Last year’s edition of La Course marked victory in the battle to allow women a slither of the excitement around the Tour de France.

The race came about after female pros, including Emma Pooley and Marianne Vos, campaigned for the reinstatement of the women’s Tour de France.

Tour de Yorkshire Organisers Plan Most Lucrative Women’s Race in the World

The criterium, which shares its finish line with the final stage of the historic three week tour, is now moving into its second year and will take place this Sunday 26 July.

There’s equal prize money on offer, waiting crowds already gathered, and the event has inspired talk of a similar race at the Vuelta. It’s a BIG deal. Here’s everything you need to know…