Cycling has a painful history of doping, and when David Lappartient was running for international chairmanship, it was with an open mind to both clean up the doping and invest in the women.

SVT Sport got a conversation about this with the Frenchman Lappartient in connection with his visit to Stockholm.

The women have lagged behind in both attention and prize money, and lack a counterpart to the men's prestigious number one, the Tour de France. But this year, at least, a world tour starts for women, with 25 races.

- We now have eight teams, and the minimum wage is the same as for the men, says David Lappartient to SVT Sport.

Want to regain confidence

What do you say about the need for a Tour de France for the ladies?

- I support it and I have said it openly, also to the organizer of the Tour de France.

Can it become a reality?

- I hope so, I've met the organizers. Under our pressure, they are now considering introducing a competition.

What would cycling benefit from it?

- Men would be interested in women's cycling, and the ladies would be interested in men's cycling.

Cycling wants to regain confidence, and the entire market where women make up half. A Nordic stage race can become a reality already next year.

- We fully support this, and hope that it can help the women's cycling to the highest level, says David Lappartient to SVT Sport.