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Australian road cyclist Jessica Pratt's maiden professional season has veered well off course but she has still managed to be part of a historic first.
The virtual cycling world helped launch Jessica Pratt's professional career and with racing on hold it's there she finds herself again as part of a historic first for the sport.
The Brisbane 22-year-old had made the tough choice to shelve her two-wheel pursuits and prioritise a nursing degree.
But that's now a handy back-up option after Pratt last year won a pro spot with the Canyon-SRAM team, beating thousands from around the world as part of the Zwift Academy program.
Her maiden season came to a sudden halt though, due to a move to Spanish cycling hotspot Girona cancelled in March and a broken jaw - Pratt's second - from a training incident soon after.
"I expected to be in Spain in March; I was all hyped up and ready for my first pro season then Covid arrived and I got hit by a car in that period too," she told AAP.
"It's been an interesting year."
Fully recovered, Pratt is hopeful of navigating the red tape to soon set up camp in Spain.
But she said earning a spot in the virtual Tour de France in the meantime has provided another unexpected thrill.
The six-stage substitute for the real thing began last Saturday, with racing to continue this weekend and conclude next weekend before the season proper begins with the Strade Bianche on August 1.
Varying women's versions of the Tour de France have long existed, with Canyon-SRAM among the World Tour teams selected to race in the one-day La Course by Le Tour de France on August 29.
But never have men and women raced identical courses before.
Pratt said having the option to ride virtually, from the comfort of a stationary bike at home through the Zwift app, had been a "lifesaver".
"During the lockdown period and then when I broke my jaw and didn't want to be on the road I could be inside, nice and safe," she said.
"When I think about it (the virtual Tour) now, it's awesome and a big step forward in women's cycling.
"For there to be equality between men and women and for me to get a start in the first stage was really cool."
Everyday Zwift users have also embraced the chance to ride the course, with more than 44,000 users completing stage one of the virtual l'Etape du Tour de France - a mass participation event for amateurs - last weekend.
