Pauline Ferrand-Prévot claimed victory in the 2023 Tour de France Femmes on July 30, becoming the first French cyclist to win the event since 1989. This significant achievement marks a long-awaited moment for a nation that has deeply intertwined its identity with the famous race for over a century. Ferrand-Prévot’s victory not only ends a 34-year drought for French cyclists but also highlights her remarkable return to road cycling following a successful mountain biking career, where she notably became the Olympic champion in Paris.
Ferrand-Prévot sealed her win by dominating the final stage, crossing the finish line adorned in the iconic yellow jersey. She finished the general classification with a time advantage of three minutes and 42 seconds over second-place finisher Demi Vollering, and four minutes and nine seconds ahead of defending champion Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney.
The decisive moment of the race occurred during the penultimate stage, where Ferrand-Prévot showcased her exceptional climbing ability on the challenging Col de la Madeleine. This 18.6-kilometer ascent proved to be a turning point, as she pulled away from her competitors, gaining more than three minutes on Niewiadoma-Phinney and Vollering. While former winners struggled to keep pace, Sarah Gigante initially posed a challenge by launching an early attack. However, Ferrand-Prévot managed to overtake Gigante, who ultimately finished second on the stage, one minute and 45 seconds behind.
Heading into the final stage, Ferrand-Prévot held a substantial lead over Gigante, with two and a half minutes separating them in the overall classification. Despite this cushion, the last stage was fraught with challenges. Ferrand-Prévot fell behind her rivals on the valley roads leading to the first climb, prompting her team to work diligently to maintain her overall lead.
Demonstrating resilience, she recovered and executed a solo attack with just six kilometers remaining, ultimately crossing the finish line alone. This victory not only solidifies Ferrand-Prévot’s status as a formidable competitor but also brings a sense of pride to French cycling fans who have long awaited a champion in their national race.
This Tour de France Femmes will be remembered not only for the thrilling competition but also for the historic achievement of Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, who has revitalized a nation’s hopes in the world of professional cycling. Her journey from mountain biking to road racing serves as an inspiring testament to determination and excellence in sport.
