Since the 1980s, the role of women in cycling in France has changed significantly. Today, women can participate in many cycling races and competitions, but that hasn’t always been the case.
La Course by Le Tour de France: A Major Milestone for Women Cyclists
In the 1980s, there were few women’s cycling races in France, and they did not attract many participants. However, over the years, the number of women’s races has increased, as has the number of female cyclists.
In 1998, the first edition of La Course by Le Tour de France took place. This women’s cycling race has become one of the most important events on the French women’s cycling calendar. La Course by Le Tour de France is a milestone for women cyclists because it allows them to showcase their talent on the same stage as men and receive equal recognition.
The Growth of Women's Cycling in France: Encouraging Statistics
Over the years, the number of professional female cyclists in France has continued to grow. According to data from theUnion Cycliste Internationale (UCI), in 2021 there were approximately 300 professional female cyclists in France, including many world champions and national champions.
Despite this progress, there are still obstacles for female cyclists in France to overcome. For example, the prize money in women’s competitions is often lower than in men’s competitions, which can discourage women from pursuing a career in cycling. Furthermore, racing conditions for women are not always equivalent to those for men, which can deprive them of a fair racing experience.
Cycling among women in France
It is difficult to find precise figures on the number of women who cycle recreationally in France. However, it is likely that the number of women who cycle for recreational purposes has increased in recent years, due to the growing popularity of cycling in general.
In France, cycling is increasingly being used as an alternative mode of transportation and for recreational activities such as hiking and tourism. This trend has likely had a positive impact on the number of women who cycle.
In addition, numerous initiatives have been launched to encourage women to take up cycling. For example, some organizations host group rides and outings for women, which can help break down the psychological barrier that may prevent some women from taking up the sport.
Finally, it is important to note that the number of women who cycle as amateurs can be influenced by many factors, such as the availability of bike paths, road safety, and the costs associated with cycling.
Although many factors can influence women’s participation in cycling, it is encouraging to see that more and more women are taking up the sport for recreational purposes.
While the role of women in cycling in France has evolved significantly over the past 40 years, there are still obstacles to overcome to ensure full equality between men and women in the sport. Professional female cyclists in France continue to work hard to increase their visibility and recognition in this exciting sport.
And at Wilma, we’re proud of all these women—whether amateur or professional—who are fighting for women’s cycling.
Join the movement for equality in cycling—share your story using the hashtag #WeBelieveInWomenCycling!
📸 Main photo: @françois_de_goumoens& @maki_cycling
