Young cyclist Harshita Jakhar rode into history books by becoming the first Indian woman to be a part of the Tour de France Femmes in Switzerland. The 19-year-old led a pack of eight talented cyclists from Afghanistan, Algeria, Chile, Ethiopia with two riders, Namibia and Uganda during the ceremonial start at Stage 2 of the gruelling race yesterday. The event started on 1st of this month in Lausanne and will end on 9th August in Nice.
The team, handpicked by UCI (Union Cycliste de Internationale), cycled 4.5 kilometres on a neutralised section of the course along with some riders from the WCC Road Team.
Tour de France Femmes is the women’s multi-stage cycling race that corresponds to the men’s Tour de France. It is part of the UCI Women’s World Tour calendar.
UCI President David Lappartient joined the riders on the start podium before the stage and expressed his delight at seeing an Indian in the mix.
Hailing from Rajasthan, Harshita has been making waves on the Indian cycling circuit, sweeping almost all the medals on offer in junior category and winning regularly in the seniors section as well. Her aim is to finish among the Top 10 at the 2026 Asian Games, and win a medal in the 2030 Games.
