The group was founded in 2013 by multiple world champion Marianne Vos, Olympic silver medallist Emma Pooley, professional cyclist Kathryn Bertine and multiple world Ironman champion Chrissie Wellington.
In 2009, professional cyclist Kathryn Bertine was frustrated why there was no official 'Women's Tour de France'.
[3][4] The headline of the petition stated "After a century, it is finally time to allow women to ride their Tour de France as well".
[9] Organised by ASO, La Course was welcomed by the professional peloton, media and campaigners, with Le Tour Entier praised for being the "catalyst" behind the push for the race.
[11][12] The professional peloton criticised the lack of difficulty of La Course, with former cyclist & commentator Joanna Rowsell stating that "We need mountain climbs, flat stages, time trials and a Champs-Elysees finish".
[17] In 2021, ASO announced that the Tour de France Femmes would be held over 8 days in July 2022.