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 The organizers of the world greatest cycling event announced on
Saturday that the first edition of "La Course by le Tour de France"
will take place on July 27.
The race will be part of the International Cycling Union's (UCI)
elite women's calendar.
"A few hours before the men's peloton arrives in Paris ... the
world's elite women cyclists will race the circuit in the historic
heart of the city before fighting out a final sprint at the finish
line on the Champs Elysees," Tour de France organizers ASO said in
statement.
"The new event will give an even more universal dimension to the
Tour."
Some top women riders, including triple world road champion Marianne
Vos of the Netherlands, have already committed to the race that will
lead them down the glamorous avenue where men have ended their
three-week race for almost 40 years.
"I am very excited to be taking part, especially with the majestic
finish on the Champs Elysees," Vos was quoted as saying in the ASO
statement.
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"The Tour is the pinnacle of professional cycling and I have no
doubt that 'La Course by Le Tour' identifies a new era for women's
cycling and will significantly contribute to the growth of road
racing."
UCI president Brian Cookson praised the initiative as a "tremendous
step forward".
"The quality of professional women's road racing has long deserved a
wider audience, and we are very happy that this initiative by ASO
will bring the sport to many fans, new and old," he said in the
statement.
(Reporting by Gregory Blachier; editing by Pritha Sarkar)
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