Van Vleuten has set her sights on the maillot jaune in 2022 and is a top contender in a field set to depart Paris as soon as the men’s Tour comes to a close.
The 39-year-old believes the eight-day race – led by newly-appointed race director Marion Rousse – offered a diverse range of obstacles for each rider to showcase their strengths.
“First of all, I feel happy the organisation took it serious [sic],” van Vleuten said.
“I have the feeling that, with this route, they made an effort to organise something good and representative.
“From a quick look, they did a good job in having something for everyone in these eight days of racing.”
The ASO’s presentation took place at the Palais des Congres in Paris and detailed the 1,029-kilometre course that includes: back-to-back mountain stages, two stages for the puncheurs, one with gravel sectors, and four on flat terrain.
SBS will broadcast all eight stages, concluding with the finish atop La Planche des Belles Filles, and van Vleuten was fond of the unique connection the women’s event will share with the men’s.
“Of course, I like the mountain stages, but I’m happy, for example, to see that we start on the Champs-Elysees,” she said.
“It’s a really nice connection with the men’s Tour de France, to start where they finish.
“I like that setup because sometimes people are sad that the Tour de France comes to an end – this time, they can watch the women’s Tour de France.
“It’s nice that the two races are connected, while not being held at the same time. I like that concept.”
You can watch all the live action from the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift from July 24-31 on SBS, the home of cycling.
