Sunday August 3, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot (Visma | lease a bike) marked the history of female cycling by winning the Tour de France women with zwiftending 36 years of scarcity for tricolor cycling. The last Frenchwoman to have imposed himself on the event was Jeannie Longo In 1989. But behind the sporting feat, a debate agitated the peloton and the world of cycling: the food preparation of the Rémoise, marked by a targeted weight loss.
“When she proudly exhibits …”
During a press conference organized on Monday at her team headquarters in the Netherlands, the 33-year-old Olympic champion expressed her ambition to defend her title next year, even if the route included a time trial. She also returned to her preparation, which she describes as exceptional and punctual, framed by a nutritionist. “Already last year, I had done like that for the games. We knew that the last two days would be difficult on the Tour, with two large mountain stages, and that the Watts/Kg would be essential. It's simply the process”she explains.
This approach is not without arouse reactions. Swiss Marlen Reusser (Movistar), both a professional cyclist and doctor of medicine, told the Swiss press that she would have “Hoped secretly” what Ferrand-Prévot Do not win, dreading that its success does not create an unprecedented standard and increases pressure on its rivals. It points to the risks linked to rapid weight loss, such as RED-S syndrome (relative energy deficit in sport), which can cause depression, injuries, diseases and hormonal disorders. “When she proudly exhibits a jersey that has become too large, the message can be dangerous for young cyclists”she warns.
Demi full ring (FDJ-Suez), second in Tourrecalls that “Reducing your weight is not the ultimate solution” And insists on respect for the body of athletes. Ferrand-Prévot said he had regained normal diet after the race: “Now I eat what I want and when I want.” She insists on the need to educate the public, especially young people, to understand that these methods are up to the high level and are not transposed to everyone.
