Pauline Ferrand-Prévot Takes Off-Season Reset After Tour de France Femmes

Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, the 2025 Tour de France Femmes yellow jersey winner, announced her much-needed off-season reset following a challenging experience during the 2026 Tour de France Femmes. The French rider from Visma-Lease a Bike expressed her feelings about losing the joy of her daily life due to her intense focus on winning the Tour again. After a disappointing title defense ending with a Did Not Start (DNS) on stage 8, Ferrand-Prévot reflected on her struggles in a social media post.

"I was so over focused on winning the Tour again that I lost the joy of everyday life. It was all about doing more to be the best," Ferrand-Prévot stated. She admitted that the experience left her feeling as though she had done everything right only to end up with nothing. This realization contributed to her "non-understanding" state throughout the past few months.

After not entering the penultimate stage of the French Grand Tour, Ferrand-Prévot had a notably low season, accumulating just 19 racing days for 2026. Regarding her off-season, she said, "My never-ending off-season was so needed. It will be a long way to find a decent level again, as I’m fully unshaped. But the most important for now is to find back the joy to be on the bike."

Despite the challenges she faced in her professional life, Ferrand-Prévot found personal joy in significant moments off the bike, particularly her marriage to partner Dylan van Baarle. Reflecting on their wedding, she expressed a happiness that surpassed her athletic achievements: "Experiencing this feeling of being so happy while not sacrificing everything or being extreme was something I never experienced before."

Ferrand-Prévot concluded her post with gratitude for the support she received during a difficult season, affirming her intention to return stronger in the future. "Again, MERCI for the support over my difficult 2026 season. I’m sure I will come back stronger."