Cycling: Harshita Jakhar becomes first Indian woman to feature at Tour de France Femmes
Aigle, Aug 3
Harshita Jakhar created history on Sunday by becoming the first Indian woman to feature in the Tour de France Femmes, the ladies' version of the world's most renowned cycling competition, leading a group of riders during the ceremonial start of Stage 2 in Aigle, Switzerland.
The 19-year-old cyclist from Rajasthan was one of eight riders who were chosen for the UCI World Cycling Talent Programme, an initiative aimed at giving promising cyclists from developing cycling countries exposure to elite racing environments.
Harshita took part in a 4.5km neutralised ride which took place before the second stage of the prestigious race and which was attended by riders from Afghanistan, Algeria, Chile, Ethiopia, Namibia and Uganda.
The Tour de France Femmes, which is one of the major events on the UCI Women's World Tour schedule, started in Lausanne on August 1 and will end in Nice on August 9.
David Lappartient, president of the UCI, welcomed Harshita's involvement and praised the young Indian cyclist, stating that he was confident she would one day come back to compete in the race.
Lappartient said that he is delighted to have such a talented woman as Harshita Jakhar in the esteemed UCI World Cycling Talent Programme and that she will enjoy taking part in the Tour de France Femmes, soon returning to take part in the actual competition.
Harshita is trained at the Sports Authority of India's National Centre of Excellence in Patiala with her father and coach, Rakesh Jakhar, who was a former cyclist and competed for India at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.
She became one of India's most promising young cyclists following her win of three gold medals at the 2025 Khelo India Youth Games, and her record also consists of a silver medal and two bronze medals at the 2024 Asian Junior Cycling Championships.
The fact that Harshita is taking part in the Tour de France Femmes represents another important achievement for Indian cycling and provides the teenager with valuable experience when riding alongside some of the best cyclists in the world as she proceeds on her way to competing at the top level of the sport.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally some good news for women's sports in India! While we celebrate cricket and kabaddi, cycling rarely gets attention. Harshita's three gold medals at Khelo India and her Asian Junior medals show she's not just a one-hit wonder. Hope SAI and the government give her proper support and sponsorship for international training. She needs more than just exposure rides - she needs actual racing opportunities!
The UCI president specifically praised her and said she'll come back to compete in the actual race. That's not just a ceremonial appearance - it's a signal that she's on their radar. From Patiala's National Centre of Excellence to the Alps in Switzerland, this is what Indian sports needs more of. Well done Harshita and her father Rakesh ji who sacrificed so much as a coach!
As someone who rides a cycle daily to commute in my city, I can't imagine how challenging it must be to race at that level, specially for a 19-year-old girl. The fact that she was chosen among riders from Afghanistan, Algeria, Chile, Ethiopia, Namibia and Uganda - all developing cycling nations - shows the UCI is serious about nurturing talent globally. Harshita is putting India on the world cycling map 🌍🚴♀️
Great news, but let's also be honest - Indian cycling infrastructure is still way behind. Our riders don't have the velodromes, coaching staff and recovery facilities that European cyclists get. Harshita's success is despite the system, not because of it. I hope this historic moment pushes the Ministry of Sports to invest more in non-cricket sports. We need more cycling tracks, better equipment and grassroot programs across states, not just in Patiala.
K We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.