Why in News?
On August 3, 2026, 19-year-old cyclist Harshita Jakhar became the first Indian woman to feature in the Tour de France Femmes, riding the ceremonial start of Stage Two in Aigle, Switzerland.
What makes this historic?
Harshita led the ceremonial start of Stage Two, completing a 4.5 km ride ahead of the professional peloton, marking her presence in the world's premier women's cycling stage race.
She was selected for the UCI World Cycling Talent Programme, which gives elite exposure to athletes from developing cycling nations like Chile, Ethiopia, and Afghanistan.
Exam Connect
Tour de France Femmes → Premier annual women's road cycling stage race, part of UCI Women's World Tour
UCI → Union Cycliste Internationale, world governing body for cycling, headquartered in Aigle, Switzerland