Ferrand-Prévot withdraws from Women’s Tour de France ahead of penultimate stage
The French cyclist, who won the race on her debut last year, was 14th in the general classification as the event approaches its conclusion.
Defending champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévot has withdrawn from the Women’s Tour de France, citing illness ahead of the eighth and penultimate stage. The French cyclist, who secured victory in the race on her debut last year and holds the 2024 Olympic mountain biking title, was in 14th place in the general classification heading into the day’s proceedings.
Her team, Visma-Lease a Bike, confirmed the withdrawal following consultation with medical staff. In a statement released on X, the team noted that Ferrand-Prévot was not feeling well on Saturday morning and had decided not to start the stage. The organisation expressed support for the rider, wishing her a speedy recovery.
The stage in question was a 172-kilometre flat route from Sisteron in southeast France to Nice, a course profile typically suited for sprinters. Ferrand-Prévot’s absence removes a significant contender from the final leg of the race, which had been shaping up to be a tactical battle for the remaining positions in the overall standings.
Polish rider Katarzyna Niewiadoma-Phinney currently holds the overall lead, wearing the yellow jersey. She secured the top spot on Friday after a solo climb to victory up Mont Ventoux, taking the lead from Marlen Reusser. The race now moves to its final stage with Niewiadoma-Phinney maintaining her advantage.
The withdrawal comes as the Women’s Tour de France nears its conclusion, with the focus shifting to the remaining riders competing for the final classifications. Ferrand-Prévot’s exit marks the end of her campaign in this year’s event, ending her bid to retain the title she claimed in 2024.
