Pauline Ferrand-Prévot made history on July 30, 2023, by winning the Tour de France Femmes. This victory marks a significant moment for French cycling, as she is the first French rider to claim this prestigious title since 1989. The last time a French cyclist wore the yellow jersey was when Jeannie Longo won the women’s edition, while the last male winner was Bernard Hinault in 1985.
Ferrand-Prévot, who previously enjoyed a successful career in mountain biking, returned to road cycling this season with a clear objective: to win the Tour de France Femmes within three years. Remarkably, she achieved this goal in her first attempt. She sealed her victory with an impressive performance in the final stage, finishing the race with a total time that placed her three minutes and 42 seconds ahead of second-place finisher Demi Vollering and four minutes and nine seconds ahead of defending champion Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney.
Decisive Moments of the Race
Ferrand-Prévot’s journey to victory intensified during the penultimate stage, where she took the lead on the formidable Col de la Madeleine, a climb that spans 18.6 kilometers. On Stage 8, she surged ahead of her competition, gaining over three minutes on both Niewiadoma-Phinney and Vollering. Although she faced a challenge from Sarah Gigante, who launched an early attack on the climb, Ferrand-Prévot ultimately overtook her and finished the stage with a commanding lead.
As a result of her victory on the Col de la Madeleine, Ferrand-Prévot entered the final stage with a lead of two and a half minutes over Gigante. However, the concluding stage was not without its difficulties. Early in the race, she fell behind her rivals while navigating the valley roads, prompting her team to work hard to protect her overall lead.
Showing resilience, Ferrand-Prévot recovered and initiated a solo attack with just six kilometers remaining. She crossed the finish line alone, not only securing her victory but also ending a long wait for a French champion in this iconic race.
A Historic Win for France
Ferrand-Prévot’s win at the Tour de France Femmes is a moment of pride for French cycling. For decades, the nation has watched its riders strive for success in a race that has become a summer tradition. Her achievement resonates deeply within a nation that has long awaited a home-grown champion.
This victory not only highlights Ferrand-Prévot’s exceptional talent but also marks a new chapter for women’s cycling in France. As the sport continues to gain popularity, her success may inspire a new generation of cyclists to pursue their dreams on the international stage.
