Published on : 07/18/2023
Women's cycling's biggest event kicks off in Clermont-Ferrand on Sunday, July 24. For this 2nd edition, the Cofidis team will revolve around its leader, Clara Koppenburg, and all her team-mates will be on the alert to seize opportunities and make the Cofidis jersey shine. All are dreaming of the same destiny as Victor Lafay, winner of the Grande Boucle a few days ago.
THE COFIDIS TEAM
Martina Alzini, 26, ITA
Morgane Coston, 32, FRA
Spela Kern, 33, SLO
Clara Koppenburg, 27, GER
Rachel Neylan, 41, AUS
Gabrielle Pilote Fortin, 30, CAN
Josie Talbot, 26, AUS
Sports managers: Gaël Le Bellec, FRA - Arthur Quilliec, FRA
It's a fever that makes the excitement of July last even longer. For another week, the roadsides will be crowded with spectators eager to see the best of themselves. The Tour de France Women with Zwift will take place from July 23 to 30, and the Cofidis team will of course be taking part.
"There won't be a single easy stage".
This edition promises to be longer (956 km) and more testing from Clermont-Ferrand to Pau, so from the Massif Central to the Pyrenees. There won't be a single easy stage," stresses Cofidis sporting director Gaël Le Bellec. We've seen the gap widen between the 'top level' and the rest of the peloton, so we're going to have to hold on even tighter!"
To achieve this, Cofidis is relying on a team built around its leader, Clara Koppenburg. Absent from the 1st edition last year, the German rider has demonstrated her ability to compete at the highest level, as illustrated by her performances at the Tour de Suisse (12th overall) and the German championship (3rd in the time trial, 5th in the road race).
THE WORKFORCE PRESENTED
BY GAËL LE BELLEC
Martina Alzini, 26, ITA
"Martina is our sprint card for the Tour. Of course, it's going to be complicated for the female sprinters to hold out and take their chances in the final. But Martina can aim for a place of honour on certain stages. And she'll also be our road captain, the 'confidence asset' around Clara and with the whole team."
Morgane Coston, 32, FRA
"Morgane has put in some great performances this season, such as at the Tour of Burgos (6th on stage 3) and her incredible work to help Victoire at the French championships (8th). She's a rider who's capable of incredible performances and I'm sure she can surprise us on a stage that's difficult on paper."
Spela Kern, 33, SLO
"She's our all-rounder. Spela is indefatigable, hard-wearing and stands up to any terrain. She showed it again this year on the cobbles of Strade Bianche and when the road rose. The Slovenian is the team's 2nd leader and her experience will be particularly valuable."
Clara Koppenburg, 27, GER
"She has shown throughout the season that she can be in the match with the best runners in the world. With the support of her team-mates, Clara will be aiming for a place in the overall standings. She completed a training camp in the mountains at the end of May and her latest performances show that all the indicators are in the green."
Rachel Nelan, 41, AUS
"She showed all her talent at the Santos Tour Down Under at the start of the season. Rachel has a lot of experience and knows how to tackle this type of event. She'll be able to pull her weight on every stage, get ahead, protect Clara in all circumstances and help show off the Cofidis jersey at the front of the pack.
Gabrielle Pilote Fortin, 30, CAN
"Her role will be to be Clara's guardian angel. These two racers know each other well, they're very close, and Clara has blind faith in Gabrielle. That's going to give her peace of mind throughout the Tour.
Josie Talbot, 26, AUS
"Josie has been working like never before to get back into shape, less than two months after breaking her collarbone. A model team-mate, she'll try to give her best and support Clara and Martina before giving it her best shot."