A well-deserved gold medal for Pauline Ferrand-Prévôt
Pauline Ferrand-Prévôt’s feat in cross-country mountain biking made a lasting impression during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, bringing France a long-awaited gold medal.
Pauline Ferrand-Prévôt, 32, is a leading figure in world cycling. A native of Reims, she has an impressive track record, being multiple world champion in various cycling disciplines: road, mountain bike, cyclo-cross and gravel. But Olympic gold had always eluded her. After disappointing participations in London (2012), Rio (2016) and Tokyo (2021), where she never managed to reach the podium, Pauline was dreaming ofa home triumph. And her dream finally came true on the hill of Élancourt! This is the highest point in the Île-de-France region. Here, she dominated the race from start to finish, crossing the finish line in 1h26’2”.
A masterful performance by Pauline Ferrand-Prévôt
On the hill at Élancourt, Pauline Ferrand-Prévôt crushed the competition with unpredictable ease. By the first lap, a group of 4 runners had formed around her, including fellow runner Loana Lecomte and the formidable Puck Pieterse and Laura Stigger. But it was at the start of the second lap, on a particularly steep climb, that Pauline made her decisive attack. American Haley Batten took the silver medal, finishing almost 3 minutes behind Pauline. Sweden’s Jenny Rissveds took bronze. Puck Pieterse, long in contention for the podium, saw her hopes dashed by a puncture in the final laps. Pauline’s control was total! While her rivals battled against bad luck and the difficulties of the course, she widened the gap and remained unflappable.
After crossing the finish line, Pauline celebrated her victory in an effervescent atmosphere. She then headed to Club France at Porte de la Villette to share her triumph with her fans. She also savored this unique moment with her little niece in her arms, fully enjoying the culmination of her Olympic dream.
This cross-country mountain bike victory is the crowning glory of an exceptional career. The highlight of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games! Pauline Ferrand-Prévôt gave France its first individual gold medal of these Games. She also proved that she is one of the greatest cyclists of her generation.
