The 2024 cycling season delivered one of its most unforgettable moments at the Tour de France Femmes, with Kasia Niewiadoma pulling off an extraordinary upset over favourite Demi Vollering in a nail-biting showdown on Alpe d’Huez. For cycling legend Lance Armstrong, this moment was not only the highlight of the women’s racing calendar but also a defining moment for the sport as a whole. On his podcast, TheMove co-hosted with Johan Bruyneel and George Hincapie, Armstrong lauded the growing intensity and unpredictability of women’s racing, calling it “spectacular” and a sign of even greater things to come.
As Demi Vollering gears up for a fresh start with FDJ-Suez in 2025, Armstrong and the cycling community are eagerly anticipating more thrilling rivalries, strategic masterclasses, and dramatic finishes in the women’s peloton.
A Season of Surprises: Niewiadoma’s Triumph on Alpe d’Huez
Armstrong singled out the decisive stage of the 2024 Tour de France Femmes as the pinnacle of women’s racing this year. That stage, featuring the iconic climbs of Col de la Glandon and Alpe d’Huez, delivered high drama as Kasia Niewiadoma mounted a stunning comeback to defeat Vollering, the overwhelming favourite.
“The way Niewiadoma recovered after being dropped on the Glandon is admirable,” Armstrong said. “Nobody expected her to limit her losses to Vollering on Alpe d’Huez, let alone win the Tour. It was a great stage to watch.”
Demi Vollering, who had dominated the women’s cycling calendar with victories in major races like Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Vuelta Femenina, seemed poised to add the yellow jersey to her accolades. But Niewiadoma’s grit and tactical brilliance shone through on the final climb, where she turned a near-defeat into a career-defining victory.
For Armstrong, this stage underscored the increasing competitiveness of women’s cycling. “It wasn’t just about strength; it was about heart and strategy. These are the moments that make the sport so compelling,” he said.
Vollering’s Move to FDJ-Suez: A New Chapter in Women’s Cycling
Demi Vollering’s transfer to FDJ-Suez is one of the most significant moves of the off-season, reshaping the dynamics of the women’s peloton. Having been a cornerstone of SD Worx for several years, Vollering’s move signals her intent to carve a new path and perhaps gain a strategic edge in her quest to reclaim the Tour de France Femmes title.
For Armstrong and his co-hosts, Vollering’s transfer adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming season. “FDJ-Suez has been building a strong roster, and Demi’s presence elevates them to a whole new level,” Armstrong remarked. “Her rivalry with Niewiadoma, Annemiek van Vleuten, and others will only intensify with this move.”
The transition comes at a critical time, as Vollering seeks to bounce back from the disappointment of narrowly missing out on the yellow jersey in 2024. Her addition to FDJ-Suez also strengthens the team’s bid to challenge perennial powerhouses like SD Worx and Movistar, ensuring that the battle for supremacy will be even more competitive in 2025.
The Growth of Women’s Cycling: Rising Stars and Rivalries
The 2024 season marked another milestone in the growth of women’s cycling, with thrilling races, unexpected victories, and deeper fields than ever before. For Armstrong, these developments are a testament to the sport’s evolution and its ability to captivate a global audience.
“It’s not just the big names anymore,” Armstrong said. “We’re seeing incredible depth in the peloton. Riders like Niewiadoma, Vollering, and van Vleuten are pushing the limits, but there’s also a new generation coming up that’s ready to challenge them.”
Rising stars like Gaia Realini, Shirin van Anrooij, and Juliette Labous are beginning to make their mark, adding unpredictability to every race. Realini’s climbing prowess, for instance, was on full display at the Giro Donne, where she earned her first Grand Tour podium. Similarly, Van Anrooij’s versatility and tactical acumen have established her as a potential future contender for races like the Tour de France Femmes.
These new faces, coupled with seasoned veterans, create a dynamic where no single rider or team can dominate outright, making every race a spectacle.
Key Moments of 2024: Beyond the Tour de France Femmes
While the Tour de France Femmes provided the season’s defining moment, Armstrong and his co-hosts highlighted several other races that showcased the brilliance of the women’s peloton:
- Strade Bianche: Demi Vollering’s thrilling solo attack on the white gravel roads of Tuscany set the tone for her strong season, with an early win that cemented her status as the rider to beat.
- Paris-Roubaix Femmes: Elisa Longo Borghini returned to form with a gritty victory in brutal conditions, reminding the peloton of her enduring class and tenacity.
- La Vuelta Femenina: Vollering’s dominance continued with a commanding victory, but the race also saw standout performances from young talents like Gaia Realini, who confirmed her credentials as a Grand Tour contender.
- World Championships: Lotte Kopecky claimed the rainbow jersey in the road race, using her sprinting power and tactical nous to edge out Marianne Vos and a strong field of contenders.
These moments underscore the depth and excitement of women’s cycling, which Armstrong believes is entering a golden era.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Despite its growing popularity, women’s cycling still faces challenges. Financial disparities between men’s and women’s teams, limited broadcast coverage, and unequal race calendars remain significant issues. Armstrong and his co-hosts emphasised the importance of addressing these gaps to ensure the sport’s continued growth.
However, there are also signs of progress. Increased investment from sponsors, the introduction of new races like the UAE Tour Women, and improved media coverage are paving the way for greater opportunities. Vollering’s move to FDJ-Suez, for example, reflects a shifting landscape where top riders have more agency in shaping their careers.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As the 2025 season approaches, Armstrong is optimistic about what lies ahead for women’s cycling. The Tour de France Femmes is expected to deliver more fireworks, with Alpe d’Huez once again featuring prominently on the route. Meanwhile, the Giro Donne and the inaugural Women’s Paris-Nice will provide additional stages for drama and rivalries to unfold.
For Niewiadoma, the challenge will be defending her Tour title against a motivated Vollering and a hungry peloton. For Vollering, it’s about proving that her move to FDJ-Suez was the right decision and reclaiming her place in the sport. And for rising stars, 2025 offers a chance to disrupt the established order and etch their names into cycling history.
A Bright Future for Women’s Cycling
Lance Armstrong’s reflections on the 2024 season capture the essence of a transformative year for women’s cycling. From Niewiadoma’s heroic ride on Alpe d’Huez to Vollering’s dominant spring campaign, the sport has provided endless drama, inspiration, and surprises. As the 2025 season approaches, the anticipation for more spectacular showdowns is at an all-time high.
With a growing fanbase, deeper talent pool, and increasing support from sponsors and organisers, women’s cycling is poised to reach new heights. For Armstrong, Bruyneel, and Hincapie, one thing is clear: the best is yet to come. And for fans, every race is a reminder of why this sport continues to captivate audiences worldwide.