**Pauline Ferrand-Prevot Eyes Tour de France Glory Following Paris-Roubaix Win**
French cyclist Pauline Ferrand-Prevot has emerged triumphant from the Paris-Roubaix race—a notable achievement that she attributes to her preparation for the Tour de France Femmes. The highly decorated athlete, known for her impressive background in mountain biking, has her sights firmly set on clinching victory at the summer cycling extravaganza within the next three years. Her recent performance at Paris-Roubaix is not merely an addition to her accolades; instead, she views it as a critical step in her journey toward achieving this ambitious goal.
Despite finding herself entangled in a multi-rider crash approximately 50 kilometers from the finish line, Ferrand-Prevot showcased exceptional resilience and tactical skill. With just 25 kilometers remaining, she orchestrated a remarkable attack, which ultimately led to her claiming her first road race victory since 2015. Standing out amongst her peers once more, Ferrand-Prevot emphasized her surprise at the success of her return to road racing.
Following her victory, the 2014 world champion expressed her renewed confidence and joy in being part of a strong team that allowed her to perform at such a high level. “I was confident this team could do something very good; it was a great day for us,” she noted. Reflecting on her journey, she admitted, “I didn’t expect this, to be honest. Also, I was not planning for Flanders and Roubaix. Because I felt good, I said, ‘why not’? I want to try.” This spontaneity has proven beneficial for her training and preparation, as Ferrand-Prevot considers the experiences at Paris-Roubaix to be instrumental for her upcoming challenges in the Tour de France.
For Ferrand-Prevot, the Tour de France serves as the season’s central objective. As she aspires to be at the pinnacle of her performance, she enthusiastically stated, “I want to try to win the Tour de France within three years, so I think it’s a good step. We are building something really strong together as a team.” This resolute dedication, combined with her motivation, suggests that the vision of conquering the prestigious race is not merely a fanciful dream but rather an achievable target.
In a context where cycling legends have set groundbreaking standards, the 33-year-old’s return to road racing has garnered considerable attention and admiration. Having previously claimed an Olympic gold medal in Paris, Ferrand-Prevot’s illustrious career in cross-country mountain biking serves as a testament to her competitive spirit and prowess. Recognizing her extraordinary comeback, Dani Christmas, a cycling expert at TNT Sports, remarked that her performance has surpassed expectations, establishing Ferrand-Prevot as a formidable contender once again.
Christmas underscored the respect that Ferrand-Prevot commands as a cyclist and acknowledged the challenges she faces as she aims to return to the Tour de France. “But when you say, ‘I want to come back and win the Tour de France, I think there were a few people thinking ‘OK, it’s changed quite a bit since you were last racing,” he observed. Conversely, he applauded her remarkable display, emphasizing, “It’s not a fluke; we’ve seen it time and time again this season that she’s been performing at the top level. She is well and truly back.”
Complementing this perspective, fellow cycling expert Dani Rowe highlighted the significance of Ferrand-Prevot’s victory at Paris-Roubaix. Rowe initially had reservations about Ferrand-Prevot’s suitability for the strenuous race but acknowledged the unexpected display of power and determination that she exhibited on the infamous cobbled roads. Furthermore, Rowe pointed out that the support structure surrounding Ferrand-Prevot, including coaches and a dedicated team, plays a crucial role in her aspirations and success.
As the cycling world watches with bated breath, Ferrand-Prevot’s journey toward the Tour de France continues to unfold, instilling a sense of anticipation and excitement for what lies ahead. With her determination, strategic mindset, and historical achievements, Ferrand-Prevot is positioned to reclaim her status as a leading competitor in the realm of professional cycling.
