Without support, it wouldn't be possible. The organizers of the Tour de Feminin thank their partners and point out that the public can also get involved.
Race of International Significance
This year, the organizers of the Tour de Feminin have faced financial and organizational difficulties, but the staging of the race is not in jeopardy. "According to the Chinese calendar, this is the year of the Wood Dragon, and I would say that's why everything is tough," Simona Davídková laughs. "We are putting in double the effort this year to keep the race going. For our Šluknov Hook region, it's an important event because it showcases the beauty of Bohemian Switzerland, the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, and the Lusatian Mountains to the world. That's why we strive to make the race the best it can be, even if everything doesn't always go smoothly. And we are very pleased with the huge interest of teams in starting at the Tour de Feminin; 29 teams are registered, with another ten on the waiting list. This is clear proof that we are putting on a good race."
Crucial for the organization is the help and support of the Ústí nad Labem Region and the town of Krásná Lípa, the two general partners of the Tour de Feminin. Equally important is the support of the towns of Rumburk and Varnsdorf, which, together with Krásná Lípa, host the starts and finishes of the stages. "In the future, we would like to organize some stages in the style of major world races, from point A to point B. For example, we would like to start in front of the regional authority in Ústí nad Labem to thank the region for its great support."
Sazka to Support the Best Riders
"Sazka will support the Tour de Feminin with the amount of one hundred thousand Czech crowns, which will be used to increase the prize money for the riders," explains Simona Davídková, the director of the Tour de Feminin. "We thank Sazka for helping the development of women's road cycling, which otherwise does not have much support in the Czech Republic, in this way." Sazka wished for the invested money to be specifically intended for increasing the rewards for the riders. "Most races around the world reward cyclists with the minimum amount according to the rules of the International Cycling Union, while we, thanks to Sazka, can distribute a bit more money," continues Simona Davídková. Sazka will also help in the promotion of the Tour de Feminin race; their social media team will be present, producing content for social networks, as well as for the Czech Tour and the Peace Race.
Invaluable Help from Municipalities
No road race in the world, no matter how significant, can do without the cooperation of the municipalities where the races take place. And the Tour de Feminin is, of course, no exception. "Most municipalities support the race both financially and, above all, by providing marshals who manage traffic, whether it's the municipal police, firefighters, volunteer firefighters, members of sports clubs, and other volunteers. They help us regulate traffic, and without them, it wouldn't be possible. The municipalities are our liaison officers with these people," describes Simona Davídková.
"The start and finish towns provide technical services that help us with the installation of everything necessary. We also greatly appreciate the help of the Police of the Czech Republic, which ensures the safety of all participants, civilian traffic, and spectators along the route."
Main partners
Škoda Auto
Škoda Automobiles and Road Cycling Belong Together, and That Applies to the Tour de Feminin Too. "Škoda contributes financially and also lends us cars for the convoy, which is a great help for us. Similar to the Tour de France, where there are about 400 cars, and we have 8 or 9," laughs the director of the Tour de Feminin. "In addition, in Krásná Lípa, during the Sunday stage, they will provide an accompanying program," says Simona Davídková about Škoda's role. "They also lend us vehicles for the Czech Škoda Cup and the Peklo Severu Road races."
Prague Stock Exchange
"The Prague Stock Exchange has been with us since 2021; it is the official sponsor of the white jersey for the best U23 rider. Every year, we dedicate this framed jersey to them, and three of these jerseys are already displayed in the premises of the stock exchange on Rybná Street in Prague."
Ferrivia
A new partner of the race is Ferrivia, a consulting company that focuses mainly on issues in the railway, telecommunications, and energy industries. "Mr. Miroslav Řezníček, the company's director, will be present at the race and will be presenting prizes to the riders; we are very much looking forward to it."
Northco
One of the main partners is also Northco, a supplier of complete food processing technologies. "Northco has long supported the original organizer of the Tour de Feminin, and we are very happy that they are returning to the race. It's a company from Krásná Lípa, so it's a great fit for our race. We are very grateful that they have found their way back to us."
VIF
Among the partners, the sports eyewear manufacturer VIF cannot be missing, which supports women's cycling on multiple fronts. Their professional team, led by Eliška Kvasničková, will also be at the start. "The VIF team riders will wear starting numbers 1 to 6, thanks to the participation of Eliška Kvasničková, who was third overall two years ago and is one of the most talented Czech riders," explains Simona Davídková. "VIF also supplies us with glasses, which will be received by the winners of the individual stages."
Czech Cycling Federation
The Tour de Feminin is one of the two international stage races for women in the Czech Republic and is therefore significant for the entire road cycling scene in our country and for the Czech Cycling Federation. "The Czech Cycling Federation lent us radios and a large-screen display for a minimal fee, for which we thank them."
Kalas Sportswear
The Tábor-based manufacturer of top-quality cycling clothing, Kalas, has been supplying high-quality jerseys for the leading riders of individual competitions as a sponsor of the Tour de Feminin race since 2021.
Crystalex
A glassmaking giant that historically supported one of the most popular races in the Czech Republic - the Bohemia Tour in Nový Bor. This year, it is donating a beautiful glass vase in the design of the Tour de Feminin colors to all successful riders, sponsors, and organizers.
Alliance of Women with Breast Cancer
The Tour de Feminin race will join forces with the Alliance of Women with Breast Cancer, which has been informing and educating the public about breast cancer and providing assistance to cancer patients for over twenty years.
You Can Help Too. Through a Public Collection on the Donio Platform
The organizers are also appealing to the public; everyone can contribute on the Donio platform. "We have created a collection in the commercial projects section. Our concern is the future of the race; this year we are running on a minimal budget. There are things we had to cut this year, and thanks to the money from the collection, the race will be able to develop. Through this campaign, we want to highlight the fact that women's road cycling in the Czech Republic does not have sufficient support from state institutions," adds the race director.
36th edition Tour de Feminin takes place from May 15th to May 18th