At 33 years old, she brings unmatched versatility, a wealth of experience, and a renewed hunger for success to Team Visma | Lease a Bike Women. With her sights firmly set on winning the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, this chapter of her storied career promises to be one you’ll want to be clipped in for.
A career defined by versatile success
Born on February 10, 1992, in Reims, France, Ferrand-Prévot’s cycling journey began at an early age. Her natural talent was evident from the start, and she rapidly rose through the ranks of junior competition. By the time she entered the elite level, she was already a formidable competitor. In 2014, at just 22 years old, Ferrand-Prévot stunned the cycling world by winning the UCI Road World Championships, claiming the coveted rainbow jersey and becoming the first French woman since Jeannie Longo in 1995 to win the women’s world title.
Ferrand-Prévot went on to dominate in cyclocross and mountain biking, becoming the first cyclist to hold world titles across all three disciplines simultaneously in 2015. This extraordinary feat solidified her reputation as one of the most versatile and talented riders in the history of the sport.
Yet, her path to greatness has not been without its setbacks. After a period of injuries, illnesses, and disappointing performances, Ferrand-Prévot made the decision to focus solely on mountain biking. This pivot was driven not only by her love for the discipline but also by a desire to reset and rebuild her confidence after the challenges she faced on the road. The transition wasn’t immediate; Ferrand-Prévot had to overcome recurring leg pain caused by iliac artery endofibrosis, a condition that required multiple surgeries and a tremendous amount of physical and mental patience.
The payoff came in spectacular fashion at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Competing in front of an enthusiastic home crowd, Ferrand-Prévot delivered a flawless performance, navigating the technical mountain bike course with precision and power.

And yet the road beckons once more
Following her Olympic success, Ferrand-Prévot announced her return to road racing, signing a three-year contract with Team Visma | Lease a Bike Women. This decision marks her first serious foray into road racing since 2018, signalling a bold new direction in her career.
“I signed for three years, and during that time, I really want to be the best I can be and aim for that victory,” Ferrand-Prévot explained in a recent interview. “Now it’s all about hard work, and I know I’m capable of putting in the intense training required. You never know until you’ve given it everything.”
The decision to join Visma | Lease a Bike aligns with Ferrand-Prévot’s ambitious goals. The team’s professional setup, combined with its focus on developing riders for major tours and classics, offers her the perfect environment to adapt to the rigours of stage racing. Team manager Rutger Tijssen emphasised that they would give Ferrand-Prévot the time and support needed to transition back to road racing while building her strength for the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.
The challenges of transitioning
That said, it must be noted that returning to road racing after several years devoted to other disciplines presents unique challenges. Stage races like the Tour de France Femmes demand endurance, tactical acumen, and the ability to recover quickly over consecutive days. For Ferrand-Prévot, the focus will be on developing the endurance required to compete at the highest level in stage races while leveraging her existing strengths in climbing and technical skills.
Her team’s support will play a critical role in this transition. “We will give her time to become a road cyclist again,” Tijssen noted. The plan involves a tailored training program that incorporates both her past road racing experience and the physiological demands of her recent mountain biking career. Ferrand-Prévot’s determination and adaptability will undoubtedly be assets as she navigates this transition.
The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift: A monumental goal
The 2025 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift promises to be a gruelling test of strength, skill, and strategy. The race’s nine stages will traverse diverse terrains, beginning in Brittany and culminating in the Alps. Key stages include punishing climbs up Col de Granier, La Madeleine, and the iconic Joux-Plane—ascents that will be decisive in shaping the general classification.
Ferrand-Prévot’s versatility could give her a strategic edge in the Tour. Her climbing prowess, honed through years of mountain biking, and her technical skills on descents position her as a serious contender for the coveted yellow jersey. Additionally, her mental resilience and ability to perform under pressure will be critical as she navigates the demands of the race.
A broader impact on women’s cycling
Ferrand-Prévot’s return to road racing comes at a pivotal moment for women’s cycling. The resurgence of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift and increasing investment in the women’s peloton have created opportunities for female athletes to shine on the global stage.
As she prepares for the 2025 season, Ferrand-Prévot’s journey serves as a reminder that even the most accomplished athletes should keep evolving in order to thrive. Her return to road racing marks an exciting chapter in an already extraordinary career. Whether she achieves her ultimate goal of claiming the yellow jersey, her journey will undoubtedly enrich the narrative of women’s cycling and inspire countless others to chase their own dreams. We wish her all the best during the upcoming season!