Pauline Ferrand-Prévot made history on Sunday by winning the Tour de France Femmes, becoming the first French cyclist to secure victory in the event since 1989. This win marks a significant moment for French cycling, as it has been decades since a rider from the country donned the yellow jersey, following the triumphs of Bernard Hinault in the men’s Tour de France and Jeannie Longo in the women’s edition.
After a successful career in mountain biking, where she claimed the title of Olympic champion in Paris, Ferrand-Prévot returned to road cycling with the explicit aim of winning this prestigious race within three years. Remarkably, she achieved this goal in just one year, demonstrating her exceptional talent and determination.
Ferrand-Prévot secured her victory in a dramatic final stage, crossing the finish line while wearing the coveted yellow jersey. She concluded the race with a commanding lead, finishing three minutes and 42 seconds ahead of Demi Vollering, who was the 2023 winner. Defending champion Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney trailed by four minutes and nine seconds.
A Pivotal Climb and Strategic Racing
The decisive moment of the race occurred during the penultimate stage, where Ferrand-Prévot exhibited her strength on the grueling Col de la Madeleine. This challenging climb, stretching 18.6 kilometers, proved to be the turning point of the competition. Ferrand-Prévot outpaced her rivals, gaining over three minutes on both Niewiadoma-Phinney and Vollering during this crucial stretch.
On that stage, her closest competitor was Sarah Gigante, who attempted an early attack. Gigante was ultimately unable to maintain her lead, but she finished second on the climb, crossing the line just one minute and 45 seconds behind Ferrand-Prévot. This performance left Ferrand-Prévot with a comfortable lead of two and a half minutes in the overall classification with only one stage remaining.
Challenges in the Final Stage
Despite her significant advantage, the last stage presented its own set of challenges for Ferrand-Prévot. She fell behind her competitors during the valley roads leading to the first climb of the day, which prompted her team to work diligently to protect her overall lead. However, demonstrating her resilience, Ferrand-Prévot launched a solo attack with just six kilometers left to race, ultimately crossing the finish line alone.
Her victory not only fulfills a personal goal but also revitalizes the ambitions of French cycling, marking a triumphant return to the forefront of international women’s cycling. For fans and fellow athletes alike, Ferrand-Prévot’s achievement is a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of competition and the potential for greatness, especially in a sport that has deep roots in France’s cultural heritage.