Illustrated by Emily Kowzan.From the looks of it, 2014 is shaping up to be a good year for women and competitive sports. First, women’s ski jumping was added to the Winter Olympic Games; now, female cyclists are getting their own version of the Tour de France this summer.
From the 1980s through 2009, there was a race often referred to as the "women’s Tour de France," but it wasn’t the same as the men’s. The move to create a women's version of the famous race began this past July, when four female cyclists put together a petition. They quickly amassed an impressive 97,000 signatures, which got the attention of the Tour de France organizers.
Dubbed “La Course,” the race will take place alongside the men’s Tour de France. Female cyclists won’t be competing directly against the boys, but it’s still a big step in the right direction. The event will be broadcast live (like the Tour de France), shining a spotlight on the world of female road riders.
Though the exact course hasn’t been revealed yet, the female competitors will race through Paris at the same time the Tour de France’s final stage takes place there. We’re chalking this up as another win for girl power.
(Jezebel)