Oranje duel at the Tour de France Femmes

The men's grand finale on the Champs-Élysées marks the start of the second edition of the Tour de France Femmes. Around 400 kilometres further south, the 154 female riders will take to the course, which will be broadcast on TV in 190 countries.

The Women's Tour became the most important race on the calendar from the very first edition. "When I came back home, I realised how big this race was," said defending champion Annemiek van Vleuten.

The route

In eight stages, 960.4 kilometres with over 14,000 metres in altitude have to be conquered. The queen stage is undoubtedly the penultimate section with the mountain arrival on the legendary Col du Tourmalet. The preliminary decision on the overall victory will be made at an altitude of 2110 metres. On the final day, an individual time trial over 22.6 kilometres is on the programme in Pau.

The favourites

There are many indications of a Dutch duel between van Vleuten and Demi Vollering. Vollering was second last year, more than three minutes behind, and is the measure of all things this season with 13 victories. This is the last season for the 40-year-old van Vleuten, who wants to say goodbye with another Tour victory. After a mediocre spring, she recently showed good form and won the Giro Donne in Vollering's absence. At the Vuelta, van Vleuten took overall victory ahead of Vollering - and was just nine seconds faster.

The German opportunities

Liane Lippert is the best German classement rider, but has to put herself completely at the service of van Vleuten. The German champion will not get a free ride until next year. Top talent Ricarda Bauernfeind, who finished fifth at the Vuelta in May, is hoping for a strong performance. The experienced Romy Kasper will also be there, as will climbing specialist Clara Kloppenburg. The experienced DM runner-up Kathrin Hammes and Hannah Ludwig have also been nominated.

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