On Thursday, May 8, 2025, the cycling world was shaken by the news that French champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévôt had abandoned the Vuelta Femenina. The 33-year-old cyclist, who was 25th in the general classification, 58 seconds behind leader Femke Gerritse, cited exhaustion and physical limitations as the reasons for her withdrawal. Ferrand-Prévôt, a celebrated Olympic mountain biking champion, had returned to road racing this season with high expectations following an impressive Classics campaign.
Ferrand-Prévôt's team, Visma-Lease a Bike, announced her decision before the start of the fifth stage, stating that she was not in good enough shape to continue. "Unfortunately, Pauline will not take the start of the fifth stage of the Vuelta," the team said. The announcement came after Ferrand-Prévôt struggled during the previous stages, particularly in the first mountain stage, where she finished 32nd and lost valuable seconds to her competitors.
This season has been a whirlwind for Ferrand-Prévôt, who has participated in several prestigious one-day races since March. She achieved a historic victory at Paris-Roubaix, finished second at the Tour des Flandres, and secured third place at the Strade Bianche. These accomplishments have showcased her remarkable talent but also raised questions about the toll such a grueling schedule can take on an athlete's body.
Reflecting on her decision to withdraw, Ferrand-Prévôt expressed her concerns about her condition. "I do not feel fit enough to continue the Vuelta Femenina because since Paris-Roubaix, I have not fully recovered from an ankle infection," she shared on Instagram. This candid admission highlights the physical demands of professional cycling and the challenges athletes face when pushing their limits.
The Vuelta Femenina, which kicked off on May 4 in Barcelona, presented a significant challenge for Ferrand-Prévôt as it marked her first Grand Tour of the season. The race consists of seven demanding stages, and Ferrand-Prévôt's experience in one-day races did not fully prepare her for the rigors of multi-stage competition. The chaotic start of the first stage, where her team finished 10th and lost 21 seconds, added to the pressure she faced.
In the second stage, Ferrand-Prévôt played a crucial role as a teammate, helping her co-cyclist Marianne Vos secure victory. However, the fourth stage proved to be a turning point, as she struggled to keep pace with the leading group during the final climb to Borja, finishing 32nd and slipping further down the rankings.
As Ferrand-Prévôt steps back from the Vuelta, her focus will shift to the upcoming Tour de France femmes, scheduled for July 26 to August 3, 2025. This race remains her primary goal for the season, and she aims to be in peak condition to compete against elite riders like Demi Vollering. Her team believes in her potential and has laid out a recovery plan that includes altitude training and targeted physical conditioning.
Despite the disappointment of her withdrawal, Ferrand-Prévôt's journey is far from over. Her remarkable resilience and determination have already been proven, especially with her victory at Paris-Roubaix, where she showcased her strength and strategic prowess. The cycling community is eager to see how she will bounce back from this setback and prepare for the Tour de France.
The challenges faced by Ferrand-Prévôt also shed light on the broader issues within women's cycling. As the sport continues to grow in popularity and professionalism, the demands placed on female cyclists are increasing. The Vuelta Femenina, with its rigorous schedule, exemplifies the need for careful management of athlete workloads to ensure their health and performance.
Figures like Ferrand-Prévôt, Vos, and Vollering are paving the way for the next generation of female cyclists. Their visibility, amplified by broadcasts on networks like Eurosport, is helping to elevate women's cycling to new heights. However, incidents such as crashes caused by spectators and organizational errors during races indicate that there is still progress to be made in ensuring the safety and well-being of athletes.
As Ferrand-Prévôt looks ahead, she remains optimistic about her future in cycling. The Tour de France femmes represents not only a chance for redemption but also an opportunity to further solidify her legacy in the sport. With her unwavering spirit and dedication, fans are left wondering: will she conquer the Grande Boucle just as she did the cobblestones of Paris-Roubaix?
In conclusion, while the abandonment of the Vuelta Femenina marks a difficult chapter in Ferrand-Prévôt's season, it also sets the stage for her comeback. As she prepares for the Tour de France, the cycling world will be watching closely, hoping to witness yet another remarkable achievement from this resilient champion.
