The Women's Tour honored Clara Copponi (FDJ-Nouvelle Aquitaine-Futuroscope) at the finish of stage 6 with the Richard Moore Award, honoring the award-winning cycling journalist who died this March at age 49.

The award, created by Women's Tour organizer Sweet Spot to honor Moore's contributions to women's cycling, is given to "an athlete who has gone above and beyond in their engagement with the world media."

"Richard Moore was one of the most beloved, respected, and pioneering journalists to ever cover the sport of cycling," race organizers said.

"His brainchild, the Cycling Podcast, has changed the way people around the world engage and interact with cycling.

"Along with his colleagues Rose Manley and Ola Shennaoui, Richard was a regular at the Women's Tour. It raised the profile of the race and we are eternally grateful.

"The Women's Tour wanted to honor his memory by recognizing the athletes who went above and beyond in their involvement with the world media in this year's race.

Moore's The Cycling Podcast colleague Rose Manley presented the award to Clara Copponi on the Oxford podium on Saturday.

"I want to say on behalf of everyone at The Cycling Podcast that I was very touched that the Women's Tour wanted to honor our friend Richard in this way. He has always been very well respected by the peloton and it is fitting that the award is given to a rider who returns that respect to the media." "Richard was one of women's cycling's biggest cheerleaders in the press room and worked hard to bring its story to a wider audience with insight and innovation. The Women's Tour has always held a special place in his heart. The race's emphasis on professionalism and growth was very much in line with his own approach to cycling. From a personal perspective, Richard, Aura, and I always had a great time at the races. It was also always great to meet so many race fans who got to know the sport through Richard's work. It is just a small part of the great legacy of a great man and I hope we can continue to honor it.

Copponi, who won the opening stage of the race, received the award for his constant good mood and willingness to speak to the race media in languages other than his native French.

"I like being interviewed," a satisfied Copponi told Cycling News at the finish. I like doing interviews in English, even though it's difficult."