Vos Hails Women’s Tour, Eyes More Progress

The first "La Course by Le Tour de France" — a women's race — takes place on July 27 just hours before men riders end their three-week jaunt through Britain and France to the Champs-Elysees in Paris.

Vos helped crack a glass ceiling in cycling last year. She and other riders launched a petition seeking a women's version of the Tour. After some initial grumbling, race organizers responded.

In an interview on Tuesday with The Associated Press, the Dutchwoman called the race an important step, "and let's see what other opportunities we can get."