Pauline Ferrand-Prevot’s 2025 return to road racing was nothing short of stunning. The Olympic mountain bike champion won Paris-Roubaix and the Tour de France in her first year back on the road.
Defense could be harder than debut
The highly decorated rider is no stranger to being in the spotlight though and knows that her success last year could make this year harder.
“Last season, I started the Tour as an outsider, but next season will be different. I have to be ready to start as one of the favorites in the biggest races from now on,” Ferrand-Prevot told Wielerflits. “I like pressure and can handle it well, so I’m looking forward to it.”
That doesn’t mean the multi-time world champion is scaling back her goals. If anything, Ferrand-Prevot and her Visma-Lease a Bike teammates are aiming higher.
“2025 was a year of learning for me, but I’m picking up new things quickly. The support from the staff and my teammates ensured I quickly reached a high level,” the French racer says of her return to road.
She closes with what could be seen as a warning to her competitors.
“We have a strong group of motivated riders, and we’ve made further progress compared to last season.”
Considering what Ferrand-Prevot and Visma achieved last year, that is quite the statement.
At the Tour de France Femmes, PFP has her eye on the Mont Ventoux stage as well as the final stage, which passes close to her home. The Olympic XCO champion adds that the individual time trial will be that week’s biggest unknown factor.
Vos is Boss, or protecting one
At the Tour de France, Ferrand-Prevot will have the backing of another one of cycling’s greats. Marianne Vos will be working to help defend her team’s 2025 victory there. The 38-year-old Dutch racer knows the pressure her teammate will face there.
“All eyes will be on us, as we have to defend our title,” says Vos. “To be honest, I think Pauline is used to handling the pressure. It’s part of top-level sport. You have to be able to deal with all kinds of external factors. Pauline knows exactly what she wants and what she has to do to achieve her goal.”
Before Visma-Lease a Bike shifts into Grand Tour mode, Vos will be hunting wins. The iconic racer is looking to add to her Classics victories this spring. Specifically, she says she is targetting Strade Bianche, Tour of Flanders and…
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