The Tour de l’Abitibi Glencore has announced the launch of the first-ever Women’s Junior Nations’ Cup in road cycling. This historic event, set to take place from 10 to 14 July 2025, in Val-d’Or, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Quebec, marks a major milestone in the advancement of women’s cycling on the international stage. It will be the only Junior Nations’ Cup for women held outside Europe, with elite young cyclists from across the globe competing.
The announcement comes ahead of the long-established men’s event, the 55th edition of which is scheduled to run from 15 to 20 July 2025, in the same region. Both events are accredited by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), cementing their position within the top tier of global junior cycling competitions.
Mélanie Rocher, President of the Tour de l’Abitibi Glencore, hailed the new competition as a groundbreaking achievement. “The Tour is proud to be a pioneer in offering Junior women the opportunity to compete on the international stage. This announcement marks an extraordinary advancement, not only for cycling but for sports in general. We are excited and ready to welcome teams from around the world to this historic event,” Rocher said.
The Women’s Junior Nations’ Cup is expected to attract young cyclists from numerous countries, providing a unique opportunity for female athletes to compete at the highest level. The five-day race will serve as a platform for rising stars in women’s cycling and offer a chance for new talent to shine. Organisers aim to showcase the determination, skill, and dynamism of these young competitors, boosting the profile of women’s cycling globally.
Held in the scenic region of Abitibi-Témiscamingue, the race will provide a challenging and picturesque setting for the competitors. This area has a strong tradition in cycling, having hosted the men’s Tour de l’Abitibi for over five decades. The addition of a women’s event signals the region’s growing commitment to supporting and promoting cycling at all levels.
The event is also designed to inspire the next generation of athletes and encourage more young girls to take up the sport. The Tour de l’Abitibi Glencore aims to use this opportunity to promote gender equality in sports and ensure that female cyclists receive the same level of recognition and opportunities as their male counterparts. By offering a platform for young female athletes to perform at their best, organisers hope to strengthen the inclusion of women in competitive cycling and drive further progress in the sport.
The Women’s Junior Nations’ Cup comes at a time of increasing focus on gender equality in sport, with many organisations around the world pushing for better representation and opportunities for women athletes. The competition is expected to play a significant role in raising the profile of women’s cycling, both in Canada and internationally.
As preparations continue for the July 2025 event, Val-d’Or and the surrounding area are set to welcome teams from around the world for what promises to be a thrilling and historic moment for women’s cycling. The Tour de l’Abitibi Glencore, together with its partners, looks forward to hosting this landmark event and establishing a new tradition in junior cycling.
For more information, visit the official Tour de l’Abitibi Glencore website.