At just 20 years old, Isabella Holmgren delivered a flawless performance at the Tour de l’Avenir Femmes becoming the first Canadian ever to win this prestigious under‑23 stage race.
In the heart of the French Alps last week, Isabella Holmgren delivered a performance that will echo through the halls of women’s cycling for years to come. At just 20 years old, the Canadian sensation and rising star conquered the 2025 Tour de l’Avenir Femmes, becoming the first rider from Canada to win the prestigious stage race and she did it with remarkable dominance, composure, and class.
From the opening stage, Holmgren made her intentions clear. She stormed to victory in the uphill prologue in Tignes, showing her climbing strength and time trial prowess all at once. It wasn’t just a win – it was a statement. She pulled on the yellow jersey that day and never let it go.
As the race unfolded, Isabella continued to rise to every challenge. On gruelling mountain stages, she was timing her efforts perfectly while her rivals cracked under pressure. On technical descents and time trials, she rode with confidence and a quiet authority well beyond her years. A trait which she showcases on both the road and mountain bike!
But what made her Tour de l’Avenir win so special wasn’t just the results, it was the way she raced. She didn’t just race to win, she raced to inspire.
And inspire she did!
By the final stage, she had secured not only the overall victory, but also the mountains classification and the best young rider jersey – a clean sweep few could have predicted at the start of the week. As she crossed the line on the final time trial, arms aloft, it was clear: a new era is beginning, and Isabella Holmgren is leading the charge.
Her journey is just getting started, and we couldn’t be prouder to be a part of it.
What Isabella had to say..
I really enjoyed Tour de L’Avenir. It was nice to have some extra stages with more variety compared to last years race. This is the only u23 women’s race of the year, and the teams are made up of federations rather than trade teams. Because of this, the racing is always a bit different, but I think Team Canada did an amazing job and thanks to them and their great teamwork, we were able to win the GC. The last day was especially nice because we raced in beautiful scenery around La Rosière and La Thuile. My Dad was also able to watch on the last day, and seeing him at the end of the TT was so special. Winning this race with the Canadian girls means a lot. I believe it shows that Canada is a strong nation and I hope it inspires younger Canadian girls to want to take part in this race in the future.
