Tour de France Femmes 2023: Cédrine Kerbaol Makes History as First French Woman in White Jersey, an Inspiration to Young Girls French Trailblazer Cédrine Kerbaol Shatters Records
Cédrine Kerbaol achieved a significant milestone on Sunday in Pau, becoming the first French cyclist to don the white jersey at the Tour de France Femmes. Her ascent to the podium was met with resounding applause. Representing Ceratizit-WNT, the French rider secured the white jersey for the best young rider under 23 years of age at the Tour de France Femmes on July 30th, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques’ town of Pau. Speaking with France Télévisions, she expressed her joy, saying, “It was an honor to participate in the Tour de France for the first time, and it was equally an honor to wear this magnificent jersey. Coming into the Tour, the clear objective was the white jersey. Therefore, the goal has been accomplished,” added the French time trial champion.
Notably, the member of the German team Ceratizit-WNT maintained her grip on the white jersey from the first day to the last. She admitted, “I didn’t expect this. The goal was to step on the podium at least once and to wear the white jersey on the final day. But as a bonus, I wore it every day. It was truly a special week.”
Historic First Distinctive Jersey for a French Cyclist This achievement holds even greater significance as it marks the first time a French cyclist has won a distinctive jersey at the Tour de France. Marion Hérault-Garnier, a consultant for France Télévisions, remarked, “Cédrine’s performance is incredible, both from a sporting perspective and also historically. It’s the first time on the Tour de France that we have a winner of a distinctive jersey. This is something that will be remembered. She will become a role model for young girls.”
Throughout this Tour de France, the 22-year-old rider demonstrated her talent and proved its magnitude. “She maintained remarkable consistency throughout the week, excelling across various terrains with her team. Even during Saturday’s Tourmalet stage, she remained composed despite the repeated attacks from her main rival for the best young rider classification, New Zealander Ella Wyllie,” emphasized Marion Hérault-Garnier.
“Cédrine made an impressive leap in her physical capabilities this year,” added Paul Brousse, coach of the French women’s road cycling team and a consultant for France Télévisions. “She realized she had the potential to become a true professional cyclist. She experienced a breakthrough and now performs her job in the best possible way,” he observed, highlighting her “pure talent” that will undoubtedly propel her “to great heights” in the future.
Beneficial Life Change This remarkable transformation came after a radical change in the off-season. “She didn’t hesitate to move, change her environment, switch teams, and trainers,” explained Marion Hérault-Garnier. Building on her Tour de France experience, Cédrine Kerbaol has become a reliable asset for the French team and will play a significant role in the upcoming World Championships in Glasgow in early August. Paul Brousse confirmed, “She will be a part of the team for both the road race and the mixed time trial. Her position is assured, considering all she has achieved. She will be a crucial element in our competition strategy.” He also mentioned that the selection for the individual time trial will be announced in the coming days.
For the cyclist herself, this journey has only just begun. “I believe that human beings have no limits, so I will strive to explore my potential to the fullest and progress every year,” she affirmed. Looking ahead, Cédrine Kerbaol has already set her sights on clear objectives, saying, “I aim to wear the yellow jersey in a few years. I will train for it.”
