So to be able to raise it in the rainbow this year would be something I'll never forget."
American rider Kristen Faulkner returns to the EF Education-Oatly squad following an extended training block at altitude.
"I'm looking forward to racing with my teammates again," said Faulkner.
"It's been about six weeks or more since I've raced with them, so definitely I'm excited to be back with the team.
And since I did altitude camp in the US, it's been a while since I've seen them."
Off the course, roadside supporter initiatives like the Cheer Squad, organized by former professional rider Iris Slappendel, will assemble on Mont Ventoux at the Fontaine de La Grave, 4.7 kilometers from the summit on stage seven.
"It started three years ago when the Tour de France Femmes started in Rotterdam, where I'm from," said Slappendel regarding the origin of the fan gathering.
"I just thought it would be so great to [give] something back [to] the women's peloton.
I raced myself … for many years, and you're always focused on the race, but still, those people cheering on the side of the road – they have an impact.
I never forgot about them. Even though you pass them quickly, it's always something that sticks with you."
Slappendel highlighted the role of roadside support in sustaining the growth of women's professional cycling.
"And I thought, well, you know, women's cycling is growing, and there's so much happening," said Slappendel.
"We have to celebrate it, but we also have to keep giving attention to women's cycling."
