Women's Tour de France the final frontier: Elvin

It's certainly a far cry from the one-day La Course retired Canberra cyclist Gracie Elvin rode during her days as a professional.

For years the Tour de France organisers promised more than just a one-day race for the women, but now they've finally delivered.

The Tour de France Femmes will run over eight days in 2022 from July 24-31 - directly after the men's Tour.

The UCI also announced the Giro Rosa would return to the elite level, with the 10-stage race running from July 1-10.

Elvin's enjoying retired life, finishing off her science degree as well as running a mentor program for the Cyclists' Alliance - the women's union she helped establish.

She was excited about the Tour Femmes finally getting off the ground, having ridden La Course three times.

La Course was widely criticised for being a token gesture towards women's cycling.

"It's the first time they've seriously announced it - there's been rumours of it for years, even from the very first La Course that I did back in 2014," Elvin said.

"Women's cycling doesn't necessarily need a three-week Tour like the men have, but having an equivalent that suits women's racing - which is an 8-10 day stage race, even a three or four day one - is quite exciting and provides another level of racing.

"If all goes well and the calendar more or less doesn't get interrupted in 2022, by the look of it they've crafted a really nice WorldTour schedule.

"And the Women's Tour de France could be a really exciting event and it fits one of those last spots in women's cycling that's been a needed for a long time.

"I think most of the one-day races are matched with the men, which is cool, but I think this was one of the last things that needs to be ticked off the list."