The men’s Tour de France is coming to an end but the women’s event, the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, is just commencing! So this week’s events reflect an exciting weekend of racing ahead.
Watch the Femmes – Stage 1
The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift is starting on Sunday and Zwift have set up a nice website detailing the event which includes a brilliant page showing how to watch the races in your country.
To tie into this, I am highlighting the events that run throughout the weekend, but in particular this event: Stage 1 of Zweift’s Watch the Femmes Mission. This 29.7km group ride a 4-lap event on the Champs-Élysées mirroring the start of the Women’s race which commences on Sunday.
Ride it like a race, ride it like a social ride. Just be sure to Watch the Femmes!
Multiple dates and timeslots
See a list of upcoming events at zwift.com/watch-the-femmes-mission
Mountain Massif – The Race
The penultimate stage of the Tour de France usually consists of a time trial or a race that more often than not has a mountain top finish. For that reason I have selected this event, since it finishes on top of the Epic KOM.
Race the “Climber’s Gambit” course and enjoy a battle up the Epic KOM to the finish. In addition you unlock the new Mountain Massif jersey for your efforts!
Saturday July 23 – two timeslots
7:30am GMT/3:30am EDT/12:30am PDT and 2pm GMT/10am EDT/7am PDT
Zwift Classics – Watopia Cup
I decided to give this a try this week. It was fun, consisting of 3 laps of the “Two Bridges Loop” totaling 21.8km.
I misjudged the climb at the end of the lap. This bit split the pack and I was left time trialling with a group of 4 for the remaining 15km. It’s surprising how quickly you get out of practice with Zwift if you don’t race events like these regularly! So, if you want to rediscover your technique, this is a good event to try.
Read more about the Zwift Classics race series >
Multiple dates and timeslots
See a list of upcoming events at zwift.com/events/tag/zwiftclassics
Chasing Yellow: Stage 18
The end is in sight for those valiant Zwifters who have tackled the 17 previous stages of the Chasing Yellow event series. I’m not sure what is more impressive (and difficult), racing the stages or being able to juggle your agenda to compete in all the events! But as they say in cycling, “Chapeau” to those that have managed the task.
This series finishes with stage 18 on the Champs-Élysées. I would like to think this will mirror the Tour where there is a leisurely ride until the final lap when people will sprint, but this is Zwift, so I am sure the racing will be flat out from the start of this 5-lap, 36.3km final stage!
A huge “congratulations” to those who have completed the entire challenge, which involved 18 stages, 558km, and 8,764m of climbing.
Sunday July 24 @ 12:15pm UTC/8:15pm EDT/5:15am PDT
Sign up at zwift.com/events/view/3042833
Your Thoughts
Got other events that stand out this weekend? Share below in the comments!