This Could Be Rotterdam

There’s a song by British band ‘The Beautiful South’ called Rotterdam, with a chorus refrain of “This could be Rotterdam or anywhere, Liverpool or Rome, because Rotterdam is anywhere, anywhere alone.” Once you know it, this singalong chorus comes to mind whenever the Dutch city is mentioned. But on a sunny day this August, Rotterdam was not somewhere to feel alone; it was somewhere to bask in the electric energy of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift and what we now know to be the start of one of the greatest Grand Tours ever witnessed.

Women’s World Tour racing is constantly evolving, perpetually gaining new fans of exciting racing from supreme athletes who are at the same superstars and approachable role models. This year’s Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift was the perfect embodiment of ‘expect the unexpected’ and we were there to witness the key moments.

Champagne flowed in the Netherlands sunshine on Stage One as we enjoyed the first surprise result of the race from the VIP lounge. Charlotte Kool crossed the line with her hands aloft, just a few hours after we had the privilege of watching her take to the start line, along with the rest of the peloton. We always promise to get you close to the race, but the attitude of the women’s peloton is so welcoming to fans that this feels different somehow. An unexpected winner in yellow, the race favourite held at bay for the time being and our first ride on the horizon!

Day three of our trip saw a split stage in the race, with a short intense road race in the morning followed by an individual Time Trail in the afternoon. Ahead of both races we took to the course ourselves before setting up once again in a VIP lounge. Charlotte kept her cool to win again ahead of pre-race favourite Lorena Wiebes in the road race, before reigning champion Demi Vollering showed her class in the TT to take the overall and the yellow jersey she has become accustomed to.

Another day, another race viewing opportunity but Day 4 also brought the prospect of the famous Cote de la Redoute. This one mile long col has an average of over 9% and is most often used in the Classics of Amstel Gold and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. We enjoyed a day of ‘bergs’ – those punchy climbs famous in this area – before settling in to a roadside hospitality marquee to watch the race unfold on live TV. As the race climaxed we witnessed the peloton whizz by our position, giving our best cheer squad performance as the young phenomenon Puck Pieterse powered to victory and into the polka dot QOM jersey.

As the race itself lingered in the north country, we headed to the Alps to take in some giant climbs and get ready for the Alpe d’Huez stage. It was a shame to leave the race behind, but it was key for us to make it to the mountains and not chase big race transfers. As luck would have it, Stage 5 would prove pivotal and whilst we were taking on the Col de Sarenne, Demi Vollering’s crash had blown the GC race wide open. Our guests had a fantastic day of stunning views, epic descents and challenging climbs that was not to be missed, getting the legs ready for the Alpe d’Huez!

Day 6 was an epic one, with the famous 21 switchbacks of the Alpe waiting. With perennial bridesmaid and fan favourite Kasia Niewiadoma in yellow, our guests were inspired to mirror her climbing prowess on this most famous of Tour de France giants. Road graffiti punctuating turn after turn as the elevation gradually ticked off, all the while knowing the race would be here in just a few days. Proud of our own exploits, we were amazed to see Niewiadoma finished the day where she started it, ahead of the overwhelming favourite Vollering. Everything was poised!

On the next day, when the race joined us in the Alps, we had no idea quite how exciting the remaining two stages would be. With two big days of climbing it was always predicted to be pivotal, but nobody expected such a close race. We took on the final 66km of the race route ourselves, with the final 20km of the summit finish already pulsating with expectant energy. The Chinaillon Le Grand-Bornand is a stunning climb, a real Alpine classic, and the perfect scene for this penultimate stage. We felt so much part of the race, having experienced our own multi-day tour so close to the race. Legs were tired, expectations piqued and emotions building. Who would take the crown?

A rare day for the breakaway saw the QOM leader Justine Ghekiere take the stage win, which meant Niewiadoma stayed in yellow, 1’15” ahead of Vollering. It had all come down to Alpe d’Huez! This was Hollywood stuff, but even a seasoned script writer couldn’t have created this much tension. Could the likeable Pole hold on, or would the Dutch powerhouse prove her class and storm to victory after misfortune?

We began our day full of excitement, for both the race and our own challenge on the monstrous mountain. A decisive day in prospect and nobody could predict the outcome. The atmosphere was unreal as we ticked off bend after bend, knowing that just hours later the race itself would play out to its own thrilling conclusion. Our work done, we waited at the finish line as the cloud descended eerily. Vollering had dropped Niewiadoma on the Glandon and all seemed lost for the yellow jersey leader. Metre after metre Kasia tried to limit her losses as Demi edged closer and closer to victory.

Our eyes glued to the screens, we were constantly impelled to do the maths to see who would win. Eventually Vollering crossed the line to huge cheers, punching the air as she finally allowed herself to break her fixed aero position. Behind her, Niewiadoma was emptying every last drop of energy to keep hold of the jersey as the seconds ebbed away. Fans propelled her on with rhythmic clapping and banging of advertising hoardings. The time ticked on, Vollering sat on the tarmac, looking up at a clock that refused to give her the news she craved. Then, out of the mist, the yellow jersey – almost spent but with just enough to power over the line. Both riders are exhausted, surrounded by press and cameras. The race is over and the victor decided, and by a mere 4 seconds. It’s Niewiadoma. The underdog prevails.

Both riders are in tears. Cycling does this. Raw emotion pours out, one joyous the other in despair, but both heroes to everyone who has witnessed this incredible race. How many Grand Tours have finished with this excitement, this passion, this pure passion?

We can say we were there that day. Every one of our guests has a story to tell. The cols they conquered, the mountains they mastered and the historic race that they cheered. These trips have the power to create indelible memories, unforgettable experiences that will live on forever.

Perhaps next year we’ll see you there?