Ferrand-Prévot looks forward to road cycling comeback with Team Visma | Lease a Bike Women
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, the reigning Olympic mountain bike champion, is set to return to road cycling in 2025. The 32-year-old French cyclist, who became road world champion in 2014, hopes to relive those glory days. Ferrand-Prévot aims to focus on grand tours but is also eager to tackle the spring classics, race alongside Marianne Vos, and contribute to the development of Team Visma | Lease a Bike Women.
The idea of returning to road cycling had been on Ferrand-Prévot's mind for some time. “I’m super excited to ride on the road again. This idea had been brewing since last winter”, she shared. “I wanted to fully focus on the Olympics while also thinking about what I wanted to do next. Eventually, I decided to step away from mountain biking and return to road racing because I simply wasn’t done with cycling.”
Ferrand-Prévot is no stranger to the peloton. Between 2012 and 2016, she rode for the Rabobank team, a predecessor of her new squad. “Those were the best five years of my career”, she said enthusiastically. “I raced with Marianne back then, someone I deeply respect. She’s not only an amazing rider but also a wonderful person.”
After successful year, Vos remains ambitious for new cycling season
These positive experiences played a key role in her decision to join Team Visma | Lease a Bike. “I spoke with the team management and was immediately captivated by the vision and future plans for the women’s team. It feels like one big family. I can be myself and feel truly comfortable here.”
"Mijn eerste grote persoonlijke doel is Strade Bianche"
Ferrand-Prévot’s ambitions are high. “My ultimate goal is to compete for victory in the Tour de France Femmes over the next three years”, she stated confidently. “But I’ll need some time to settle in, so for now, realism is my guiding principle. In 2025, I mainly want to learn and identify areas for improvement. The most important thing is to give it our all and be able to say we left nothing on the table.”
Realistic Team Visma | Lease a Bike Women aims to learn and grow in 2025 Tour de France Femmes
In addition to the Tour de France Femmes, she’s also targeting key classics like Strade Bianche. “My first major personal goal will be Strade Bianche. I think it’s a beautiful race, and the course suits me well. I love challenges, and I want to win races and create great memories with the team, alongside riders like Marianne.”
Although Ferrand-Prévot already feels at home in her new team, she recognizes that the true test will come during the races. “We haven’t started racing yet, so some bumps in the road will inevitably appear. Everything feels perfect now, but that might change once the season officially begins. Losing is part of the process, and that’s how you learn”, she said honestly. “I’m even looking forward to losing and learning from it together with the team. That’s part of the journey. I’m here for the entire process and to have fun as well. It feels like I’ve always been part of this family”, the Frenchwoman concluded with a smile.
Young talent and established names: Team Visma | Lease a Bike Women ready for 2025
