Ferrand-Prévot Backs up Claim Tour de France Femmes Level Soared Since Last Year

It might have sounded like an excuse of sorts but after Pauline Ferrand-Prévot lost 2:35 to Demi Vollering, Marlen Reusser and Kasia Niewiadoma on Wednesday’s stage 5 of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, she said something truly unexpected afterwards.

It wasn’t, she said, a case that she was far off her form from last year. Instead she said that the general level had risen hugely while she had not matched it.

Considering her 19th place on the stage, that was a huge statement to make and one which sounded a little far-fetched.

Turns out, it might well have been accurate.

Ferrand-Prévot returned to the theme on Thursday when a TV interviewer suggested she was not at the right level this time around.

“I think my level is quite good, it is just that the others are better,” she answered. “You have to be realistic and honest. I think my level is great.”

And then she gave the information to back that up.

“Yesterday I did my best ten minute power on the last climb, so I think I am not too bad,” she revealed.

“It is just the level is much higher. But it is really nice to see that my teammates are also developing. They want to learn, and this is very nice.”

‘It is crazy’

Ferrand-Prévôt utterly dominated the Tour de France Femmes last year. The race was a big part of her decision to return to road racing following years focusing on off-road competition and, when signing a three year contract with Visma-Lease a Bike, said she wanted to win the race in that time.

Doing so in year one was unexpected, even to her.

She arrived at the race far lighter than before, attracting attention and also some disapproving comments as a result.

And while she very much emphasized that the weight loss was not sustainable, that it would not be healthy to remain at that level for long, it and her buildup combined to put her far, far ahead of the next riders.

She ended the race almost four minute clear of Vollering, the runner-up.

Ferrand-Prévot finished with the GC group on Thursday but the damage has been done, both because of Wednesday’s stage and also Tuesday’s time trial.

She’s exactly five minutes back heading into Friday’s stage to Mont Ventoux. And while she still hopes to chase victory on that stage, she knows that winning the overall race again this year is all but impossible.

To her credit, though, she doesn’t begrudge other riders progressing. In fact she embraces it.

“So many riders now are able to ride at a high level. It is crazy. And in one year the difference is huge.

“It is very nice to see, but I think I have to progress and keep working harder.”

Keeping the bigger picture in mind

Ferrand-Prévot’s positivity on Thursday was remarkable. Many other top competitors would be shaken and likely dejected after their top season goal unraveled.

There was little sign of that after stage 6, though, with the Frenchwoman smiling and appearing genuinely excited about where things are at in the sport.

“It is very nice to see that women’s cycling is developing and also the spectators on the road – it is great to see.

“I am super proud of my teammates, how they develop, how they learn. They learn so fast. It is so nice to see that they are able ride at the front and be part of the race. I am really proud of that.”

Being upbeat and generous following disappointment is an unexpected reaction but one which will help get the best possible result by the team and for the team in the remaining days.

She was brought on board as a leader, and even if her level isn’t high enough for yellow this time around, she is at the very least leading by example.

As for women’s cycling, it appears to be flourishing.