Former Chiles star, Olympian Lily Williams to compete in Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift

Jim Henry, Tallahassee Democrat
·4 min read
Former Chiles High star athlete Lily Williams, front, is enjoying a career as a professional cyclist.
Former Chiles High star athlete Lily Williams, front, is enjoying a career as a professional cyclist.

Lily Williams has never been shy embracing new cycling adventures, relying on discipline and a deep desire to reach her goals and enjoy each moment.

Williams' journey continues next week in Western Europe, where the former Chiles High star athlete will compete in the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift  - a women's cycle stage around France.

The eight-day, 639-mile race starts Sunday at the Eiffel Tower on the last day of the men's race. Williams, 28, is part of the six-rider Human Powered Health team. 

Although a newcomer to cycling, Williams has quickly developed into an elite performer. She was a member of Team USA that captured an Olympic bronze medal in the Women's Team Pursuit last summer in Tokyo.

"I thrive under the challenge of adapting to different scenarios and excelling outside of my comfort zone," Williams told the Democrat via email.

"There are plenty of bad days - I would say there are more tough days than great days in professional sport - but when you begin to see improvements it's incredibly fulfilling. Getting to race at this level with the best makes me proud, and of course I want to not only be here, but be good.

"Until I reach that point, I will keep trying."

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Former Chiles High star Lily Williams is enjoying a career as a professional cyclist.
Former Chiles High star Lily Williams is enjoying a career as a professional cyclist.

A historic return to cycling

Williams and her teammates are coming off last month's Women's Tour, a six-stage race across England and Wales. The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift is officially returning to women's cycling for the first time in 33 years.

Williams is scheduled to be featured on the third hour of Friday's NBC Today's Show around 9:20 a.m. alongside 1984 Tour de France Femmes champion Marianne Martin.

Williams is well aware and versed on the Tour de France, which is considered the world's most prestigious and difficult bicycle race. She has watched the Tour de France on television since her youth.

"It feels like I am getting to do something that has been fundamental to my life - watching every year has been a tradition for as long as I can remember," Williams said. "It is the most iconic bike race in the world and to have a women's edition feels like we are really starting to reach parity with the men.

"While the women's race has come on and off over the years in a variety of formats, this modern rendition will see women competing with full support from teams and as career athletes, which makes for amazing racing that hopefully people can enjoy the way I have for so many years."

Lilly Williams
Lilly Williams

Crediting good teamwork

Williams, in her third season with the wellness platform Human Powered Health, is known for her sprinter's speed. However, she continues to test her legs in different types of races and terrains, crediting teamwork as she transitions to European racing.

Williams was racing and training in the Netherlands in preparation for the stages around France.

"I am not expecting to get over the high mountains with the leaders but the nice thing about road cycling is that there is always a job to do and that makes the racing worth it even on the days where you are not suited to the terrain," Williams said.

"It's truly a team sport. In terms of my relative newness to the sport, I just try to take the experiences one by one and use the more challenging days as opportunities to learn and improve. There is never an unproductive day on the bike."

Williams,  a 2012 graduate of Chiles High and a multiple state champion in track and field, enjoys racing more than just the results. She also wants to share the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

"I just love riding my bike," said Williams, who recently signed a contract extension with Human Powered Health for the 2023 season.

"I get to be outside every day and I am traveling the world. I think as athletes it's easy to forget how crucial balance is in life. So being on a team that supports that mindset and keeps the riders grounded makes for not only great bike racing, but also is a great way for anyone to find inspiration in leading a healthier lifestyle.

"Finding your own way is what is most important. If we can get that message out through our participation in the most famous bike race in the world, then I consider that a success."

Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift

Route and Stages

1. July 24: Paris (Tour Eiffel) to Champs-Élysées 82 km (51 miles) Flat stage

2. July 25: Meaux to Provins 135 km (84 miles) Hilly stage

3. July 26: Reims to Épernay 133 km (83 miles) Medium-mountain stage

4. July 27: Troyes to Bar-sur-Aube 126 km (78 miles ) Medium-mountain stage

5. July 28: Bar-le-Duc to Saint-Dié-des-Vosges 175 km (109 miles) Hilly stage

6. July 29: Saint-Dié-des-Vosges to Rosheim 128 km (80 miles) Flat stage

7. July 30: Sélestat to Le Markstein 127 km (79 miles) Mountain stage

8. July 31: Lure to La Super Planche des Belles Filles 123 km (76 mi) Mountain stage

Total: 1,029 km (639 miles)

Reach Jim Henry at jjhenry@tallahassee.com.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Chiles' Lily Williams to compete in Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift