“If I can't do it, it's not the end of the world” … Pauline Ferrand-Prévôt, ambitious and calm in the face of pressure from the general classification

Winner of Paris-Roubaix in April, the 33-year-old Frenchwoman made her return on the road this year, with the aim of winning the Tour de France women in three seasons.

The wait is coming to an end. Back on the road this season after winning everything in the other cycling disciplines since her gold medal at the Paris Olympic Games in mountain biking, Pauline Ferrand-Prévôt will be at the start of the Tour de France women 2025 in Vannes, Saturday July 26. With her Visma-Lease A Bike team, the 33-year-old Frenchwoman gained a goal of the big loop, which she hopes to achieve in three seasons.

At just under 72 hours away, the winner of the last Paris-Roubaix spoke on Wednesday, on her ambitions and her preparation, during a press conference.

You haven't run since May 8 and your abandonment on the Vuelta. Why did you make this choice in your preparation?

Pauline Ferrand-Prévôt: I was sick before Milan-San Remo (12th, March 22) and Roubaix (April 12). I was tired and I continued, it was a bit stupid. During the Vuelta, the decision was made to rest. When you only train, the body never heals (it was already injured in an ankle). I had enough time to take this break and then prepare myself. The tour, This is the main goal of my season. I wanted to be 100% ready and we are there. I feel good, happy to be there, finally!

Are you nervous before this deadline?

I can't say no! I have a little pressure because I want to do but it's normal. I am more impatient than nervous, and also Curious to discover my limits.

“I have prepared myself in the best possible way. Winning the Tour is a long -term process. I have the right to make mistakes this year, I will not be able to next year.”

Pauline Ferrand-Prévôt

at a press conference

You have to be realistic because it is my first race so long in ten years. I said that I gave myself three years, it gives me time to build, learn and grow.

How have you done to progress in the mountains since the start of the season?

I had to lose weight. I am lighter than to the classics where you have to climb for two or three minutes. When I have a goal, I like to have the ideal weight when you need. I don't like being too thin for nothing, it's not healthy. Afterwards, obviously, I worked well at altitude. I also bought accommodation in Andorra to stay in the mountains, used to climb. Recently, the internship in Tignes was the icing on the cake, where I was able to glean the last percentages. With Marion Bunnel (her tricolor teammate), we made a lot of intensive outings. I will keep a memory for life because we had a good time, I really enjoyed.

Have you recognized certain climbs planned on this Tour?

The Col de la Madeleine, twice yes (the arrival of the 8th and penultimate stage, Hors-Category). I know all the turns. I did it at a good speed to take my marks, see where I can accelerate, collect or put my tempo. We have trained specifically because the differences will count in minutes. I am curious to see how everyone will recover after that. We will have to keep strength for the last two days: before oN cannot win the Tour, even if you can lose it.

Why this return to road after having succeeded everything, once the Olympic Games have passed?

I asked myself the question before the games. This transition period in the post-pit year is never pleasant. I made the decision to change discipline to avoid this blues. I don't like to live too much in the past and rehash what I have done. Is, c'is totally different. I cannot say that mountain biking helps me too much on the road, because it goes faster. Sometimes it scares and I had to get used to it. You also have to learn to be concentrated in the peloton, more than in mountain biking. You have to accept and stay calm. We very underestimate the mental aspect of road cycling.

How do you look at the development of the Tour de France women?

It becomes more and more popular and even more this year, just after the Male Tour de France with nine days of racing. I hope to be part of this development. The level of the peloton has also evolved, It is more dense with many more very high level girls. Before, there was a big gap: we had leaders but no teammates who worked specially in support. Now, each has its role in the collective.

The gold medal with mountain biking, Paris-Roubaix … You shine in your country. What does the most famous runner represent in the most famous race, at home?

This is also why I am so in a hurry. This is my country, it is special: I like the fact that we can cross France from Brittany to the Alps. Besides, I am happy that we stay in France, that we make a real tour of France. If you ask people on the street what cycling is, they will tell you about the Tour. I remember I wanted to be a boy when I was little to go around. That's why I came back to the road.

What place has this goal of winning the Tour, compared to all those you set for yourself before?

Games had become an obsession. If I hadn't had gold, I would have had the impression that my career was unfinished. There, it's no longer a little girl's dream. The tour, if I get there is great, but if I can't do it, it's not the end of the world. I remember these summers when I was on the sofa, I was collecting the runners' cards, I noted the winners in small notebooks … It was my passion.