Tour de France Femmes training camp showcases elite women's cycling performance

OutsideTV documented amateur cyclist Chris Leavell’s attempt to keep pace with the St. Michel women's pro team during a high‑altitude training camp in Boulder, Colorado. The 150‑km ride in 100‑degree heat exposed the stark gap between recreational fitness and world‑class competition, with riders such as Alison Jackson effortlessly conquering the Super James climb while Leavell struggled and was eventually dropped.

Meanwhile, American rider Kate Courtney, newly signed to FDJ United‑Suez, has been adapting to European road racing. She won two Belgian kermesse events and placed second in a third, describing the experience as a return to the joy of racing she felt as a child. Courtney highlighted the supportive environment of her new team and the learning curve ahead of the Tour de France Femmes, underscoring the growing depth and talent in women’s cycling.