Suspense, field depth and local heroes alongside broader global interest not only made a compelling edition, but paint a rosy picture of what's in store for the future

French rider Pauline Ferrand-Prevot soloed to victory on Sunday in the ninth and final stage in the Alps to seal the women's Tour de France title.She becomes the first French rider to win the modern women's Tour de France in its fourth edition.

Pauline Ferrand-Prévot is the first French winner of the Tour de France Femmes. After 1,165 kilometers (over 700 miles), nine days of action, three yellow-jersey wearers and four stage winners, the most prestigious event on the women’s road-racing calendar has drawn to a close.