French cycling star Pauline Ferrand-Prévot is making a highly anticipated return to road cycling after a decade focused on mountain biking, where she achieved Olympic glory in Paris. in a recent interview, Ferrand-Prévot expressed her surprise at the heightened competition level in women’s cycling, noting notable advancements in nutrition and team tactics that have transformed the sport. As she prepares for her enterprising goal of winning the Tour de France within three years,she reflects on the evolution of women’s cycling,emphasizing the newfound opportunities for young female athletes. With a resilient mindset and a commitment to training, Ferrand-Prévot is ready to embrace the challenges ahead, aiming to balance her competitive spirit with the lessons learned from her previous experiences.
Exclusive Interview: Pauline Ferrand-Prévôt on Her Return to Road Cycling and the Future of WomenS Sports
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Pauline. It’s exciting to have you hear as you prepare for your return to road cycling after a decade dedicated to mountain biking. Can you tell us what motivated this shift in focus?
Pauline Ferrand-Prévôt: Thank you for having me! My journey in mountain biking has been unbelievable, reaching new heights with my Olympic win in Paris. However, I’ve always had a passion for road cycling. With the evolution of women’s cycling and the competitive landscape changing remarkably, I felt it was the right time to challenge myself again on the road.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the heightened competition in women’s cycling. What specific advancements have you noticed that have transformed the sport?
Pauline Ferrand-Prévôt: The last few years have seen significant improvements in nutrition, training methods, and team tactics. Athletes are now more informed about recovery and performance optimization. Teams are investing in strategies that maximize each rider’s strengths, contributing to a more competitive atmosphere. I find it fascinating and motivating to be part of this evolution.
Time.news Editor: That’s insightful.You’ve set an ambitious goal of winning the Tour de France within the next three years. What steps are you taking to ensure you achieve this?
Pauline Ferrand-Prévôt: It’s essential to have a structured training plan that includes not just physical readiness but also mental resilience. I’ve learned from my experiences—both the ups and the downs. I’m focusing on maintaining a balanced approach, leveraging my past performance data, and working closely with my coach and support team to refine my strategy. It’s about enjoying the process and embracing the challenges that come my way.
Time.news Editor: Many young female athletes look up to you. How do you perceive the growing opportunities for women in cycling today?
Pauline Ferrand-Prévôt: The landscape is much brighter for young female cyclists now. There are more platforms, competitions, and visibility in the sport than ever before. I encourage young athletes to seize these opportunities and take inspiration from each other. They need to know that they can dream big and achieve those dreams.
time.news Editor: As a seasoned athlete, what practical advice can you offer to aspiring cyclists looking to compete at higher levels?
Pauline Ferrand-Prévôt: Firstly, consistency in training is crucial. Set small, achievable goals and gradually build upon them. Learning about nutrition and understanding your body’s needs can substantially enhance your performance. Lastly, develop a strong mental game—sports aren’t just physical; they require mental strength which can frequently enough be the key differentiator in competition.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Pauline. Your insights into the evolution of women’s cycling and your preparations for the future are incredibly inspiring. We wish you all the best in your journey ahead!
pauline Ferrand-Prévôt: Thank you! I am excited about what lies ahead and hope to inspire more young women to pursue their passions in cycling.