Harshita Jakhar Becomes First Indian Woman in Tour de France

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Tuesday, 4 August 2026

Young cyclist Harshita Jakhar made history as the first Indian woman to be in the Tour de France Femmes here.

The 19-year-old led a pack of eight other gifted Afghan, Algerian, Chilean, Ethiopian (two riders), Namibian and Ugandan cyclists at the ceremonial start of the tough Stage 2 of the marathon on August 2nd. The event began in Lausanne on August 1st and ends on August 9th in Nice.

The team, handpicked by UCI (Union Cycliste de Internationale) cycled 4.5 kilometres on a neutralised section of the course along with some riders from the WCC Road Team, a statement from UCI read.

The women's multi-stage bicycle race equivalent to the Tour de France is called Tour de France Femmes. It's one of the UCI Women's World Tour events.

Key Highlights:

• Harshita Jakhar became the first Indian woman to participate in the Tour de France Femmes
• She was selected for the UCI World Cycling Talent program
• She aims for a top-10 finish at the 2026 Asian Games and a medal at the 2030 Asian Games

UCI president David Lappartient was present on the start podium in front of the stage and was very happy to see an Indian in the bunch.

“We are excited to have India’s very talented Harshita Jakhar in our prestigious UCI World Cycling Talent program. I am sure she will love being part of the Tour de France Femmes and will soon return to take part in the actual competition,” he said.

The riders, who began ahead of the professional peloton, are chosen from different National Federations that do not have a high performance pathway of their own and don’t have access to European coaching, training facilities and racing.

“Ever since I fell in love with cycling as a child, thanks to my father, I have dreamt of the Tour de France. I am thankful to UCI for giving me this opportunity to ride with other talented cyclists at the start of the Second Stage of the race for women,” Harshita said.

Hailing from Rajasthan, Harshita has been making waves on the Indian cycling circuit, winning almost all the medals on offer in the junior category as well as winning medals regularly in the senior category. She hopes to compete in the Top 10 of the Asian Games in 2026, and claim a medal in the 2030 Asian Games.

As a Target Asian Games Group athlete, she trains at the SAI National Centre of Excellence in Patiala, with her father-coach Rakesh Jakhar, who himself is a former cyclist who had competed in the 2010 CWG and is a qualified coach from NIS Patiala.

Her story began during the Covid-19 lockdown. What started as casual rides on the streets of Patiala soon turned into a serious pursuit. Within a few years, Harshita had emerged as one of India's brightest young cyclists, progressing rapidly through national and international competitions.

Harshita announced herself on the national stage by winning three gold medals at the 2025 Khelo India Youth Games. She has also represented India internationally, claiming one silver and two bronze medals at the 2024 Asian Junior Cycling Championships, establishing herself as one of the country's most promising endurance riders.