In an exciting development for cycling enthusiasts worldwide, Zwift has announced the first-ever Virtual Tour de France, set to take place in July 2020. This groundbreaking event will feature both men’s and women’s races, with top cyclists like Chris Froome, Egan Bernal, and Marianne Vos competing in a fully digital format.
With the real-world Tour de France postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this virtual alternative offers fans a thrilling way to experience elite-level racing from the comfort of their homes. Let’s dive into the details of this historic event, the participating riders, and what it means for the future of competitive cycling.
The Tour de France, one of the most prestigious cycling events in the world, was originally scheduled for June 27 – July 19, 2020. However, due to the global health crisis, organizers postponed it to August 29 – September 20.
To fill the gap and keep fans engaged, Zwift, the leading online cycling platform, partnered with Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO)—the organizers of the Tour de France—to create a completely virtual edition.
This isn’t just a one-off race; it’s a six-day event featuring professional men’s and women’s teams, mirroring the structure of the real Tour. The races will be broadcast live, allowing fans to watch their favorite cyclists compete in real time.
The Virtual Tour de France will take place over three weekends in July:
July 4 & 5 – Stages 1 & 2
July 11 & 12 – Stages 3 & 4
July 18 & 19 – Stages 5 & 6**
Each weekend will feature one men’s and one women’s race, ensuring equal coverage—a significant step forward for gender equality in cycling.
Duration: Each stage will last approximately 1 hour.
Courses: Riders will compete on custom-designed Zwift routes, including climbs, sprints, and flat sections.
Teams: Professional WorldTour and Women’s WorldTeams will participate.
Broadcast: Races will be streamed live on platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Eurosport.
Some of the biggest names in cycling have confirmed their participation, including:
Chris Froome (Israel Start-Up Nation) – Four-time Tour de France winner
Egan Bernal (Ineos Grenadiers) – Defending Tour champion
Tom Dumoulin (Team Jumbo-Visma) – Former Giro d’Italia winner
Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Fenix) – Cyclocross and road racing superstar
Marianne Vos (CCC-Liv) – One of the greatest female cyclists of all time
Anna van der Breggen (Boels-Dolmans) – Olympic and World Champion
Annemiek van Vleuten (Mitchelton-Scott) – Time trial specialist and Grand Tour winner
This lineup ensures high-intensity racing, with rivalries playing out in a virtual setting.
Zwift is an online training and racing platform where cyclists ride on smart trainers connected to a virtual world. Riders’ speed and power output are translated into movement in the game, making it a realistic racing experience.
Just like in real road races, teams will need to:
Draft behind other riders to save energy
Attack on climbs to break away
Sprint for stage wins
In a major move for equality, prize money will be the same for both genders—a progressive step in professional cycling.
Viewers can:
Watch live broadcasts with expert commentary
Track rider stats in real-time
Cheer on their favorites via social media
With traditional races canceled or postponed, the Virtual Tour de France keeps the sport alive. Fans from anywhere can watch or even participate in companion events.
Women’s races often receive less coverage than men’s, but this event puts them on equal footing—a huge win for gender equality in sports.
Zwift has been at the forefront of virtual cycling competitions, and this event cements its role in the future of the sport. Could we see more virtual Grand Tours in the future?
With real-world racing on hold, this event helps riders maintain competitive sharpness while entertaining fans.
Live Streams: Available on Zwift’s YouTube, Facebook, and Eurosport.
Commentary: Expert analysis from cycling broadcasters.
Zwift will host community races alongside the pro events, allowing amateur riders to experience the same courses.
The Virtual Tour de France is more than just a replacement for the real thing—it’s a revolutionary step in how cycling can be consumed and enjoyed. With equal representation for men and women, cutting-edge technology, and elite competition, this event could reshape the future of the sport.
Will virtual racing become a permanent fixture alongside traditional events? Only time will tell, but for now, fans have an unprecedented opportunity to witness history in the making.
