'For the first time, I feel truly understood' - Pauline Ferrand-Prévot extends with Visma

Pauline Ferrand-Prévot has signed a one-year contract extension with Visma | Lease a Bike that will keep her at the team until the end of 2028.

The Frenchwoman joined the team last year after a hiatus from road racing to focus on her successful quest to win mountain bike gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Ferrand-Prévot enjoyed a spectacular debut season with Visma, winning Paris-Roubaix and the Tour de France Femmes.

“I really love being part of this team and I feel happy and at home here. For the first time, I feel truly understood, both as a person and as a rider,” Ferrand-Prévot said in a statement on Friday. “I don’t see myself going anywhere else.” 

Ferrand-Prévot's extension comes with confirmation that she will target a gold medal on the road at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

“Next year, I want to focus on developing my time trial skills. Together with the team, we have made that our objective,” she said. “I also hope to perform at my best at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, which is an exciting long-term goal.”

Team manager Rutger Tijssen hailed the impact Ferrand-Prévot has had on the Visma squad since her arrival. 

“She sets high standards for herself and for us as staff. Not only in races, but in preparation and in mindset,” Tijssen said. “That raises the level of the entire team. Her long-term commitment strengthens belief and confidence across the team.”

Confirmation of Ferrand-Prévot’s contract extension comes in the same week that news broke of Visma’s search for new sponsors in order to fund its men’s and women’s teams. According to Wielerflits, the team’s existence is not under threat but, like EF Education-EasyPost, CEO Richard Plugge is seeking to put together a budget to keep pace with teams like UAE Team Emirates-XRG.