Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, a renowned French cyclist known for her versatility across multiple cycling disciplines, has not included the world championships in her planned events for the 2026 season. This decision has drawn attention, as it may impact the selection of the French team for the upcoming competition. L'Équipe, a prominent French sports newspaper, has reported that Ferrand-Prévot’s absence from the world championships could result in the winner of the 2025 Tour de France not being chosen for the French team. The Tour de France is one of the most prestigious cycling events in the world, and its winner typically plays a significant role in national team selections. The French cycling federation is expected to announce the final team roster in the coming days. This decision could mark a shift in how the team is constructed, potentially prioritizing other criteria or events over the world championships. Ferrand-Prévot’s choice to exclude the world championships from her 2026 plans may reflect personal goals or strategic decisions related to her career. However, it highlights the growing influence of individual athlete preferences in shaping national team selections in professional cycling.