Women have been a rare species in cycling for too long – stats from the Tour de France Femmes suggest we're finally seeing real change

For decades, women have been a rarity in the world of cycling. However, statistics from the Tour de France Femmes suggest that real change may be on the horizon. In its fifth year, the women's race saw a surge in participation and engagement. Strava reported a 60% increase in women completing their first 100km ride, a 41% jump in first-time 50km rides, and a 30% rise in women logging their longest ever rides. In France, there was a 15% increase in rides logged by women and a 28% increase in the distance they covered.

Supporting women's racing extends beyond the grand stage. Liv reported that 17% of women who watched the 2025 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift went out and purchased a bike, while 69% were motivated to ride. These statistics underscore the commercial potential of investing in women's cycling, as women are a significant demographic with spending power. Despite this, only three out of the nine stages were broadcast in full, but 23 million people in France alone tuned in, achieving a 32.9% audience share.

The increased interest in the women's race has prompted ASO, the race's organizers, to consider broadcasting all stages in full in the future. This shift in focus from comparing the women's peloton to the men's event to showcasing the achievements and stories of female cyclists marks a significant step forward. The positive trend in participation and engagement signals a future where women are no longer the "rare species" in cycling groups.