At just 23-years-old, Évita Muzic is already in her fifth year as a professional rider with French team FDJ Nouvelle Aquitaine Futuroscope. Hailing from Lons-le-Saunier, @evita_mzc came to prominence in 2020 at the Giro Rosa, a 10-day Women’s WorldTour stage race where, aged just 21, she rode an impressively consistent race to take 10th overall and win the final stage. “It was a bit of a surprise,” she says of that result. “It's true that it happened earlier than expected ... I realized that I had the capacity to succeed at the highest level, that I could handle stage races quite well and that I was also fast on climbs – something I didn't think before. Moreover, it allowed me to show that when I was given an opportunity I knew how to take it.” Her down-to-Earth attitude will be an asset ahead of her first @letourfemmes – where she will have the expectations of the host nation riding on her shoulders. “Of course, being French in a French team puts a little extra pressure, but it's really a positive pressure. I have confidence in the team and in our ability to do great things. And the fact that it ends in my region adds a little more motivation too.” Evita told Strava that she didn't have any specific personal goals for the race other than supporting her team’s leader, Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig, in the mountains. “We have a team capable of influencing the race and playing several cards at the end of the stages. I am really looking forward to seeing what it can give. Afterwards, if I have opportunities, I will take them.” Although the racing itself will be spectacular, Evita is most looking forward to the home crowds. “It's true that the most impressive thing for the men is the number of people on the roadside. I really hope that there will be a lot of people, a crazy atmosphere, and that it will push us throughout the race!” On stage 4 of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, Evita finished second – following a victory by her teammate Cecilie the previous day. It's shaping up to be quite the Tour for the home team! 📸 ASO / @thomas_maheux