Pauline Ferrand-Prévot ends 2026 season

Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, a French cyclist and winner of the 2025 Tour de France Femmes, has ended her 2026 season after withdrawing from the Tour de France. She shared her decision on Instagram, explaining that she needed time to rebuild herself after a mentally challenging year.

Cyclist reflects on performance focus

Ferrand-Prévot, who now signs her messages under the name Pauline van Baarle, said she lost the joy of daily life by focusing too much on performance and the goal of winning the Grand Tour again. She explained that everything revolved around performance and doing more to be the best.

Strong 2025 but tough 2026

Ferrand-Prévot had a strong return on the road in 2025, winning Paris-Roubaix and the Tour de France Femmes. However, her 2026 season was more challenging, with podium finishes at the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix but an inability to compete with the best riders at La Vuelta and the Tour de France.

Personal time and emotional reflection

After her withdrawal from the Tour de France, she did not compete in any races this year. She mentioned that since the Tour, she sometimes took her bike and enjoyed things she wasn't allowed to do during the entire season. She spent time with her family, enjoyed simple things and had a good time outdoors.

Long road to recovery and new beginning

Ferrand-Prévot stated that the path to regain a decent level will be long, as she is not completely fit. Her priority for now is to rediscover the joy of being on the bike. She also announced her marriage to Dylan van Baarle last week in the Netherlands, surrounded by their loved ones.

Marriage brings joy and fulfillment

Dylan's mother married them in the Netherlands in front of their family and close friends. Ferrand-Prévot said the feeling of marrying Dylan with the presence of the most important people in her life was another level of joy, happiness and fulfillment.