Pauline Ferrand-Prévot speaks out on weight criticism after Tour win

Ferrand-Prévot responds to concerns over athlete health and weight management.

Pauline Ferrand-Prévot addresses criticism of her weight after Tour de France victory

Pauline Ferrand-Prévot recently won the Tour de France Femmes, but her victory has highlighted a troubling issue: the extreme thinness of many professional female cyclists. During the event, fellow competitor Cédrine Kerbaol raised alarms about the dangers of weight issues in cycling, noting that young athletes might emulate unhealthy weight practices. Ferrand-Prévot admitted to losing weight before the race, explaining that she needed to prepare for grueling climbs like the Col de la Madeleine. In an Instagram post, she insisted her approach was safe, with the guidance of a nutritionist, though she recognized the unsustainable nature of her weight loss. She defended her position against critics, arguing that understanding her preparations is key to contextualizing her choices.

This situation shines a spotlight on the broader implications of body image and health within competitive sports. While Ferrand-Prévot emphasizes that her choices are temporary and careful, the cycling culture still seems pressured by ideals that may promote unhealthy practices. Her comments suggest an awareness of the dangers, but the reality remains that such pressures can have long-lasting effects on young athletes. This issue begs the question of how sports organizations will address athlete health and performance without compromising well-being.

Highlights

The conversation around athlete health will likely continue as more attention is drawn to these issues in cycling.