Ferrand-Prévot embraces favourite status as Visma | Lease a Bike look ahead to 2026

“I can’t wait to go all in again with my teammates,” Ferrand-Prévot said in a statement released by the team. “We have a strong group and compared to last season we have already taken steps forward. For me, 2025 was a year of learning. I had to adapt quickly, but the support from the staff and the riders allowed me to reach a high level very fast.”

That rapid progression now shapes her ambition for the year ahead. Ferrand-Prévot wants to be more consistent, more present at the front of races, and ultimately more victorious. “I finished on the podium many times last season. That is something to be proud of, but secretly I want to win more. My goal is to fight for the very top in every race I start.”

The Tour de France Femmes remains the central objective. Ferrand-Prévot set herself a three-year plan to win the Tour, and she achieved it at her first attempt in 2026. 

After a steady opening week, she took control on stage 8, attacking on the Col de la Madeleine with 12 kilometres to go and putting minutes into her rivals. She underlined that dominance in the final stage to Châtel, riding away in yellow to take a solo stage win and seal the overall title.

“Last year I started as an outsider. Next season I will be one of the favourites. I like that,” she said. “I perform well under pressure and I am looking forward to defending the yellow jersey.”

Preparation has already begun, with particular attention on the individual time trial and key mountain stages. Ferrand-Prévot sees the time trial as an area where she can still grow. “It suited me well in the past, but there is room to improve. I will spend a lot of time on the time trial bike. I am also really excited about the stage to Mont Ventoux and the final stage close to my home.”

Alongside defending the Tour title, Visma | Lease a Bike will target major spring classics such as Strade Bianche, Paris-Roubaix and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. New riders Daniek Hengeveld, Katharina Sadnik and Sarah Van Dam are expected to strengthen that ambition.

Marianne Vos, whose experience and leadership were vital to last season’s success, believes the challenge of repeating those results is exactly what drives the team forward. “All eyes will be on us now,” Vos said. “Pauline knows what she wants and what it takes to achieve it. She handles pressure naturally and inspires everyone around her.”

For Ferrand-Prévot, that shared belief is decisive. “The expectations give me extra motivation,” she concluded. “I am absolutely ready to give the best of myself again.”

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