Kim Le Court: From Near-Death Experience to Cycling Star
Kim Le Court, a Mauritian professional cyclist riding for AG Insurance-Soudal, has rapidly ascended to the top of the women’s cycling world. Her journey, marked by early setbacks, a life-threatening illness, and a triumphant return to the sport, is a testament to resilience and determination. Once rejected by numerous professional teams, Le Court has become a history-maker, the first African woman to win a Monument and wear the yellow jersey in the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.
Early Life and Challenges
Born on March 23, 1996, in Curepipe, Mauritius, to a Scottish mother, Patricia, and a Mauritian father, Bernard, Le Court experienced a nomadic childhood due to her father’s varied career. Financial hardship led her family to briefly live in a single room, and a subsequent move to Madagascar brought new experiences, including learning the Malagasy language.
A Brush with Death
At the age of three, Le Court contracted malaria whereas living in Madagascar. The illness remained undetected until the family resided in the French mountains, where she was hospitalized in Grenoble and placed in an induced coma. Doctors gave her a 10% chance of survival, and her father was advised to prepare for the worst. A risky medication was administered, ultimately saving her life, though she notes the only lasting effect is that she is no longer bitten by mosquitoes.
From Soccer Dreams to Cycling
Before cycling, Le Court’s passion was soccer. She fought for the right to join a male-only football club in Mauritius and even received a scholarship offer to play college soccer in the United States. However, at 14, she declined the offer, feeling unprepared to leave her home country. She then turned to cycling, inspired by her brother, Olivier, and quickly found success, winning her first race despite a knee injury.
Early Professional Setbacks
Le Court’s initial foray into professional road cycling in 2015 and 2016 with Matrix Fitness and Bizkaia–Durango was unsuccessful. She describes herself as “not a pro – a survivor,” and admits she wasn’t mentally prepared for the challenges of European racing. A crash at the 2016 Giro d’Italia led her to abandon the sport, feeling she was competing for others rather than herself.
Reinvention and Mountain Biking Success
After leaving road cycling, Le Court worked as a coach and bike fitter in South Africa, determined to become financially independent. She rediscovered her love for cycling through mountain biking, winning the prestigious Cape Epic in 2023, partnering with Vera Looser. This victory proved pivotal in her return to professional road cycling.
Return to the Peloton and Historic Achievements
In 2024, Le Court signed with AG Insurance-Soudal after proactively contacting teams seeking an opportunity. She quickly proved her worth, achieving a stage win at the Giro d’Italia Women, her first victory at the UCI Women’s World Tour. The following year, 2025, brought even greater success: she won Liège–Bastogne–Liège Femmes, becoming the first African cyclist to win a Monument, and secured the yellow jersey at the Tour de France Femmes, another historic first for an African cyclist.
Looking Ahead
Le Court continues to compete with AG Insurance-Soudal, with ambitions to further test her limits as a Grand Tour contender. She acknowledges areas for improvement, such as time trialing, and remains focused on maximizing her potential. Her story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that with perseverance and self-belief, even the most improbable dreams can be realized.