'We know we are able to win' – Pauline Ferrand-Prévot returns to Tour of Flanders as a firm favourite after 'unexpected' success in 2025

Pauline Ferrand-Prévot has officially announced her intention to target the Tour of Flanders in 2026, with her Visma-Lease a Bike team expressing confidence in her ability to contend for victory. This follows what she describes as "unexpected" success in 2025, details of which remain unspecified in the current reporting. The French multi-discipline star's focus on the cobbled classic signals a significant shift in her road ambitions, backed by one of the sport's most formidable outfits.

This move is particularly intriguing given Ferrand-Prévot’s primary focus on off-road disciplines, where she is a multiple world champion in cyclocross, mountain bike cross-country, and gravel. While she has a strong road pedigree from earlier in her career, including a French national road title, a full-scale return to the Spring Classics with a team like Visma-Lease a Bike represents a considerable commitment. Her "unexpected" 2025 success, though vague, suggests a foundational performance that has emboldened both rider and team for a major one-day target.

Ferrand-Prévot's ambition is clear, and Visma-Lease a Bike's backing suggests they've seen enough. Whether her off-road power translates to the cobbled chaos of Flanders remains the million-dollar question, but it certainly won't be dull.