The world’s best female cyclists take on the sport’s toughest challenge - the Tour de France Femmes.
6/17/2024
In July 2023, the women's Tour de France starts its second edition. Lidl-Trek aims for redemption after a disappointing 2022 race. Led by sports director Ina Teutenberg, with road captain Lizzie Deignan, climber Amanda Spratt, leader Elisa Longo Borghini, and sprinter Elisa Balsamo, the team faces high stakes.
In Ornavasso, Italy, Elisa Longo Borghini remains humble despite her athletic family background, driven by her team's support. During Stage 4, Lidl-Trek's Lucinda Brand joins a breakaway group, shadowing Audrey Cordon-Ragot, a stroke survivor and former teammate. Though the peloton catches up, Elisa finishes 5th. In Stage 5's heat, Lidl-Trek's attacks fail, and an exhausted Balsamo finishes last.
On Stage 7 of the Tour de France, with Elisa Longo Borghini and Elisa Balsamo returning to Italy, Lidl-Trek faces a tough challenge. Amanda Spratt, recalling her crash in 2022, now carries the team's hopes on the iconic Tourmalet stage. Despite being distanced by leaders, Spratt completes the grueling stage, signifying triumph over adversity. In the final stage, a time trial, the team reflects on their resilience despite not achieving their goals. Demi Vollering of Team SD Worx wins overall, but Lidl-Trek looks ahead with lessons learned.
