chinaillon and had a little wander about, easily finding a viewing position near the finish line; we were pretty early.

Then the crowds started to swell, our peace was shattered by constant banging on the advertising hoardings; we began to realise that we were lucky to have the spot that we did- I guess it was normal, we were 50m from the finish.

We passed the time watching the race on the live stream; it was great to see all our local roads on the TV- smugness that they are used for such events. They then got towards Le Grand Bornand with a 7km climb ahead. Wow! The crowds were pumping, I have no idea where they came from but it was 4 or 5 deep, just like at the finish. This was proper- The Femmes had arrived!

Vollering attacking the yellow jersey. Not quite enough, she would end up losing the tour by seconds

The speeds on the lower slopes were fast and the racing impressive, the sole breakaway survivor won and there was some fast sprinting for the line from the main group. Not easy after such a distance in the saddle. Then for the mingling around at the finish and finding the team buses to see all the tech. This was just as good as any experience watching the Tour, it felt like a new, fresh wave with everyone involved, excited.

Luckily for us, Le Grand Bornand played host to the following (and final day) start. A chance again to see all the buses and spot famous faces. There was a nervous calm amongst the riders who knew that the parcours for the day was going to be tough, with over 4000m of climbing.

The riders leaving Le Grand Bornand on the final day, straight past our cycle centre!

I left a convert, loving every minute of the two day extravaganza; it was amazing to have all of this just 5 mins from home. The riders though, were off to Alpe d'Huez and, with the mighty Glandon also in the mix, it felt like the epic finish that such an epic event deserved.