Here’s a bold statement: Pauline Ferrand-Prévot doesn’t want to win everything—and she’s unapologetic about it. But here’s where it gets controversial: in an era where athletes often chase every possible victory, Ferrand-Prévot is taking a radically different approach, and it’s raising eyebrows. In a recent interview, the French cycling star revealed her plan to limit her goals in 2026, focusing solely on securing a second Tour de France Femmes title. Her reasoning? She doesn’t want the pressure that comes with aiming for it all. It’s a refreshingly honest perspective in a sport where ambition often knows no bounds.
What’s truly striking isn’t her ambition to win the Tour again—that’s almost expected from a champion of her caliber. It’s her why that’s captivating. In an extensive conversation with Ouest-France, Ferrand-Prévot explained that instead of spreading herself thin across countless races, she’s narrowing her targets to just one or two major goals per year. And this is the part most people miss: she finds motivation not in the quantity of wins, but in the clarity and focus of pursuing specific, meaningful victories. For her, it’s about quality over quantity—a philosophy that’s as rare as it is refreshing.
Of course, the Tour de France Femmes remains her ultimate priority. But Ferrand-Prévot isn’t forgetting the spring classics, where she’s already made history with a win at Paris-Roubaix and a second-place finish at the Tour of Flanders. Yet, she’s equally clear about what doesn’t spark her passion: races like the Vuelta a España and the Giro d’Italia, which she admits ‘don’t make me dream so much.’ It’s a candid admission that highlights her selective—and some might say unconventional—approach to her career.
Here’s the controversial part: Ferrand-Prévot’s strategy is backed by her team, Visma-Lease a Bike, who also support men’s leader Jonas Vingegaard’s preference for fewer race days and more training. This raises a thought-provoking question: Is the traditional all-or-nothing approach to professional cycling outdated? Or is Ferrand-Prévot’s method a risky gamble that could limit her legacy? Her focus on altitude training and meticulous preparation for specific events is undeniably effective, but it also means leaving potential victories on the table.
Ferrand-Prévot’s big dreams—winning Strade Bianche, Flanders, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège—are still very much alive. But her willingness to say ‘no’ to certain races and pressures is what sets her apart. It’s a reminder that success isn’t just about winning; it’s about winning on your own terms. So, here’s the question for you: Do you agree with her approach, or do you think athletes should always aim for the maximum? Let’s spark a debate in the comments—because in cycling, as in life, there’s no one right way to chase your dreams.
