2026 CIC Tour Féminin des Pyrénées: TotalEnergies gives pride of place to young riders

From June 12 to 14, 2026 the cycling competition established its reputation as an unmissable event on the international scene. TotalEnergies is by its side to promote tomorrow’s young talents by supporting the jersey of the best young rider. For three days, 22 teams and more than 130 international cyclists made their way through the Pyrenees from Saint-Jean-de-Luz to Jurançon – almost 328 km that included the climb of the legendary Tourmalet pass during the queen stage. As a stalwart partner of the competition, TotalEnergies renewed its commitment by sponsoring the jersey of the best young rider, a powerful symbol of the future and of transmission.
 

A first stage devoted to young cyclists 

At the end of the first stage between Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Mourenx (118 km), setting the cyclists off on the hilly course of the 2026 edition, Julie Dejean, Head of Brands and Sponsoring at TotalEnergies, awarded the jersey of the best young rider, a token of the Company’s commitment to emerging talent. She answers our questions.

Ever since the competition was launched, TotalEnergies has chosen to support the young rider classification. In making this choice, the Company promotes a special category of the race that gives heightened visibility to the new generations of riders competing as part of an increasingly top-tier international peloton.

You awarded the jersey of the best young rider on the first stage of the race: can you tell us what this meant to you?

Rewarding an athlete is always a very powerful moment, and humbling too, particularly due to the scorching temperatures that day. I'm delighted to have been able to celebrate Federica Venturelli’s performance, especially as she stayed the distance by ultimately winning the points classification. Getting the white jersey from the start doubtless gave her strength and confidence for the rest of the race!
 

How does the ‘best young rider’ award resonate with the Company’s commitments?

As a race that continues to gain momentum, this award underlines the attention that is given to emerging talents and the drive to renew women’s cycling. It rewards the most promising riders in the peloton, shining the spotlight on the talents that will help build the future of women’s cycling. In each of the sporting disciplines the Company supports, we strive to reach out to young people to encourage them to discover, practice and grow through sport. Supporting new generations, both in sport and in society, is a strong commitment and conviction for the Company on a global scale.
 

A race that has changed scale

Created in 2022 and led by its director Élisabeth Chevanne, the Tour Féminin des Pyrénées very quickly established itself as a major fixture of the women’s cycling calendar. In 2026, the event took a decisive step up in becoming part of the UCI ProSeries (2.Pro), the second tier of the world's most prestigious professional cycling events. This recognition can be put down to several factors: the presence of elite international teams, a wider media reach, and a demanding course that passes through emblematic cycling spots, such as the Tourmalet pass.

The 2026 course, with its three stages through very different landscapes, from ocean to mountain, not forgetting the Béarn region, is proof that the race has powered up its presence on the sports scene and in the media.

In your view, how has women’s cycling changed in the past few years and what still needs to be done to step up the sport’s visibility?

As shown by the increased attractiveness of the CIC Tour Féminin des Pyrénées: women’s cycling is being carried by a positive momentum; and we can see, for example, that year after year, the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, also backed by TotalEnergies since this year, is reaching an increasingly wide audience, both by the roadside and in front of the television. We need to sustain the progress that has been made by encouraging all players in the sports ecosystem – media, sponsors, local authorities, associations, etc. – to continue to invest in promoting women’s competitions, and also make sure that the pool of young talents in the amateur world keeps on growing and renewing itself across the regions. By showcasing young talents, we hope to encourage young people to take up careers in cycling and inspire future generations.
 

What would you like to say to today’s young riders?

By showcasing young talents, the competition helps to encourage young people to take up careers in cycling and inspire future generations. I would say to them: I have nothing but respect and admiration for you. Hold on to your incredible energy and you will move mountains just as successfully as you climb passes.
 

As an historic partner of cycling, TotalEnergies also became Official Partner of the Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in 2026, in the ‘Energies’ category. A commitment that reflects the Company’s determination to reach out to the French population at the heart of the regions by supporting an event followed by millions each year.

As the Tour stops off in Pau, this partnership takes on its full meaning at a local level: TotalEnergies will be there alongside the public for the entire duration, particularly through its presence in the caravan, and will be promoting partnership synergies with the male and female players of the Section Paloise Rugby Pro!