Ferrand-Prévot Makes History, crowned Champion of the Tour de France Femmes
Coralie Ferrand-Prévot etched her name into cycling lore on Sunday, securing victory at the Tour de France Femmes. She became the first Frenchwoman to win the prestigious race sence the revival of the women’s edition four years ago, a monumental achievement for both the athlete and French cycling.
The 33-year-old Olympic cross-country champion dominated the nine-day competition. She finished with a commanding lead of three minutes and 42 seconds over Demi Vollering of the Netherlands. Katarzyna Niewiadoma of Poland rounded out the podium, finishing over four minutes behind the champion.
A Challenging final Stage
“This stage was really tough,” Ferrand-Prévot admitted, reflecting on the grueling ninth and final stage through the Alpine region of Haute-Savoie. however, she remained resolute, determined to claim victory while wearing the coveted yellow jersey. Ultimately, her dedication paid off, fulfilling a long-held dream.
This win marks a significant turning point in Ferrand-Prévot’s career. For the past seven years, she primarily focused on cross-country cycling. This season, she strategically shifted her attention back to road racing, with remarkable results.
A Season of Stellar Performances
Her return to the road was nothing short of breathtaking. Consider these highlights:
Paris-Roubaix Victory: She conquered the legendary Paris-Roubaix race in northern France in April.
Podium Finishes: She secured second place at the Tour des Flandres in Belgium and third at the Strade Bianche in Italy. Strategic Recovery: She made the calculated decision to withdraw from La Vuelta Femenina in Spain in May, prioritizing preparation for the Tour de France.
This strategic approach proved to be a masterstroke, setting the stage for her historic win.
A Lifelong Ambition Realized
Ferrand-prévot’s journey to the top is deeply personal. She openly shared a childhood aspiration that resonated with many. “I remember telling my mother that I wanted to be a boy so that I could compete in the Tour de France,” she revealed before the race began.
Now, that dream is a reality – not as a man, but as a pioneering woman. This is precisely why she returned to road racing, driven by the opportunity to compete in Le Tour*.
her victory isn’t just a personal triumph; it’s a powerful statement about the growing prominence and potential of women’s cycling. It’s a moment that will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of female cyclists to chase their own ambitious goals.
