Tour de l'Aude Cycliste Féminin
 |
|
| Region | France |
|---|---|
| Discipline | Road |
| Type | Stage race |
| First edition | 1985 |
| Editions | 26 (as of 2010) |
| First winner |
 Janelle Parks (USA)
|
| Most wins | 6 riders with 2 wins |
| Most recent |
 Emma Pooley (GBR)
|
The Tour de l'Aude Cycliste Féminin was the longest running UCI event on the women's elite cycle racing calendar. It had been held annually in the Aude region of south-central France since 1985 until its cancellation after the 2010 edition. The race began when Jean Thomas, who organized men's events, turned to a major women's tour. The initial race was four days long around one city. The race grew in length and prestige until it attracted many of the top riders in the world. By 2006, the race was 10 days long. Following Thomas' death, the race was organized by his daughter, Anne-Marie Thomas. However, after the 2010 race, a lack of sponsorship led to the race's cancellation.
Race leaders in 6 different categories receive colored jerseys to wear while racing. Jerseys are awarded at the completion of each stage and are worn until a new racer is awarded the jersey. The colors for the different competition leaders are as follows:
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