France is celebrating an unforgettable moment in cycling history as Pauline Ferrand-Prévôt claimed a groundbreaking victory at the Tour de France Femmes 2025, becoming the first French woman to win the prestigious race since 1985. This monumental achievement ended nearly four decades of anticipation and hope for female glory on French soil.

But the moment that truly captured the hearts of fans nationwide wasn’t just Ferrand-Prévôt’s triumphant crossing of the finish line; it was the heartfelt message she received from none other than Bernard Hinault, one of France’s greatest cycling legends. Hinault, often hailed as “The Badger,” who last stood atop this podium as a French winner 40 years ago, sent Ferrand-Prévôt a short yet deeply moving note — just 21 words — that resonated across the cycling world.

The message read:
“You have written new history for France with your heart and your incredible legs.”

For Ferrand-Prévôt, who grew up idolizing Hinault, the words were more than just congratulatory; they were a symbol of connection across generations, a passing of the torch from one French cycling icon to another. Overwhelmed with emotion, she was seen shedding tears upon reading the message, a genuine and touching moment broadcast to millions of viewers around the globe.

This victory is not just a personal milestone for Ferrand-Prévôt but also a transformative event for women’s cycling in France. Since 1985, no French female rider had managed to seize the top spot in the Tour de France Femmes, making this triumph a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring cyclists across the nation.

Sports commentators and fans alike hailed this as a historic turning point. The French cycling community, long yearning for a female champion on the world stage, now has a new heroine to celebrate. The echoes of Hinault’s legacy mixed with Ferrand-Prévôt’s fresh triumph remind everyone that greatness knows no gender, only passion and determination.

As the sun set over the Champs-Élysées, France didn’t just witness a race won — it witnessed a dream realized, a history rewritten, and a future brightened for generations to come.