Please be aware this video contains occasional swearing
About this time last year, we got wind that a newly forming team of women from around the world were hatching a plan to disrupt cycling at the highest level, with the aim of trying to make it a fairer sport for all.
We had the good fortune that our paths crossed, and we immediately knew we wanted to support their fight.
That team is the InternationElles. An incredible, fearless group of cyclists that last year got the world watching as they rode the entire 21 stages of the world's most famous bike race a day before the male professionals. For legal reasons, let's just say it rhymes with Tour de Prance.
21 stages, 3,460km and over 54,000m of elevation - the most mountainous course in The Tour's 106-year history - the challenge pushed the ten amateur riders to their absolute limits.
Why did they do it? To highlight the need for equal opportunities in cycling - equality in TV and media coverage of races, equality in racing prize money, equality at all levels of the sport.
Now, first the first time, we're giving you an up-close look at this inspiring team of athletes, the highs and lows of their amazing journey and what it really took to complete one of cycling's toughest tests in our new documentary Taking On The Tour.
It's a tale of courage, determination and camaraderie that we believe acts as a shining example of why we need a bigger platform for female cyclists and their stories.
But the battle's not over. The Tour remains one of the largest sporting events in the world, so big it transcends cycling. Yet, as we write this, there is still currently no equivalent race for women in terms of coverage, prestige or prize money.
Unfortunately as we all know, 2020 has thrown some pretty unexpected obstacles in the way. In light of everything going on with COVID-19, the team has taken the difficult decision in the interest of their own safety and the safety of the wider public not to fly to France to complete the Tour this year. But don't worry, they've been hard at work cooking up a Plan B, which they'll reveal very soon.
And we're proud to be there holding the proverbial megaphones again as we support them every step of the way. Bring on 2020.
Follow their journey:
On instagram @internationElles
On Facebook @internationElles
On their website
The InternationElles have also been nominated for Club Of The Year at the Women's Cycling Awards. Want to lend them your support? Click here to vote: https://www.cyclinguk.org/womenscyclingawards
2 comments
Absolutely fantastic, massive achievement! Looking forward to following your 2020 campaign! I hope it will help to bring about the much needed change for women’s cycling.
Truly inspirational! What amazing women and what a towering achievement.