Her return to the road in 2025 felt like a homecoming. With a new team, Visma-Lease a Bike, she immediately commanded the season. Victories at Paris-Roubaix and the Tour de France Femmes announced her presence with force.
This success stems from a rare versatility. Pauline Ferrand-Prevot built a career across multiple disciplines. She holds an astonishing collection of world titles from road, mountain bike, and cyclo-cross.
Her journey began in Reims, France, born into a cycling family. An uncle’s Olympic experience in mountain biking laid an early foundation. It paved the way for her own multi-sport approach.
A historic feat came in 2015. At just 23, she became the first rider to hold three world titles at once. This moment defined her as one of the sport’s most complete athletes.
After years focused on mountain biking, capped by an Olympic gold in Paris, the road called again. Now living in Monaco with partner Dylan van Baarle, she continues to build her legacy. Her story is one of relentless ambition and pure talent.
Career Highlights and Recent News
A victory at Paris-Roubaix Femmes in April 2025 signaled a powerful comeback for Pauline Ferrand-Prevot. It was her first major win on the road in a decade. This early success with her new team, Visma-Lease a Bike, set a commanding tone for the season.
Exciting Announcements from Recent Race News
In October 2025, the champion attended the route presentation for the next Tour de France Femmes. She expressed strong enthusiasm for the 2026 course. “It’s a super nice route,” she stated, highlighting the personal advantage of a finish in Nice, near her home.
She knows the roads well, especially the formidable Mont Ventoux. Her goal is to prepare even better to defend her title. The rising competition level serves as her primary motivation.
Historic Victories and Route Presentations
Her 2025 Tour de France Femmes win was historic. She claimed the yellow jersey on her first attempt, finishing 20 seconds ahead of the previous two winners. This made her the first French winner of the modern race.
The 2026 edition promises to be the toughest yet. With 19,000 meters of climbing, it presents a complete challenge. Her team manager noted Mont Ventoux will be the ultimate separator.
| Feature | 2025 Season | 2026 Route |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Winner | Pauline Ferrand-Prevot | To be determined |
| Winning Margin | 20 seconds | N/A |
| Key Mountain Stage | Col de la Madeleine | Mont Ventoux |
| Total Elevation Gain | Approx. 15,000m | 19,000m |
| Final Finish Location | Châtel | Nice |
The champion’s focus is clear. She aims to conquer this demanding race once more, using her local knowledge and refined preparation.
Inside the World of Pauline Ferrand-Prevot
The year 2014 marked a seismic shift for the French champion. Potential transformed into undeniable dominance across the world of women’s cycling.
Early Achievements and World Titles
Her breakthrough year was staggering. She claimed the rainbow jersey as road race world champion in Spain. This ended a 19-year wait for a French winner.
That same season, she won the brutal La Flèche Wallonne. She also secured four national titles in one year. This feat had never been done by a French cyclist.
The momentum continued into 2015. At just 23, she achieved the impossible. She held world titles in road, cyclo-cross, and mountain biking all at once.
Multi-Discipline Success in Cycling
This versatility defines her career. She mastered completely different demands, from muddy courses to alpine climbs.
Her skill set expanded over time. She became the first-ever gravel world champion in 2022. A home-soil Olympic gold in mountain biking followed in 2024.
In total, she has accumulated 15 elite world titles. They span an incredible range of disciplines:
- Road racing
- Mountain bike (cross-country, marathon, short track)
- Cyclo-cross
- Gravel
This record demonstrates a mastery few athletes in any sport ever achieve.
Strategic Insights: Race Tactics and Future Challenges
Race strategy extends beyond physical training to include psychological readiness for iconic climbs. The champion approaches each season with clear tactical objectives.
Preparing for Time Trials and Mountain Stages
She views the individual time trial in the 2026 Tour de France as both a challenge and opportunity. “I’m ready to put in the work on the time trial,” she stated. This discipline allows her to develop another facet of her racing skills.
Mont Ventoux represents the ultimate test for the upcoming France Femmes race. She describes it as a climb that tests everything—legs, focus, patience. The long, hot ascent feels endless, but she anticipates a beautiful battle.
Team Perspectives and Managerial Insights
Team manager Rutger Tijssen characterizes the 2026 course as a complete test. Mont Ventoux serves as the ultimate separator, potentially tougher than Col de la Madeleine due to heat exposure.
Her team provides crucial support structure for pursuing multiple Tour de France victories. The three-year contract gives her leadership role and stability.
Adapting Tactics as Competition Evolves
In the 2025 race, she demonstrated tactical clarity from the opening stage. Attacking on Côte de Cadoudal, only Kim Le Court could respond. This set the competitive tone early.
On the decisive stage 8, she made her winning move with 1.5 kilometers remaining. She dropped Sarah Gigante by 1’45” and extended her lead significantly.
| Aspect | 2025 Strategy | 2026 Adaptation |
|---|---|---|
| Key Mountain Focus | Col de la Madeleine attack | Mont Ventoux preparation |
| Time Trial Emphasis | Secondary consideration | Primary training focus |
| Race Start Location | France-based opening | International departure |
| Team Support Role | New team integration | Established leadership |
| Competitive Response | Immediate attacks | Strategic patience |
Defending her title requires better preparation than 2025. She recognizes that competitive levels rise each season. Constant improvement remains essential for staying at the top.
Final Thoughts on a Trailblazing Career
The trajectory from junior champion to Tour de France winner spans 16 years of sustained excellence. Pauline Ferrand-Prévot’s 2025 Tour de France Femmes victory fulfilled a childhood dream that once seemed impossible. She accomplished her three-year goal in just one season with Visma-Lease a Bike.
Her career includes eight different teams, from small French squads to major WorldTour programs. The relationship with teammate Marianne Vos spans years of competition and collaboration. VeloNews recognized her as international cyclist of the year after her remarkable 2014 season.
At 33, she proved age is no barrier in women’s cycling. Her multi-discipline success establishes her as arguably the most versatile cyclist in the modern era. Now the focus shifts to defending her title and enjoying the journey ahead on the road.
