End clap for the first International Women’s Tour of the Pyrenees this Sunday, August 7th. For this last stage, the runners linked Lourdes to Lourdes, but crossing the Bigorre for nearly 117 km. Since Friday, August 5, they have traveled a total of more than 300 km, passing in particular through Pau, Arrens-Marsous or Gan.
Three days, four stages and a hundred cyclists. “All weekend it was madness“, rejoices Marion Clignet, one of the organizers of the Tour. “The weather was good and there were people cheering on the girls. For us the goal is achieved“, says the runner.
A race to encourage women’s cycling
Marion Clignet and Élisabeth Chevanne-Brache are the creators of this women’s Tour. The two riders had a common ambition: to revive women’s cycling. “We really wanted to help the girls to pass a milestone, run in the mountains and offer a different course so that they can progress“, explains Marion Clignet.
A successful bet therefore for the runners and the organizers who intend to put on the helmet again next summer for a second Tour.
The victory of the American Krista Doebel-Hickok
This first edition of the TFIP was won by the American runner Krista Doebel-Hickok. However, it was Sylvia Zanardi who won as a sprinter in Lourdes for the last stage of the cycling race.