France was abuzz on Monday morning as fans scrambled to get their hands on a copy of L’Équipe, the country’s flagship sports newspaper, which featured Pauline Ferrand-Prévot on its coveted front page. The 33-year-old French cyclist made history by becoming the first woman from France to win the Tour de France Femmes, a prestigious women’s cycling event that has long been overshadowed by its male counterpart.
Ferrand-Prévot’s victory marked a significant turning point for women’s cycling in France, which had endured decades of inferiority and humiliation. The French public was quick to hail her as a national icon, with President Macron even phoning her to congratulate her on her win.
The Tour de France Femmes has undergone significant changes in recent years, with Christian Prudhomme, the men’s tour director, now recognizing its equal stature. The event has seen a surge in investment and talent, with Ferrand-Prévot joining forces with Dutch sponsor Visma Lease-a-bike after parting ways with Ineos Grenadiers.
Ferrand-Prévot’s journey to the top was not an easy one. As a young girl, she had dreamed of racing in the Tour de France but was told it was only for men. Her determination and hard work have paid off, inspiring a new generation of female cyclists.
The event has been praised for its openness and joy, offering a refreshing contrast to the more secretive world of men’s cycling. Ferrand-Prévot herself acknowledged the challenges of her weight loss plan, emphasizing that she wants to set a good example by promoting healthy habits rather than extreme thinness.
Other notable riders, including Demi Vollering and Kasia Niewiadoma, echoed Ferrand-Prévot’s sentiments, highlighting the growth and development within the women’s peloton. While the Tour Femmes is not perfect, it has undoubtedly become a standout event in women’s cycling, with a growing roster of accomplished athletes.
With this historic win, France has finally awakened to the potential of women’s cycling, offering a glimpse into a new era where women can compete on equal terms and inspire a new generation of riders.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/aug/04/ferrand-prevot-tour-de-france-femmes-win-ignites-france-joy-missing-from-men-race-cycling