Podium girls tradition comes to an end at Tour de France

The presence of podium girls had become increasingly outdated and politically incorrect

Traditionally the Tour de France podium ceremonies after each stage have featured two hostesses, or podium girls, who would hand over prizes and kiss winning riders on the cheek.

Prudhomme confirmed that the podium will now feature one hostess and, for the first time, a male host.

'You used to see the champion surrounded by two hostesses, with five elected officials on one side and five representatives of the partners on the other,' Prudhomme said.

'Now, it will be different, with only one elected official and one representative of the partner of the yellow jersey, as well as a hostess and a host for the first time.'

The Tour de France will be following in the footsteps of Formula 1, which stopped having “grid girls” at races from the 2018 season as it said the practice was not “in tune with our vision for this great sport.”

ASO’s decision has been met by support from many cycling fans and riders.

Professional rider Mikel Landa said: “Podium girls presenting the prizes is an old tradition, it’s like treating the women them as objects, and undervaluing them.”

Mountain bike racer Kate Courtney said: “This is a great first step, but I can’t wait for the day that women have the chance to earn their spot on the podium in the Tour too.”