Pauline Ferrand-Prévot’s Road to Recovery: Overcoming Ankle Surgery and Looking Ahead
A Champion’s Resilience
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, the triumphant winner of the Tour de France Femmes, is facing a longer-than-expected break from racing due to ankle surgery. Despite her incredible achievements this season, Ferrand-Prévot has revealed a secret struggle with an ankle injury sustained in March’s Strade Bianche.
The Comeback Queen’s Setback
Ferrand-Prévot’s comeback season was nothing short of remarkable, with victories in Paris-Roubaix and the Tour de France Femmes. However, she now faces a challenging recovery period, which she believes is essential before tackling her second year back on the road.
Goals for 2026 and Beyond
The French star has already set her sights on 2026, with a clear focus on defending her Tour de France title. She acknowledges the need to improve her time trial performance, a crucial aspect of her strategy. Additionally, Ferrand-Prévot aims to conquer the spring Classics once more.
But here’s where it gets controversial… The Road World Championships are on her radar, but she’s setting her sights on the 2027 event in France, rather than the upcoming Worlds in Montréal. She’s made it clear that she’s not interested in racing for the sake of it, and plans to carefully select her races with purpose.
A Tough Road Back
Ferrand-Prévot remains optimistic despite the setback, but she’s under no illusions about the challenge ahead. “Mentally, I’m doing great,” she said, “but recovery is going to be a tough journey.”
And this is the part most people miss… Ferrand-Prévot’s resilience extends beyond her physical recovery. She’s using this time to strengthen her mental fortitude and spend quality time with her partner, Dylan van Baarle, and their families.
A Journalist’s Perspective
Matilda, an NCTJ-qualified journalist with extensive experience in cycling and women’s sports, brings us this insightful report. With a background in modern languages and sports journalism, Matilda has covered some of cycling’s biggest events, including the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France Femmes.
What do you think about Ferrand-Prévot’s journey? Is her decision to focus on specific races a smart move, or does it limit her potential? Share your thoughts in the comments below!