{"id":2081919,"date":"2026-08-07T09:04:58","date_gmt":"2026-08-07T06:04:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2081919"},"modified":"2026-08-07T09:04:58","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T06:04:58","slug":"so-many-riders-now-are-able-to-ride-at-a-high-level-its-crazy-pauline-ferrand-prevot-reveals-she-hit-a-power-pb-as-she-was-being-put-to-the-sword-at-tour-de-france-femmes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2081919","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;So many riders now are able to ride at a high level, it&#8217;s crazy&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot reveals she hit a power PB as she was being put to the sword at Tour de France Femmes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-2000-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jne4kTcfwJoM4axXspMh87-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jne4kTcfwJoM4axXspMh87-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: Tour de France Femmes stage 4 time trial sparks big time gaps and creates a new GC battle\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/t4yoWPhT7A6k44w4XM8pAh-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/t4yoWPhT7A6k44w4XM8pAh-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: An 85km solo attack is rewarded with the stage victory and the leader&#8217;s yellow jersey\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XM3YQtFdC5Pz8c4Xvw5VWm-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XM3YQtFdC5Pz8c4Xvw5VWm-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: Attacks in the Beaujolais hills shake up stage 5 and the GC as 2025 Tour winner falls out of contention\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France Femmes\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;So many riders now are able to ride at a high level, it&#8217;s crazy&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot reveals she hit a power PB as she was being put to the sword at Tour de France Femmes<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start max-sm:flex-col justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price, Laura Weislo <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-07T09:04:58Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n7 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Defending champion reflects on massive gains in level in women&#8217;s cycling, saying &#8216;in one year, the difference is huge&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-e647bfda-91d0-11f1-8441-0ff88fab0428\">Six stages into the Tour de France Femmes, Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot &#8211; who dominated the race in 2025 to win by well over three minutes &#8211; is staring down a five-minute deficit to race leader Marlen Reusser (Movistar). But the Frenchwoman is not complaining of bad form. Quite the opposite; she revealed she hit a personal best power output on stage 5, just as she was being put to the sword.<\/p>\n<p>It was expected that the multi-discipline star might lose some time in the stage 4 individual time trial, but not the 2:13 she eventually gave up to Reusser. And on Wednesday&#8217;s hot and hilly stage to Beaujolais, it was even worse.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e647bfda-91d0-11f1-8441-0ff88fab0428-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After losing contact with Reusser, Demi Vollering (FDJ United-Suez), and Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney (Canyon-SRAM), Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot lost another 2:35 and dropped to 15th place in the Tour de France Femmes GC standings and admitted her hopes of a repeat victory were all but over.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot managed to stay with the yellow jersey contenders on another punchy day on stage 6, after which she expanded on her belief that her time losses weren&#8217;t so much down to her own struggles as the rising level of her rivals.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;You know, I think my level is quite good. It&#8217;s just that the others are better, and I have to be realistic and honest,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mY88DqJoWPkLxJD69Ugxja-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mY88DqJoWPkLxJD69Ugxja-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">On the back foot: defending champion Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot suffers major GC setback in Tour de France Femmes time trial<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/33tMEpLPMwZ26kuvmooFUX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/33tMEpLPMwZ26kuvmooFUX-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I think it&#8217;s over&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot admits defeat in Tour de France Femmes title defence after struggles on stage 5<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I quite like this scenario of having to go after them rather than being the favourite&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot down but not out after Tour de France Femmes time trial<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think my level is great &#8211; yesterday I did my best 10-minute power in the last climb, so I think I&#8217;m not too bad, but it&#8217;s just that the level is much higher, you know?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s really nice to see that my teammates are also developing, and they want to learn, and this is nice.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-rV7jwyBBWDnCSGFrYLJSyi\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-rV7jwyBBWDnCSGFrYLJSyi slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Asked about the difference in the general level of the peloton in the 12 months since her commanding victory, she added: &#8220;So many riders now are able to ride at a high level. It&#8217;s crazy. And in one year, the difference is huge.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s really nice to see. But I think I have to progress and to keep working harder. But, no, it&#8217;s really nice to see that women&#8217;s cycling is developing so much, and also the spectators on the road and everything, it&#8217;s great to see.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"ventoux-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ventoux<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-111d4388-923f-11f1-9f6d-9bb0882c8a53\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With two hilly transition stages done, the Tour de France Femmes now heads into Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot&#8217;s favoured terrain, with the long, gruelling climb of Mont Ventoux on Friday followed by Sunday&#8217;s climbing-heavy final stage in Nice.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6C5sRAXsM5w5iCjy48sayf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6C5sRAXsM5w5iCjy48sayf-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Visma-Lease a Bike rewrite Tour de France Femmes GC strategy after Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot loses more time<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I pick my battle, and I choose the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Forget year-long dominance, Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot is all about delivering when it counts most<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cXpkRPqtMTwDtDrkxj84VT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cXpkRPqtMTwDtDrkxj84VT-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;So far, everything is going according to plan&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot on track after first three Tour de France Femmes stages but now it&#8217;s time to head into the great unknown<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot has not been under any illusions that the defence of her yellow jersey is effectively over, but with stage wins and a push into the top 10 on GC still achievable, she is far from laying down arms.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s also still quite a long way to go, and we know that every day will be hard: today, tomorrow, also the last stage. So, I don&#8217;t want to give up, you know?&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I didn&#8217;t train that hard to now give up &#8230; I want to give my best until the end, and I will fight until the end.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Last year, the French rider made her Tour de France winning move on the Col de la Madeleine on stage 8 and then sealed her overall victory with a second mountain stage win at Ch\u00e2tel. The Mont Ventoux could be where Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot makes her mark on this year&#8217;s Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s quite an iconic climb &#8211; I cannot wait to arrive at the bottom and to just do like a one-hour full gas,&#8221; Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot said. &#8220;And as you can see, the French public is quite crazy, so I think they will also be on fire. And I would really love to win there and to just put it on my palmar\u00e8s.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Support our unrivalled coverage of the Tour de France Femmes and women&#8217;s cycling by subscribing to Cyclingnews. In return, you get unlimited access to high-quality journalism, with breaking news, race analysis, and expert insight from inside the women&#8217;s peloton. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-rV7jwyBBWDnCSGFrYLJSyi\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-rV7jwyBBWDnCSGFrYLJSyi slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Laura Weislo<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Managing Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Laura Weislo is a <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> veteran of 20 years. Having joined in 2006, Laura extensively covered the Operacion Puerto doping scandal, the years-long conflict between the UCI and the Tour de France organisers ASO over the creation of the WorldTour, and the downfall of Lance Armstrong and his lifetime ban for doping. As Managing Editor, Laura coordinates coverage for North American events and global news.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mY88DqJoWPkLxJD69Ugxja-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mY88DqJoWPkLxJD69Ugxja-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mY88DqJoWPkLxJD69Ugxja-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mY88DqJoWPkLxJD69Ugxja-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mY88DqJoWPkLxJD69Ugxja-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">On the back foot: defending champion Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot suffers major GC setback in Tour de France Femmes time trial<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/33tMEpLPMwZ26kuvmooFUX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/33tMEpLPMwZ26kuvmooFUX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/33tMEpLPMwZ26kuvmooFUX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/33tMEpLPMwZ26kuvmooFUX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/33tMEpLPMwZ26kuvmooFUX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I think it&#8217;s over&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot admits defeat in Tour de France Femmes title defence after struggles on stage 5<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I quite like this scenario of having to go after them rather than being the favourite&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot down but not out after Tour de France Femmes time trial<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6C5sRAXsM5w5iCjy48sayf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6C5sRAXsM5w5iCjy48sayf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6C5sRAXsM5w5iCjy48sayf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6C5sRAXsM5w5iCjy48sayf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6C5sRAXsM5w5iCjy48sayf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Visma-Lease a Bike rewrite Tour de France Femmes GC strategy after Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot loses more time<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I pick my battle, and I choose the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Forget year-long dominance, Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot is all about delivering when it counts most<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cXpkRPqtMTwDtDrkxj84VT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cXpkRPqtMTwDtDrkxj84VT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cXpkRPqtMTwDtDrkxj84VT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cXpkRPqtMTwDtDrkxj84VT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cXpkRPqtMTwDtDrkxj84VT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;So far, everything is going according to plan&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot on track after first three Tour de France Femmes stages but now it&#8217;s time to head into the great unknown<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SFTn6SXzXiMpdFPHSFxN4n-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SFTn6SXzXiMpdFPHSFxN4n-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SFTn6SXzXiMpdFPHSFxN4n-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SFTn6SXzXiMpdFPHSFxN4n-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SFTn6SXzXiMpdFPHSFxN4n-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s just a mind trip&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Riders from the Tour de France Femmes peloton recount their racing experiences of Mont Ventoux<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A proposal, a baptism of fire and an MTB ride at 10 years old \u2013\u00a0Everyone at the Tour de France Femmes has a Mont Ventoux story<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Leadville Trail 100 MTB loses iconic Powerline climb due to wildfire but 2026 route &#8216;closely follows the traditional course&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From a late-night text to another stage win \u2013\u00a0Kim Le Court-Pienaar back on top in the hills at the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rDW8Se9c6SxiWPeGQP87jk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rDW8Se9c6SxiWPeGQP87jk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rDW8Se9c6SxiWPeGQP87jk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rDW8Se9c6SxiWPeGQP87jk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rDW8Se9c6SxiWPeGQP87jk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Despite &#8216;all the noise&#8217;, UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD&#8217;s multi-leader approach working but Mont Ventoux could change everything at the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We are where we want to be&#8217; \u2013 All going according to plan for Demi Vollering and FDJ United-SUEZ ahead of Tour de France Femmes Mont Ventoux showdown<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A proposal, a baptism of fire and an MTB ride at 10 years old \u2013\u00a0Everyone at the Tour de France Femmes has a Mont Ventoux story<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Leadville Trail 100 MTB loses iconic Powerline climb due to wildfire but 2026 route &#8216;closely follows the traditional course&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From a late-night text to another stage win \u2013\u00a0Kim Le Court-Pienaar back on top in the hills at the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We are where we want to be&#8217; \u2013 All going according to plan for Demi Vollering and FDJ United-SUEZ ahead of Tour de France Femmes Mont Ventoux showdown<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fkh6dWMVX24smt7pFy7HKh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fkh6dWMVX24smt7pFy7HKh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fkh6dWMVX24smt7pFy7HKh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fkh6dWMVX24smt7pFy7HKh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fkh6dWMVX24smt7pFy7HKh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;re going to try to win the stage&#8217; \u2013 Marlen Reusser ready to go big on Mont Ventoux in search of Tour de France Femmes victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder 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biological passport doping case<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FQ7z4fqNHJphVSprCHxkq9-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FQ7z4fqNHJphVSprCHxkq9-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FQ7z4fqNHJphVSprCHxkq9-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FQ7z4fqNHJphVSprCHxkq9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;Hot burning knife blades on our wheels&#8217; \u2013 The controversial story of disc brake adoption in the peloton, 10 years on<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;It&#8217;s just a mind trip&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Riders from the Tour de France Femmes peloton recount their racing experiences of Mont Ventoux<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>A proposal, a baptism of fire and an MTB ride at 10 years old \u2013\u00a0Everyone at the Tour de France Femmes has a Mont Ventoux story<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Volta a Portugal: Francisco Campos claims three-up sprint to win stage 1 in Sintra<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Despite &#8216;all the noise&#8217;, UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD&#8217;s multi-leader approach working but Mont Ventoux could change everything at the Tour de France Femmes<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France Femmes\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;So many riders now are able to ride at a high level, it&#8217;s crazy&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot reveals she hit a power PB as she was being put to the sword at Tour de France Femmes<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start max-sm:flex-col justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price, Laura Weislo <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-07T09:04:58Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n7 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Defending champion reflects on massive gains in level in women&#8217;s cycling, saying &#8216;in one year, the difference is huge&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-e647bfda-91d0-11f1-8441-0ff88fab0428\">Six stages into the Tour de France Femmes, Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot &#8211; who dominated the race in 2025 to win by well over three minutes &#8211; is staring down a five-minute deficit to race leader Marlen Reusser (Movistar). But the Frenchwoman is not complaining of bad form. Quite the opposite; she revealed she hit a personal best power output on stage 5, just as she was being put to the sword.<\/p>\n<p>It was expected that the multi-discipline star might lose some time in the stage 4 individual time trial, but not the 2:13 she eventually gave up to Reusser. And on Wednesday&#8217;s hot and hilly stage to Beaujolais, it was even worse.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e647bfda-91d0-11f1-8441-0ff88fab0428-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After losing contact with Reusser, Demi Vollering (FDJ United-Suez), and Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney (Canyon-SRAM), Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot lost another 2:35 and dropped to 15th place in the Tour de France Femmes GC standings and admitted her hopes of a repeat victory were all but over.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot managed to stay with the yellow jersey contenders on another punchy day on stage 6, after which she expanded on her belief that her time losses weren&#8217;t so much down to her own struggles as the rising level of her rivals.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;You know, I think my level is quite good. It&#8217;s just that the others are better, and I have to be realistic and honest,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mY88DqJoWPkLxJD69Ugxja-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mY88DqJoWPkLxJD69Ugxja-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">On the back foot: defending champion Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot suffers major GC setback in Tour de France Femmes time trial<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/33tMEpLPMwZ26kuvmooFUX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/33tMEpLPMwZ26kuvmooFUX-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I think it&#8217;s over&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot admits defeat in Tour de France Femmes title defence after struggles on stage 5<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I quite like this scenario of having to go after them rather than being the favourite&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot down but not out after Tour de France Femmes time trial<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think my level is great &#8211; yesterday I did my best 10-minute power in the last climb, so I think I&#8217;m not too bad, but it&#8217;s just that the level is much higher, you know?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s really nice to see that my teammates are also developing, and they want to learn, and this is nice.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-rV7jwyBBWDnCSGFrYLJSyi\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-rV7jwyBBWDnCSGFrYLJSyi slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Asked about the difference in the general level of the peloton in the 12 months since her commanding victory, she added: &#8220;So many riders now are able to ride at a high level. It&#8217;s crazy. And in one year, the difference is huge.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s really nice to see. But I think I have to progress and to keep working harder. But, no, it&#8217;s really nice to see that women&#8217;s cycling is developing so much, and also the spectators on the road and everything, it&#8217;s great to see.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"ventoux-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ventoux<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-111d4388-923f-11f1-9f6d-9bb0882c8a53\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With two hilly transition stages done, the Tour de France Femmes now heads into Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot&#8217;s favoured terrain, with the long, gruelling climb of Mont Ventoux on Friday followed by Sunday&#8217;s climbing-heavy final stage in Nice.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6C5sRAXsM5w5iCjy48sayf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6C5sRAXsM5w5iCjy48sayf-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Visma-Lease a Bike rewrite Tour de France Femmes GC strategy after Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot loses more time<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I pick my battle, and I choose the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Forget year-long dominance, Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot is all about delivering when it counts most<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cXpkRPqtMTwDtDrkxj84VT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cXpkRPqtMTwDtDrkxj84VT-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;So far, everything is going according to plan&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot on track after first three Tour de France Femmes stages but now it&#8217;s time to head into the great unknown<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot has not been under any illusions that the defence of her yellow jersey is effectively over, but with stage wins and a push into the top 10 on GC still achievable, she is far from laying down arms.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s also still quite a long way to go, and we know that every day will be hard: today, tomorrow, also the last stage. So, I don&#8217;t want to give up, you know?&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I didn&#8217;t train that hard to now give up &#8230; I want to give my best until the end, and I will fight until the end.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Last year, the French rider made her Tour de France winning move on the Col de la Madeleine on stage 8 and then sealed her overall victory with a second mountain stage win at Ch\u00e2tel. The Mont Ventoux could be where Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot makes her mark on this year&#8217;s Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s quite an iconic climb &#8211; I cannot wait to arrive at the bottom and to just do like a one-hour full gas,&#8221; Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot said. &#8220;And as you can see, the French public is quite crazy, so I think they will also be on fire. And I would really love to win there and to just put it on my palmar\u00e8s.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Support our unrivalled coverage of the Tour de France Femmes and women&#8217;s cycling by subscribing to Cyclingnews. In return, you get unlimited access to high-quality journalism, with breaking news, race analysis, and expert insight from inside the women&#8217;s peloton. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-rV7jwyBBWDnCSGFrYLJSyi\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-rV7jwyBBWDnCSGFrYLJSyi slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Laura Weislo<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Managing Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Laura Weislo is a <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> veteran of 20 years. Having joined in 2006, Laura extensively covered the Operacion Puerto doping scandal, the years-long conflict between the UCI and the Tour de France organisers ASO over the creation of the WorldTour, and the downfall of Lance Armstrong and his lifetime ban for doping. As Managing Editor, Laura coordinates coverage for North American events and global news.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mY88DqJoWPkLxJD69Ugxja-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mY88DqJoWPkLxJD69Ugxja-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mY88DqJoWPkLxJD69Ugxja-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mY88DqJoWPkLxJD69Ugxja-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mY88DqJoWPkLxJD69Ugxja-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">On the back foot: defending champion Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot suffers major GC setback in Tour de France Femmes time trial<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/33tMEpLPMwZ26kuvmooFUX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/33tMEpLPMwZ26kuvmooFUX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/33tMEpLPMwZ26kuvmooFUX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/33tMEpLPMwZ26kuvmooFUX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/33tMEpLPMwZ26kuvmooFUX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I think it&#8217;s over&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot admits defeat in Tour de France Femmes title defence after struggles on stage 5<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I quite like this scenario of having to go after them rather than being the favourite&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot down but not out after Tour de France Femmes time trial<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6C5sRAXsM5w5iCjy48sayf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6C5sRAXsM5w5iCjy48sayf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6C5sRAXsM5w5iCjy48sayf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6C5sRAXsM5w5iCjy48sayf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6C5sRAXsM5w5iCjy48sayf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Visma-Lease a Bike rewrite Tour de France Femmes GC strategy after Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot loses more time<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I pick my battle, and I choose the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Forget year-long dominance, Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot is all about delivering when it counts most<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cXpkRPqtMTwDtDrkxj84VT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cXpkRPqtMTwDtDrkxj84VT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cXpkRPqtMTwDtDrkxj84VT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cXpkRPqtMTwDtDrkxj84VT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cXpkRPqtMTwDtDrkxj84VT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;So far, everything is going according to plan&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot on track after first three Tour de France Femmes stages but now it&#8217;s time to head into the great unknown<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SFTn6SXzXiMpdFPHSFxN4n-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SFTn6SXzXiMpdFPHSFxN4n-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SFTn6SXzXiMpdFPHSFxN4n-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SFTn6SXzXiMpdFPHSFxN4n-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SFTn6SXzXiMpdFPHSFxN4n-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s just a mind trip&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Riders from the Tour de France Femmes peloton recount their racing experiences of Mont Ventoux<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A proposal, a baptism of fire and an MTB ride at 10 years old \u2013\u00a0Everyone at the Tour de France Femmes has a Mont Ventoux story<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Leadville Trail 100 MTB loses iconic Powerline climb due to wildfire but 2026 route &#8216;closely follows the traditional course&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From a late-night text to another stage win \u2013\u00a0Kim Le Court-Pienaar back on top in the hills at the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rDW8Se9c6SxiWPeGQP87jk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rDW8Se9c6SxiWPeGQP87jk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rDW8Se9c6SxiWPeGQP87jk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rDW8Se9c6SxiWPeGQP87jk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rDW8Se9c6SxiWPeGQP87jk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Despite &#8216;all the noise&#8217;, UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD&#8217;s multi-leader approach working but Mont Ventoux could change everything at the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We are where we want to be&#8217; \u2013 All going according to plan for Demi Vollering and FDJ United-SUEZ ahead of Tour de France Femmes Mont Ventoux showdown<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A proposal, a baptism of fire and an MTB ride at 10 years old \u2013\u00a0Everyone at the Tour de France Femmes has a Mont Ventoux story<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Leadville Trail 100 MTB loses iconic Powerline climb due to wildfire but 2026 route &#8216;closely follows the traditional course&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From a late-night text to another stage win \u2013\u00a0Kim Le Court-Pienaar back on top in the hills at the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We are where we want to be&#8217; \u2013 All going according to plan for Demi Vollering and FDJ United-SUEZ ahead of Tour de France Femmes Mont Ventoux showdown<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fkh6dWMVX24smt7pFy7HKh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fkh6dWMVX24smt7pFy7HKh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fkh6dWMVX24smt7pFy7HKh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fkh6dWMVX24smt7pFy7HKh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fkh6dWMVX24smt7pFy7HKh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;re going to try to win the stage&#8217; \u2013 Marlen Reusser ready to go big on Mont Ventoux in search of Tour de France Femmes victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XgJTfVPdnxUJPs5VrVTMJA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XgJTfVPdnxUJPs5VrVTMJA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XgJTfVPdnxUJPs5VrVTMJA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XgJTfVPdnxUJPs5VrVTMJA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XgJTfVPdnxUJPs5VrVTMJA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Doping<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Four-year ban for Giovanni Carboni in biological passport doping case<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FQ7z4fqNHJphVSprCHxkq9-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FQ7z4fqNHJphVSprCHxkq9-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FQ7z4fqNHJphVSprCHxkq9-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FQ7z4fqNHJphVSprCHxkq9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;Hot burning knife blades on our wheels&#8217; \u2013 The controversial story of disc brake adoption in the peloton, 10 years on<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;It&#8217;s just a mind trip&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Riders from the Tour de France Femmes peloton recount their racing experiences of Mont Ventoux<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>A proposal, a baptism of fire and an MTB ride at 10 years old \u2013\u00a0Everyone at the Tour de France Femmes has a Mont Ventoux story<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Volta a Portugal: Francisco Campos claims three-up sprint to win stage 1 in Sintra<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Despite &#8216;all the noise&#8217;, UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD&#8217;s multi-leader approach working but Mont Ventoux could change everything at the Tour de France Femmes<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France Femmes\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;So many riders now are able to ride at a high level, it&#8217;s crazy&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot reveals she hit a power PB as she was being put to the sword at Tour de France Femmes<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start max-sm:flex-col justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price, Laura Weislo <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-07T09:04:58Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n7 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Defending champion reflects on massive gains in level in women&#8217;s cycling, saying &#8216;in one year, the difference is huge&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] 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Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-e647bfda-91d0-11f1-8441-0ff88fab0428\">Six stages into the Tour de France Femmes, Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot &#8211; who dominated the race in 2025 to win by well over three minutes &#8211; is staring down a five-minute deficit to race leader Marlen Reusser (Movistar). But the Frenchwoman is not complaining of bad form. Quite the opposite; she revealed she hit a personal best power output on stage 5, just as she was being put to the sword.<\/p>\n<p>It was expected that the multi-discipline star might lose some time in the stage 4 individual time trial, but not the 2:13 she eventually gave up to Reusser. And on Wednesday&#8217;s hot and hilly stage to Beaujolais, it was even worse.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e647bfda-91d0-11f1-8441-0ff88fab0428-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After losing contact with Reusser, Demi Vollering (FDJ United-Suez), and Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney (Canyon-SRAM), Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot lost another 2:35 and dropped to 15th place in the Tour de France Femmes GC standings and admitted her hopes of a repeat victory were all but over.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot managed to stay with the yellow jersey contenders on another punchy day on stage 6, after which she expanded on her belief that her time losses weren&#8217;t so much down to her own struggles as the rising level of her rivals.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;You know, I think my level is quite good. It&#8217;s just that the others are better, and I have to be realistic and honest,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mY88DqJoWPkLxJD69Ugxja-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mY88DqJoWPkLxJD69Ugxja-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">On the back foot: defending champion Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot suffers major GC setback in Tour de France Femmes time trial<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/33tMEpLPMwZ26kuvmooFUX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/33tMEpLPMwZ26kuvmooFUX-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I think it&#8217;s over&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot admits defeat in Tour de France Femmes title defence after struggles on stage 5<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xSv3MTVWq7Tk9yzPm3y3Zk-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I quite like this scenario of having to go after them rather than being the favourite&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot down but not out after Tour de France Femmes time trial<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think my level is great &#8211; yesterday I did my best 10-minute power in the last climb, so I think I&#8217;m not too bad, but it&#8217;s just that the level is much higher, you know?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s really nice to see that my teammates are also developing, and they want to learn, and this is nice.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-rV7jwyBBWDnCSGFrYLJSyi\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-rV7jwyBBWDnCSGFrYLJSyi slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Asked about the difference in the general level of the peloton in the 12 months since her commanding victory, she added: &#8220;So many riders now are able to ride at a high level. It&#8217;s crazy. And in one year, the difference is huge.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s really nice to see. But I think I have to progress and to keep working harder. But, no, it&#8217;s really nice to see that women&#8217;s cycling is developing so much, and also the spectators on the road and everything, it&#8217;s great to see.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"ventoux-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ventoux<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-111d4388-923f-11f1-9f6d-9bb0882c8a53\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With two hilly transition stages done, the Tour de France Femmes now heads into Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot&#8217;s favoured terrain, with the long, gruelling climb of Mont Ventoux on Friday followed by Sunday&#8217;s climbing-heavy final stage in Nice.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6C5sRAXsM5w5iCjy48sayf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6C5sRAXsM5w5iCjy48sayf-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Visma-Lease a Bike rewrite Tour de France Femmes GC strategy after Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot loses more time<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I pick my battle, and I choose the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Forget year-long dominance, Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot is all about delivering when it counts most<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cXpkRPqtMTwDtDrkxj84VT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cXpkRPqtMTwDtDrkxj84VT-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;So far, everything is going according to plan&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot on track after first three Tour de France Femmes stages but now it&#8217;s time to head into the great unknown<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot has not been under any illusions that the defence of her yellow jersey is effectively over, but with stage wins and a push into the top 10 on GC still achievable, she is far from laying down arms.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s also still quite a long way to go, and we know that every day will be hard: today, tomorrow, also the last stage. So, I don&#8217;t want to give up, you know?&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I didn&#8217;t train that hard to now give up &#8230; I want to give my best until the end, and I will fight until the end.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Last year, the French rider made her Tour de France winning move on the Col de la Madeleine on stage 8 and then sealed her overall victory with a second mountain stage win at Ch\u00e2tel. The Mont Ventoux could be where Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot makes her mark on this year&#8217;s Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s quite an iconic climb &#8211; I cannot wait to arrive at the bottom and to just do like a one-hour full gas,&#8221; Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot said. &#8220;And as you can see, the French public is quite crazy, so I think they will also be on fire. And I would really love to win there and to just put it on my palmar\u00e8s.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Support our unrivalled coverage of the Tour de France Femmes and women&#8217;s cycling by subscribing to Cyclingnews. In return, you get unlimited access to high-quality journalism, with breaking news, race analysis, and expert insight from inside the women&#8217;s peloton. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/womens-cycling\/so-many-riders-now-are-able-to-ride-at-a-high-level-its-crazy-pauline-ferrand-prevot-reveals-she-hit-a-power-pb-as-she-was-being-put-to-the-sword-at-tour-de-france-femmes\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-2000-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 As it happened: Tour de France Femmes stage 4 time trial sparks big time gaps and creates a new GC battle 2 As it happened: An 85km solo attack is rewarded with the stage victory and the leader&#8217;s yellow jersey 3 As it happened: Attacks in the Beaujolais hills shake up [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-2081919","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2081919","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2081919"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2081919\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2081919"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2081919"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2081919"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}