Ride together, race together

It is one of the biggest races of the season. The crowds stand four deep at the side of the road, the prize money matches the men’s equivalent and the best riders in the world arrive in the best form. The OVO Energy Women’s Tour is a sight to behold. Even more so this year, as CANYON//SRAM debut Rapha’s striking new Women’s 100 limited edition kit.

In a rare full-kit switch out for the women’s peloton, the team are launching the collection as part of Rapha’s aim to encourage more women to ride bikes. As our recent campaign states, riding is the answer, and we are committed to breaking down barriers of entry for anyone interesting in cycling, with the Rapha Women’s 100 at the forefront.

Below we present a selection of photos from the first few stages of the race, and introduce some of the inspiring women who make up the CANYON//SRAM team.

The sisterhood

“The Rapha Women’s 100 is about taking it on as a female cycling community. If you are someone who isn’t daunted by the challenge then you should be there in support of women who are nervous and unsure. That is what is nice about being in a team of such strong, supportive women. We are there to support and encourage each other to achieve our goals. I am someone that needs a hint of reassurance of my strengths to help believe in myself more, and I can imagine there are many others like me.”

Alice Barnes has a wise head on young shoulders. Just 22, and already CANYON//SRAM’s designated sprinter for Stage 1’s finish on Wednesday, she unfortunately lost the wheel going into the corner and lost too much distance. Luckily, big sister and team mate Hannah was nearby and well placed, earning a top ten for the team.

Friends win together

Kasia Niewiadoma and Pauline Ferrand-Prévot are CANYON//SRAM’s best hopes for overall victory in Wales on Sunday. You won’t see any leadership struggles between these two though – they’re best friends. And friends who race together, win together. The case in point? Kasia’s solo victory at the Trofeo Alfredo Binda in March, which was set up by a fierce attack from PFP. The Frenchwoman crossed the line a few seconds back, punching the air and beaming for her friend’s win.

The two were at it again on Thursday’s Stage 2, with the Pole attacking up the day’s main climb of Newnham before it all came together and PFP took sixth in the reduced bunch sprint (below).

How to follow the race this weekend

Saturday and Sunday’s stages of the OVO Energy Women’s Tour promise to deliver a thrilling finale to a great week’s racing. The Rapha Race Radio team will be covering the race from the roadsides – look out for episode 08 on Tuesday morning – as are The Cycling Podcast, who are recording daily shows. And if you live in the UK, ITV4 are showing a nightly hour-long highlights programme.

Ride the Women’s 100

More than 10,000 women rode the Rapha Women’s 100 last year, and we would love to see even more of you out on the roads this year. The date is Saturday 15th September – sign up to join a ride, organise one yourself, and rally your friends.