Pauline Ferrand-Prévot Set to Compete in Tour de France Femmes 2025 After Injury Recovery

Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, the reigning Olympic champion in mountain biking, is gearing up to compete in the Tour de France Femmes, which kicks off on July 26 in Vannes, Morbihan. At 33, she is taking the lead for the Visma team and will be backed by elite cyclists such as Marianne Vos, a three-time world road champion, and Marion Bunel.

In a recent virtual press conference, Ferrand-Prévot expressed her enthusiasm regarding her preparation over the past two months, stating, "I have a desire for all my work to pay off" and mentioning that the Tour is the main goal of her season. After dealing with a persistent ankle injury that forced her to withdraw from the Vuelta in May, she has made a successful comeback to training, feeling strong and ready to face the challenges of the competition.

The cyclist candidly discussed her battle with an ankle infection which required her to take antibiotics three times and necessitated multiple hospital visits. This ordeal not only hampered her performance but also led to her earlier withdrawal from the Vuelta. However, after a period of complete rest and a successful training camp in Tignes, Ferrand-Prévot feels revitalized. She remarked, "I am more happy than nervous" about the impending race, emphasizing the critical nature of the initial stages. The first stage of the Tour spans nearly 80 km, with the daunting Cadoudal hill set to be a decisive factor for competitors.

Feeling mentally prepared, Ferrand-Prévot acknowledges a healthy pressure to succeed, as she has set a three-year goal to aim for victory in the Tour de France Femmes. By leading her team into what promises to be a challenging yet exciting competition, she hopes to showcase her dedication and resilience to both fans and critics alike. As the countdown to July 26 continues, anticipation builds around her performance and strategies during the race.