Tour de France Femmes lineup
Lifeplus-Wahoo Announces Tour de France Femmes Team: Margaux Vigié, Ella Wyllie, Natalie Grinczer, Babette van der Wolf, Typhaine Laurance, April Tacey, and Kaja Rysz
There is now just under one week to go until the world's best cyclists gather in Clermont-Ferrand for the first stage of the second edition of the Tour de France Femmes (TdFF). As one of the two best Continental Teams of 2023, Lifeplus-Wahoo gained automatic invitation and has been a name on the startlist since the beginning of the season.
As such, the race has been on the minds of the team and its riders all year long. Tom Varney, General Manager had this to say ahead of the TdFF.
“The Tour de France Femmes is something that all the members of the team – riders and staff – are really looking forward to being a part of for a second year running. The way we are approaching the Tour, we want to play a role every day. We have a dual-focused strategy with General Classification on our mind but also having riders capable of shining on every one of the eight stages.”
Margaux Vigié showed her level throughout the Spring as one of the best and most consistent riders, her motivation will be extra high as the race passes through her home region. Upcoming talent, Ella Wyllie will have her eye on the GC and Best Young Riders Prize after a solid season to date, winning the same title in Itzulia Women.
A newcomer to the team, Natalie Grinczer will line up for her first race for the team having joined from Stade Rochelais in early July. The 29-year-old British Rider comes in off the back of a solid season so far and particularly strong British National Championships. Young Dutch rider Babette van der Wolf will navigate the roads of France for the first time, having taken to the senior peloton comfortably so far in the season.
The team will be strengthened by the hard work, support and commitment of April Tacey and Typhaine Laurance who have been consistently committed to the team goals so far this year. The opportunities to explore breakaways will come their way also. Last but not least, Kaja Rysz will aim to compete in some sprint finals and support the team throughout.
"Put simply, our goal is to seek opportunities throughout the race to show ourselves in the best possible way, our goal is not to simply participate in the race. Last year, we had four podium visits and our aims are to be present again on the podium with at least one of the squad this time around. I believe we have a well balanced team, that can support each other and perform well in such a high profile and high pressure race.
We, collectively, are super excited to in France later this week.”
Here’s the full team lineup:
Margaux Vigié
Ella Wyllie
Natalie Grinczer
Babette van der Wolf
Typhaine Laurance
April Tacey,
Kaja Rysz
The race will begin on 23rd July in Clermont Ferrand, France and will make its way to the final stage in Pau on the 30th. You will be able to catch the action live on GCN+, Eurosport and Discovery.