I was at the men's Tour de France for two weeks and am gutted I wasn't at the Tour de France Femmes

For the past five years, I have been immersed in the thrilling world of the men's Tour de France, recovering from the intense reporting process in the transition from July to August. The world's most prestigious bike race leaves me emotionally drained, but I manage the news on both our website and a weekly magazine to keep up with the race, generate content ideas, and witness the events firsthand. Writing over 60 articles during the last month, I couldn't help but feel like a different person by the end of the Tour.

The Tour de France Femmes is a different experience for me, as I have never felt the urge to be there, participating in the entire event. However, this year, I was drawn in by my colleagues' excitement, particularly Tom Davidson's excellent work. The race was an action-packed, gripping nine-day event, with the leader's jersey changing hands five times.

Demi Vollering won by a minute over Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, but the gap fluctuated until the final attack on the last day. The Mont Ventoux stage was undoubtedly the best, but it was closely followed by many other unforgettable days.

The organizers, ASO, needed time to establish this race, but now in its fifth year, it has become a must-watch stage race in the season. The narratives are compelling, featuring top riders battling each other, leading to a deserving winner. The novelty of the event keeps it lively, and rivalries like the one between Vollering and Niewiadoma-Phinney contribute to the excitement.

While a longer, more challenging race may be appealing, the current nine days seem to be a perfect product. The Tour de France Femmes is bringing a new audience to the sport, and I am eager to be a part of it. I watched the finale in a Bristol pub, enjoying the diverse crowd and the enthusiasm of a young girl rooting for Demi Vollering.

I regret missing the experience in person, but I am thrilled to be back home, engrossed in the action and yearning to cover the race next year. Fortunately, in England, the 2027 French race will commence in Leeds, with three stages in our country, allowing for easier in-person viewing. The Grand Départ will be broadcast on free-to-air TV, and I can't wait to be there.