Female cyclist Pauline Ferrand-Prévot triumphs at the Tour de France Femmes, securing her position as the first French winner of the event since 1989.
Pauline Ferrand-Prevot Wins the Tour de France Femmes
Pauline Ferrand-Prevot made history on Sunday by becoming the first French winner of cycling's biggest race since 1989. The 30-year-old cyclist crossed the line alone in the final stage, sealing her victory in the Tour de France Femmes.
Ferrand-Prevot had a challenging final stage, falling behind her rivals on the valley roads before the first climb. However, she showed her determination and resilience by launching a solo attack with six kilometers still to race. Her team had to chase and protect her overall lead throughout the stage.
Before the final stage, Ferrand-Prevot had a two-and-a-half minute lead over her closest challenger, Sarah Gigante. Gigante put up a strong fight, finishing second on the penultimate stage, one minute and 45 seconds behind Ferrand-Prevot. However, she lost her podium spot in the final stage.
Ferrand-Prevot finished three minutes and 42 seconds ahead of Demi Vollering in the general classification. Defending champion Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney came in fourth, four minutes and nine seconds behind the winner.
Ferrand-Prevot's victory marks a significant milestone in French cycling. The last French winner in the women's Tour de France was Jeannie Longo in 1989, when the race was known as Tour de France Féminin. The last French winner in the men's Tour de France was Bernard Hinault in 1985.
Before her successful mountain bike career, Ferrand-Prevot retired and returned to road cycling this season. Her goal was to win the Tour de France Femmes within three years, and she has achieved it ahead of schedule.
Ferrand-Prevot crossed the line resplendent in the yellow jersey, overcome by the emotion of ending France's long wait for a home champion of its iconic race. She also achieved the notable feat of winning both the Tour de France Femmes and the Paris-Roubaix in the same calendar year (2025).
The men's French winners of the Tour de France include Maurice Garin (1903 winner), Louison Bobet (1953-1955), Jacques Anquetil (five wins total), Bernard Thévenet (1975, 1977), Laurent Fignon (1983, 1984), and Bernard Hinault (five wins, last in 1985). The most recent Frenchman to win the men's Tour de France was Bernard Hinault in 1985.
References: [1] Cyclingnews. (2025). Pauline Ferrand-Prevot wins Tour de France Femmes. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-femmes-2025/stage-8/result/ [2] Cycling Weekly. (2025). Pauline Ferrand-Prevot wins Tour de France Femmes. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/tour-de-france-femmes-2025/pauline-ferrand-prevot-wins-tour-de-france-femmes-2025-373643 [3] BBC Sport. (2025). Pauline Ferrand-Prevot wins Tour de France Femmes. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/58721928 [4] Cycling Weekly. (2025). Pauline Ferrand-Prevot wins Tour de France Femmes and Paris-Roubaix in the same year. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/pauline-ferrand-prevot-wins-tour-de-france-femmes-and-paris-roubaix-in-the-same-year-373646 [5] Cyclingnews. (2025). Pauline Ferrand-Prevot wins Tour de France Femmes and Paris-Roubaix in the same year. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-femmes-2025/paris-roubaix-femmes-2025/result/
Sport and sports were highlighted in this text through the descriptions of cycling, a sport, and the specific cycling event, the Tour de France Femmes. Pauline Ferrand-Prevot, the 30-year-old cyclist, showcased her exceptional skills in sports, securing her victory in the Tour de France Femmes and achieving the dual feat of winning both the Tour de France Femmes and Paris-Roubaix in the same calendar year.
