Tour de France Femmes historic achievement within reach for Pauline Ferrand-Prévot
The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift is currently underway, and it's been a memorable event so far. The champion-elect of the race is Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, who has made history by becoming France's first female yellow jersey in the modern era.
Ferrand-Prévot, a highly versatile professional cyclist, has a 2:37 cushion over her closest competitor, Sarah Gigante, in the General Classification. This significant lead is a testament to her remarkable performance throughout the race.
Born in Reims, France, on February 10, 1992, Ferrand-Prévot is no stranger to success. She made history in 2015 by simultaneously holding world titles in road racing, cross-country mountain biking, and cyclo-cross. After winning Olympic gold in mountain biking at the 2024 Paris Games, Ferrand-Prévot committed to targeting victory in the women's Tour de France.
Her triumphant return to road racing after focusing primarily on mountain biking for several years paid off in 2025 when she rode for Team Visma | Lease a Bike and won the Tour de France Femmes. This feat was extraordinary, as she had only recently returned to professional road cycling and had given herself a three-year window to win but managed to do it in just one year.
Ferrand-Prévot's victory on the Col de la Madeleine during stage eight's summit finish was a result of excellent teamwork and her meticulous preparation. In the months leading up to the race, she visited the Col de la Madeleine twice to familiarise herself with the challenging terrain.
As the race enters its final stage, Ferrand-Prévot is confident and feels good about her chances. She plans to have a massage and a good night's sleep before taking on the challenge. If she wins, she will make history as the first Frenchwoman to win the modern Tour de France Femmes on Sunday.
Thousands had made a near 20km trek to the top of the Madeleine to witness the event, and hundreds of fans cheered for Ferrand-Prévot as she collected her yellow jersey. Race director Marion Rousse declared that the next Bernard Hinault will be a woman, and with Ferrand-Prévot's performance, it's hard to argue.
Ferrand-Prévot's Tour de France Femmes victory is a testament to her goal of winning within three years, set after returning to the road. Her win almost a year after her Paris Olympics gold medal win is a fitting end to an extraordinary year for the versatile cyclist. Ferrand-Prévot's victory was crafted in the "fine details", and her determination and hard work have paid off. She is a true inspiration to cyclists everywhere.
Sports have witnessed an exceptional moment as Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, at the zenith of her career, continues to rewrite history in the Tour de France Femmes. Her leading position in the General Classification is a resounding testament to her dedication and skill in this esteemed sporting event.
