Visma-Lease a Bike is gearing up for an exciting campaign at the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, with Dutch stars Riejanne Markus and Marianne Vos leading the way.
The team has its eyes on overall victory with Markus and is also targeting stage wins with the legendary Vos as they kick off the race on home turf in the Netherlands.
The team’s final roster includes eight strong riders: Riejanne Markus, Marianne Vos, Olympic time trial silver medalist Anna Henderson, Fem van Empel, Femke de Vries, Sophie von Berswordt, and Linda Riedmann.
This year’s race begins in the Netherlands and concludes with a challenging finish at the iconic Alpe d’Huez, creating a perfect opportunity for Dutch cycling to shine.
Visma-Lease a Bike’s directeur sportif, Jan Boven, is thrilled about the unique start and the symbolic finish.
“Starting in the Netherlands and finishing on Alpe d’Huez, a place steeped in cycling history, is incredibly special. We’re determined to make this an unforgettable race, and we hope it will give Dutch cycling a significant boost,” Boven said.
Riejanne Markus, who finished 11th in the 2023 Tour de France Femmes and recently secured second place at the 2024 Vuelta España Femenina, is eager to improve her standing.
“My goal is to secure a strong overall classification,” Markus shared. “I’ve yet to break into the top ten in the Tour, but I’m hopeful this year will be different. I’ve particularly marked the time trial on day two as a key opportunity—it’s a course that should suit me well. The stages in the final weekend are also ones I’m really excited about.”
Markus also emphasized the team’s potential for early stage victories, especially with Marianne Vos in their ranks.
“We have several chances for stage wins in the first few days, and Marianne is a key contender. There are many opportunities ahead for our team.”
For Marianne Vos, a seasoned champion with a career spanning over a decade, this edition of the Tour de France Femmes is particularly meaningful.
Vos was instrumental in bringing the race to life and wore the coveted yellow jersey for six days during the 2022 edition. Despite being 37, Vos remains a top contender, having recently claimed a silver medal in the Olympic road race.
“The final stage on Alpe d’Huez will be something special. It’s a climb I’ve only seen on TV, and I’m eager to experience it in person. I’m looking forward to what promises to be a beautiful race. I’m confident our team can achieve something remarkable,” Vos remarked.
The race starting in the Netherlands adds an extra layer of excitement for Vos and her fellow Dutch riders.
“Having the start in the Netherlands gives the race a different vibe. I’m curious to see how the atmosphere will be, but I’m sure it will be amazing. There’s something extra special about racing on home soil, and it motivates us even more. The Tour is the pinnacle of our sport, and you do everything you can to be in top shape,” Vos added.
Vos is eager to add another stage win to her impressive resume, but she’s equally focused on supporting her teammates.
“I’m definitely aiming for a stage win, but the team’s goals are just as important. We’ve identified key stages where we have strong chances, and if opportunities arise elsewhere, we’ll go for it. My aim is to contribute to the team’s success in any way I can.”
With the race starting in familiar Dutch territory and culminating in the legendary climb up Alpe d’Huez, Visma-Lease a Bike is fully committed to making this year’s Tour de France Femmes a memorable one for both the team and Dutch cycling fans.
Read More:
The Future of Cycling: How AI and Smart Bikes are Revolutionizing the Ride