Rotterdam, 13 augustus 2024 – Last Monday marked the start of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in Rotterdam. The start of the first stage of the women’s race drew a record number of visitors: over 47,000 fans cheered on the riders in Rotterdam, 122,000 people visited the route, and more than 77,000 spectators attended the finish in The Hague. The Tour spent two days in the province Zuid-Holland in which 3 stages took place. The time trial stage through the center of Rotterdam was particularly popular, drawing nearly 80,000 spectators along the 6.3-kilometer route. In total, the organization counted 415,000 visitors during the three Dutch stages: Rotterdam-The Hague, Dordrecht-Rotterdam, and the time trial in Rotterdam.
The Grand Départ of this major sporting event was celebrated in style. Not only were the best facilities provided for the riders, but residents and visitors were also engaged through a cultural, social and sports program:
- 14,000 people attended the (cultural) city program of the Cycling Festival, held the day before the Grand Départ;
- 154 women from Rotterdam learned to ride a bike under the guidance of Leontien van Moorsel and Khaddouj Erahoutan;
- 3,500 sports enthusiasts participated in the tour rides of cyclo sportives;
- Over 1,500 bicycles were donated in amongst others Rotterdam, The Hague, and Westland;
- 8,500 young people participated in the multi-year schools program over the past few months.
Ahmed Aboutaleb, Mayor of Rotterdam: “What an amazing turnout for the Grand Départ in Rotterdam and what a great number of supporters lined the roads during the three stages. It was wonderful to see so much enthusiasm from the cycling fans. We already knew that the Tour has a huge following in the Netherlands, but the riders themselves were visibly impressed by all the attention. And not only that: with this world-renowned race, Rotterdam, together with The Hague and Dordrecht, has once again put itself on the international map.”
Results of the Dutch stages
The first stage of the Tour was won in a sprint by Dutch rider Charlotte Kool. Wearing the yellow jersey, she also impressively won the second stage, which started in Dordrecht and finished in Rotterdam. The third stage, held on the same day, was a short individual time trial and was won by Demi Vollering.
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Photographers: Vivienne Magalie, Guus van der Aa and Tim van Hengel.