Who Is Harshita Jakhar? Meet the 19-Year-Old Who Became the First Indian Woman at the Tour de France Femmes

Indian cycling has a new trailblazer.

At just 19, Harshita Jakhar has become the first Indian woman to feature at the Tour de France Femmes, one of the most prestigious events in world cycling. While she did not compete in the main race, the Rajasthan-born cyclist led a select group of emerging riders in the ceremonial start of Stage Two in Switzerland, marking a watershed moment for Indian women's cycling.

Here's everything you need to know about the teenager making history.

Who is Harshita Jakhar?

Harshita Jakhar is a 19-year-old cyclist from Rajasthan who trains at the Sports Authority of India's National Centre of Excellence in Patiala. She is coached by her father, Rakesh Jakhar, himself a former international cyclist who represented India at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Why is her Tour de France Femmes appearance historic?

Harshita became the first Indian woman ever to feature at the Tour de France Femmes, the biggest stage race in women's road cycling. She was among eight young cyclists from emerging cycling nations chosen to ride the ceremonial 4.5-km neutralised start before Stage Two in Aigle, Switzerland. While it was not part of the official race classification, the moment placed an Indian woman on cycling's grandest stage for the first time.

How did she earn this opportunity?

Harshita was selected for the UCI World Cycling Talent Programme, an initiative launched by cycling's world governing body to identify and nurture promising riders from developing cycling nations by giving them European training and racing exposure. The group included cyclists from Afghanistan, Algeria, Chile, Ethiopia, Namibia and Uganda.

When did her cycling journey begin?

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.

What has she achieved so far?

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.

What did the UCI say about her?

UCI President David Lappartient welcomed Harshita into the World Cycling Talent Programme and expressed confidence that she would one day return to the Tour de France Femmes as a competitor. The programme is designed to bridge the gap for talented riders from countries where cycling infrastructure and opportunities remain limited.

Why does this matter for Indian sport?

India has produced Olympians and international champions across several disciplines, but road cycling has rarely found a place on the global stage. Harshita's appearance at the Tour de France Femmes is more than an individual milestone. It signals that Indian cyclists are beginning to enter elite international development pathways and could eventually compete alongside the world's best in professional road cycling.

(With inputs from ANI)