Pauline Ferrand-Prévot Claims Historic Victory at Tour de France Femmes
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot made history on July 30, 2023, by winning the Tour de France Femmes, becoming the first French cyclist to triumph in this prestigious race since Jeannie Longo in 1989. This victory ends a lengthy dry spell for French cycling, with the last win prior to Ferrand-Prévot being Bernard Hinault’s 1985 Tour de France victory.
After a successful career in mountain biking, where she became the Olympic champion in Paris, Ferrand-Prévot returned to road cycling this season aiming to win the Tour de France Femmes within three years. Remarkably, she achieved her goal in just one year.
Ferrand-Prévot sealed her victory by winning the final stage, crossing the finish line adorned in the iconic yellow jersey. Her emotional reaction underscored the significance of ending France’s long wait for a home champion in this revered race. In the final standings, she finished with a time that placed her ahead of the 2023 champion, Demi Vollering, by three minutes and 42 seconds, while outpacing defending champion Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney by four minutes and nine seconds.
The decisive moment of the race came during Stage 8, where Ferrand-Prévot claimed the yellow jersey after an impressive performance on the challenging Col de la Madeleine. This 18.6-kilometre climb proved critical, as she managed to gain over three minutes on both Niewiadoma-Phinney and Vollering, showcasing her climbing prowess.
Initially, Sarah Gigante posed the closest challenge on the Col de la Madeleine, launching an early attack. Although Gigante was eventually caught by Ferrand-Prévot, she limited her losses, finishing the stage one minute and 45 seconds behind. This performance left Ferrand-Prévot with a substantial two-and-a-half minute advantage in the overall classification heading into the final stage.
Despite her lead, the last stage presented challenges for Ferrand-Prévot. She fell behind her competitors during the valley roads leading to the first climb, prompting her team to step up and protect her overall lead. Demonstrating resilience, Ferrand-Prévot recovered and executed a solo attack with six kilometers remaining, ultimately crossing the finish line alone to secure her historic victory.
This remarkable achievement not only highlights Ferrand-Prévot’s exceptional talent but also revives national pride in French cycling, marking a significant milestone in the sport. Her journey from mountain biking to conquering the Tour de France Femmes encapsulates a story of determination, skill, and triumph against the odds.
