One year after her historic victory at the Tour de France Femmes, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot is preparing to defend her title. Today in Lausanne, the cycling world awaits her return with great anticipation. The image from the 2025 Tour remains a special photograph: an immense crowd at Châtel, where Pauline, wearing the yellow jersey, raised her arms to the sky with the joy of someone who has realized a dream. That day, August 3rd, was not just a victory, but a moment that marked the history of cycling, a personal and collective triumph.

When looking back at that day, Pauline cannot help but become emotional. "It was incredible," she confesses, recalling the intensity of that moment. The victory, combined with her participation in the Olympics, represented the culmination of years of sacrifice. The joy of seeing her family and boyfriend Dylan again after months of intense training was an experience that will remain etched in her heart. However, immediately after the victory, a sense of disorientation overwhelmed her. "What will I do now?" she asked herself, reflecting on a milestone that had led her to realize a long-pursued dream.

The period that followed was characterized by a series of contrasting emotions. Fame and requests increased exponentially, bringing with them a pressure that Pauline had never experienced before. "I didn't feel overwhelmed, but it was an enormous change," she recalls. The following season presented its challenges, including an ankle injury that required surgery. This made it difficult to enjoy the end of the season, a time when joy and celebration should have prevailed.

With the start of the new season, Pauline managed to rediscover her determination. The preparation for the 2026 Tour de France was a reflective process. "I must write a new chapter," she stated, accepting that the past, however bright, could not define her future. The desire to relive moments of glory returned, fueled by targeted training and the will to surpass her own limits.

The new Tour route presents unique challenges, including an individual time trial that requires intense physical and mental preparation. Pauline had to adapt to a completely different position on the bike, a process she began as early as December. The obsession with the Tour became a driving force for her preparation, and every early-season race was viewed as a step toward the final goal.

As she approaches the 2026 Tour de France, the pressure is palpable, but Pauline seems to face it with surprising serenity. "It's normal to expect the best from me," she states, showing a mature awareness of her position in cycling. The popularity she has gained, along with public support, has pushed her to commit even more. Racing in France, under the warmth of the crowd, is an experience that gives her unparalleled energy.

Looking to the future, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot cannot wait to face the challenges that await her. She knows that, regardless of the results, she has given her all to prepare. "If I focus on the fact that I've done everything possible, then it will already be a victory," she concludes, with a smile that reflects her determination and passion. Racing is more than a competition; it is a journey, and Pauline is ready to write the next chapter of her extraordinary story.