Pauline Ferrand-Prévot Sets Sights on Tour de France Femmes Defense and Continued Dominance
Leuven, Belgium – January 17, 2026 – Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, teh reigning champion of the Tour de France Femmes, has made it clear that defending her title is her primary objective for the 2026 season. Speaking at the Visma-Lease a Bike team launch, Ferrand-Prévot demonstrated a focused determination to repeat her success and further solidify her position as one of the world’s leading cyclists. This ambition comes on the heels of a remarkable 2025 season that saw her conquer both the Tour de France Femmes and Paris-Roubaix, showcasing her versatility and strength across different disciplines.
A Return to Road Racing Fueled by Olympic Glory
Ferrand-Prévot’s return to road racing in 2025 followed a period of concentrated effort in gravel and mountain biking. This strategic shift culminated in a gold medal victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics in the mountain bike cross-country event. This Olympic triumph provided a significant boost in confidence and momentum as she transitioned back to the road. Her ability to excel in multiple cycling disciplines highlights her exceptional athleticism and adaptability.
Building on 2025 Success: A new Level of Familiarity
having experienced a learning curve in her first season back with Visma-Lease a Bike, Ferrand-Prévot feels well-prepared for the challenges ahead. She acknowledges the initial adjustment period but emphasizes her quick learning ability and the invaluable support she received from the team. “For me, 2025 was a year full of learning, but I pick up new things quickly,” Ferrand-Prévot stated in a team press release. “The support from the staff and my teammates meant I was able to reach a high level very quickly. What we achieved last season was incredible, but my focus is already on the coming year.”
This increased familiarity with the team’s dynamics and strategies is expected to be a key advantage in 2026. Ferrand-Prévot believes she can build upon her 2025 achievements and push her performance to even greater heights. Her goal isn’t simply to replicate her success, but to consistently compete at the highest level in every race she enters.
Focus on Consistency and Time Trial Improvement
While Ferrand-Prévot celebrated significant victories in 2025, she recognizes the importance of consistency. “I still want to work on my consistency. My goal is to fight for the very top in every race I start. I finished on the podium many times in 2025,but secretly I want to win more,” she admitted. This drive for continuous improvement is a hallmark of her approach to the sport.
A key area of focus for the 2026 season will be her time trial performance. The return of a time trial stage to the Tour de France Femmes route presents a specific opportunity for improvement. ferrand-Prévot plans to dedicate significant training time to honing her time trial skills, even though the 21-kilometer stage from Gevrey-Chambertin to Dijon is not exceptionally long. She understands that even marginal gains in this discipline can be crucial in a closely contested race.
Key Stages and team Support
Looking ahead to the Tour de France femmes, Ferrand-Prévot has identified several stages as particularly importent. These include the summit finish on Mont Ventoux and the final stage to Nice, which is close to her home.She views these stages as opportunities to showcase her climbing ability and capitalize on local support.
Teammate Marianne Vos echoed Ferrand-prévot’s determination, emphasizing the team’s commitment to supporting her title defense. “The Tour was the most important race we could win. I will do everything I can to defend my title,” Vos stated. Vos also highlighted Ferrand-Prévot’s ability to handle pressure, a crucial attribute for a defending champion. “All eyes will be on us as defending champions.Honestly, I think Pauline is well used to handling pressure. It’s part of elite sport. You have to be able to deal with all kinds of external factors.”
Vos’s Classics Focus and the Road Ahead
While Ferrand-Prévot sets her sights on the Tour de France Femmes, Marianne Vos is planning a Classics-heavy program for the first half of 2026. This will include participation in Strade Bianche,the Tour of Flanders,and paris-Roubaix – races she is eager to conquer. Vos, considered by many to be the greatest female cyclist of all time, is particularly motivated to finally win Paris-Roubaix, a major title that has eluded her thus far. “Winning a Classic is something truly special,” she said. “Everyone prepares meticulously for these races and wants to be at their very best.”
The Visma-Lease a Bike team appears poised for another successful season, with both Ferrand-Prévot and Vos demonstrating a clear focus and unwavering commitment to achieving their goals. The 2026 season promises to be an exciting one for fans of women’s cycling, with Ferrand-Prévot leading the charge as she strives to defend her Tour de France Femmes title and continue her reign at the top of the sport.
