As part of the Škoda Hospitality Programme, I had the chance to experience the 4th stage of the Tour de France Femme — a flat but lively 128 km route from Saumur to Poitiers — not only from the sidelines, but quite literally in the saddle. It was so much more than just a stage on the map. For me (and the other participants) it was two days of unforgettable behind-the-scenes moments, inspiring conversations, and a chance to live and breathe the race from the inside.
One highlight of the Inside Programme was for sure our bike ride: We rode the last 57 km of the official stage, shoulder to shoulder with cycling ambassadors and former professional
cyclists. From sweeping countryside roads to cheering crowds along the route — it was as close as you can get to racing the Tour without a pro license. Watching the peloton cross the line later
was the perfect way to wrap up the day before heading back to the hotel for our farewell dinner— an awesome ending to two days that reminded me why I love cycling: the community, the effort, the
shared moments.
Merci, Škoda. I’ll be back. :)
All pics are made by Jakub Frey.