Women’s Cycling Evolution: Tour de France, Domestiques & Training

Women’s Cycling Evolution: Tour de France, Domestiques & Training

Hey everyone, Tim here — and today I’m joined by Tour de France champion Patty Peoples, who rode in the historic 1984 Women’s Tour de France. In this video, Patty opens up about the early days of women’s cycling, the challenges they faced, and how far the sport has come with the Tour de France Femmes.

We dive into what it would take for the women’s Tour to reach the same number of stages as the men’s, why sponsorship and community support are key, and how the athletes themselves are ready for the challenge. Patty also shares behind-the-scenes stories of racing in the 1980s — from washing kits in hotel sinks to grinding on steel bikes with downtube shifters.

We also explore the vital but often overlooked role of the domestiques, the unsung heroes of cycling teams. Plus, Patty explains how her background in triathlon shaped her as a rider, and why cross-training can give cyclists an edge in endurance, injury prevention, and performance.
If you’re passionate about cycling history, women’s sports, or the strategy behind stage racing, this conversation is a must-watch.

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