Defending Champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévot Targets Home Glory
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot enters the race as the defending champion after securing a historic victory in the 2025 Tour de France Femmes, according to race records. That win turned her into a national icon overnight as the first Frenchwoman to claim the yellow jersey.
The 34-year-old rider remains a top favorite for 2026, looking to crown her season after placing second at the Tour of Flanders and third at Paris-Roubaix Femmes, as reported by sports statistics.
Demi Vollering Seeks Redemption After Close Margins
Tipped as Ferrand-Prévot’s likeliest rival is Dutch rider Demi Vollering, who has finished as the runner-up in the last two editions, according to official classification data. In 2025, she placed second by 3 minutes and 42 seconds, while her 2024 defeat came down to a razor-thin margin of just four seconds.
Vollering enters the 2026 contest with heavy momentum. During her spring campaign, she secured victories at La Flèche Wallonne and the Tour of Flanders.
Did you know?
Contenders Niewiadoma and Reusser Shape the Peloton
Katarzyna Niewiadoma-Phinney, the 2024 winner and a three-time Olympian representing Poland, returns to the start line with consistent podium results this season, according to UCI standings. Her spring campaign included second-place finishes at the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Strade Bianche, and the Amstel Gold Race, followed by a third-place overall finish at the Tour de Suisse.
Meanwhile, outside contender Marlen Reusser brings dangerous time-trial credentials, having won individual time trial silver at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and stage wins in 2022 and 2023. Reusser successfully returned from a severe spinal fracture suffered at the Tour of Flanders, completing the Giro d’Italia before taking victory at her home Tour de Suisse in June, according to team medical and race updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Tour de France Femmes in 2025?
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot won the 2025 edition, becoming the first Frenchwoman to claim the title, according to official race results.
How many riders and teams compete in the Tour de France Femmes 2026?
The race features 154 riders divided into 22 teams of seven riders each, per official team registrations.
What major race did Demi Vollering win ahead of the 2026 Tour?
Vollering won her first Giro d’Italia in June and secured spring victories at La Flèche Wallonne and the Tour of Flanders, according to cycling race records.
Stay Updated on Cycling News
Want more in-depth analysis of the 2026 cycling season? Drop a comment below with your pick for the yellow jersey, or subscribe to our newsletter for daily stage breakdowns.