Le Tour de Femme: A Women’s Cycling Event Supporting Women With Cancer

What can happen when you put women, bikes, community, and a meaningful mission together?

You get something much bigger than a bike ride.

In this episode of the Find Your Edge podcast, Coach Chris Newport talks with Catherine Davis and Nesha Daubenspeck about Le Tour de Femme, a women’s cycling event with two powerful goals: supporting women going through cancer and empowering more women to explore the sport of cycling.

And for Catherine, that mission is deeply personal.

What Is Le Tour de Femme?

Le Tour de Femme began in 2006 with a mission that brings together cycling, women’s empowerment, community, and support for women affected by cancer.

The event has always had two central goals:

• Support women who are going through cancer
• Empower women to explore the sport of cycling

That combination is important because cycling can be so much more than exercise.

A bike can become a way to build confidence, discover what your body is capable of, meet people who understand you, and become part of a community.

Catherine Davis Discovered Le Tour de Femme During Chemotherapy

Catherine’s relationship with Le Tour de Femme began in a place you might not expect: a breast cancer support group.

She was in the middle of chemotherapy in 2009 when she learned about the ride.

Already an avid cyclist, her response was essentially: I want to do that.

So she did.

Catherine rode Le Tour de Femme while undergoing chemotherapy.

It was also her first all-women’s cycling event, and what struck her wasn’t simply the riding. It was the support and community surrounding it.

That first experience eventually grew into years of participation, service on the organization’s board, and a leadership role as co-director.

Why Women’s Cycling Communities Matter

There can be a big difference between knowing you could ride a bike and feeling like you actually belong in cycling.

For someone looking at cycling from the outside, there can be plenty of questions:

• Am I experienced enough?
• Will I be able to keep up?
• Do I have the right bike?
• Will everyone else know more than I do?
• Will I actually fit in?

Community can change that experience.

Instead of having to figure everything out alone, you’re surrounded by people who can encourage you, answer questions, share experiences, and remind you that you don’t have to prove yourself before you belong.

That’s one of the themes that makes the Le Tour de Femme story so powerful.

Le Tour de Femme Is About More Than Cycling

The bike may bring people together, but the mission extends beyond sport.

From the beginning, Le Tour de Femme has also been about supporting women navigating cancer.

For Catherine, those two worlds weren’t separate. She experienced the event herself while undergoing chemotherapy.

Her story is a reminder that movement doesn’t always have to be about a PR, podium, or race result.

Sometimes movement gives us connection.

Sometimes it gives us confidence.

Sometimes it reminds us of what our bodies can still do during an incredibly difficult season of life.

A New Chapter With 1 of Us

Le Tour de Femme eventually found what Catherine describes as its ideal partner in 1 of Us.

The fit made sense because 1 of Us was already committed to supporting women affected by female cancers.

That shared mission created an opportunity for Le Tour de Femme to continue its work while becoming part of an organization already deeply involved in supporting women through cancer.

It’s an example of what can happen when organizations with complementary missions collaborate instead of trying to do everything independently.

Do You Have to Be an Experienced Cyclist to Find a Cycling Community?

No.

One of the biggest barriers to endurance sports isn’t necessarily physical ability. Sometimes it’s simply wondering whether you belong.

You don’t need to be the fastest person in the group to benefit from cycling.

You don’t need an impressive athletic resume to start.

And you don’t have to know everything before you show up.

Finding supportive people can make the process of learning and growing far less intimidating—and a lot more fun.

What Athletes Can Learn From Le Tour de Femme

There are a few lessons here that extend well beyond this particular event.

1. Community can change your relationship with sport.

Training alone and being part of a supportive community are very different experiences. The right people can help you stay engaged, learn, and keep showing up.

2. You don’t have to wait until you feel like an “athlete.”

There isn’t an experience requirement for deciding you’d like to try something new.

3. Movement can mean more than performance.

We love performance at The Endurance Edge. But movement can also provide joy, friendship, confidence, purpose, and connection.

4. Your sport can connect you to something bigger.

An endurance community can become a place where people support one another both on and off the course.

Looking for Your Own Endurance Community?

You shouldn’t have to figure out endurance sports alone.

At The Endurance Edge, we believe training should support your performance, your health, and your life—and community can be an important part of that.

Our Group Training & Club brings athletes together with professional guidance and a supportive community, whether you’re newer to endurance sports or have been doing this for years.

Learn more about The Endurance Edge Group Training & Club →

Frequently Asked Questions About Le Tour de Femme

What is Le Tour de Femme?

Le Tour de Femme is a women’s cycling event founded in 2006. Its mission combines supporting women going through cancer with empowering women to explore cycling.

Who is Le Tour de Femme for?

The event is centered around women, cycling, community, and supporting women affected by cancer.

How is Catherine Davis connected to Le Tour de Femme?

Catherine first participated in the event in 2009 while undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. She continued riding the event, later joined its board, and became a co-director.

What is the connection between Le Tour de Femme and 1 of Us?

1 of Us shares Le Tour de Femme’s commitment to supporting women affected by female cancers and became the organization directing the event.

Why are supportive cycling communities important?

Supportive communities can help athletes build confidence, learn new skills, meet training partners, and feel like they belong—regardless of speed or experience.

Final Thoughts

Le Tour de Femme is a beautiful reminder that endurance sports aren’t only about how fast or how far we can go.

They’re also about who we become—and who comes alongside us—while we’re doing it.

Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or someone who’s been wondering if there’s a place for you in endurance sports, you don’t have to have everything figured out before you begin.

Find your people. Get on the bike. And see where it takes you.

Register for the Le Tour de Femme directly here.