Boom in women's cycling: "Something is developing"
DPA
· 27.07.2023
Liane Lippert was thrilled. The crowds all around her at this Tour de France celebrated her.
Of her victory at the beginning of the week, which was a breakthrough. And also of the waves of positive energy that she triggered in her home country as the first German winner of a stage at the Tour de France Femmes. "Sure, I won the German championship, defended the title there, and it's nice to compete here with the champion's jersey because you're easily recognised. But winning the stage here has a completely different significance. And I really had to wait a long time for a victory like this," the cyclist told the German Press Agency.
Liane Lippert has played a key role in the boom in women's cycling
The rider from Friedrichshafen has been one of the world's top riders for several years. She has often been among the front runners, finishing second at the Fleche Wallonne and third at the Amstel Gold Race. At the World Championships, the 25-year-old only narrowly missed out on precious metal in fourth place. But apart from her now three national road race titles, her last major victory dates back to February 2020. Back then, she won the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race in Australia.
Of course, the joy was all the greater now. "This is a kind of breakthrough. She was often so close. But sometimes you also need the feeling that you're capable of finishing something like this. I think that gives her confidence for further victories," praised none other than world champion Annemiek van Vleuten.
Movistar's goals are clear
The Dutchwoman is Lippert's team-mate at the Spanish team Movistar. And when the 40-year-old's career comes to an end at the end of the year, Lippert will take over from her. Until then, she will be at the service of the four-time world champion and defending Tour champion. Accordingly, the yellow jersey - Lippert is in eighth place in the overall standings - is not an issue: "If you're in a team with Annemiek van Vleuten, then not really. Because we have one goal. And that is to defend the Tour title with Annemiek."
Her time will come next year. A time in which women's cycling is growing rapidly. "The Tour has definitely raised the level further. It also helps a lot that the races are now being broadcast on TV," emphasised Lippert, who has noticed an increase in attention: "The many messages I've received and how many people who don't have much to do with cycling have noticed: That shows how much interest there already is in Germany."
Boom in women's cycling: Lots of people on the route of the Tour de France Femmes
In its second year, the Tour de France Femmes also surpasses last year's edition in France. Even more people are lining the route. "The mayors of the towns and villages through which the tour passes are downright amazed at how many of their inhabitants are coming out onto the roads. They wouldn't have expected it themselves," said Christian Prudhomme, head of the recently concluded men's Tour de France.
Prudhomme is also flirting with a German start for the Tour de France Femmes. "I was already very happy with the Grand Depart of the Tour de France in Düsseldorf. Requests from German cities for the Tour de France Femmes are very welcome," he told dpa. The Women's Tour will have its first international start next year anyway, in Rotterdam. Germany is not a far-fetched idea.
Equal pay "a step in the right direction"
There were also two new women's races this year, in Stuttgart and Berlin. "Something is developing there. And that's very important," says Lippert. Six-time track cycling world champion Emma Hinze has a similar opinion: "I think it's cool that the women get so much attention at the Tour. The Champions League in track cycling with equal pay, where we get the same bonuses, is also a step in the right direction."
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