Ferrand-Prévôt Triumphs in Paris-Roubaix Women’s Race Despite Adversities
Pauline Ferrand-Prévôt, a 33-year-old cyclist from France, secured victory in the Paris-Roubaix women’s race for the first time on Saturday, showcasing resilience after battling illness and a crash. In a strategic solo breakaway, she claimed the prestigious Roubaix classic title, adding to her impressive list of accolades, which includes an Olympic mountain bike gold medal from the Paris Games in 2020 and the 2014 world road race championship.
Expressing her joy, Ferrand-Prévôt admitted that the win was possibly her most significant to date. Despite facing uncertainty due to her recent illness, she decided to compete and emerged victorious, crossing the finish line at the Roubaix velodrome with a beaming smile. Reflecting on her unexpected triumph, she attributed it to seizing the moment and taking a chance.
Ferrand-Prévôt’s victory marked a historic moment as she became the first French rider to claim the women’s race title since its inception in 2021. Her daring attack in the final kilometers paid off handsomely, as none of her competitors could catch up to her, resulting in a solo finish that delighted the cheering crowd.
Italian Letizia Borghesi and Dutchwoman Lorena Wiebes finished second and third, respectively, behind Ferrand-Prévôt. Notably, defending champion Lotte Kopecky of Belgium, the road race world champion, ended up in 12th place, over two minutes behind the leader.
Looking ahead to the men’s race scheduled for the following day, featuring the participation of three-time Tour de France winner Tadej Pogačar, Ferrand-Prévôt expressed excitement for the upcoming event known as the “Hell of the North.”
For more cycling news, visit AP cycling: https://apnews.com/hub/cycling
