Ferrand-Prévot knows there’s work to do before the Tour but thanks Visma | Lease a Bike with "full heart"

The spring classics campaign of the multi-time world and Olympic champion was nothing short of turbulent. After struggling for form at the UAE Tour, Ferrand-Prévot still managed a podium at Strade Bianche despite the crash. She finished fourth at Milan-Sanremo but was later declined in the results. Ferrand-Prévot was actually sick at Paris-Roubaix yet still found super legs and soloed to her first cobbled Monument.

After finishing 36th at the Amstel Gold Race, Visma | Lease a Bike lined up for Liège–Bastogne–Liège with big ambitions. "You have to race to win," said sports director Jos van Emden beforehand. But it was not to be. When the big names started launching attacks, the French climber was unable to follow. Ferrand-Prévot eventually crossed the line in 12th place, 1:14 down on the winner.

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Through her official channels, Ferrand-Prévot reflected on her Liège–Bastogne–Liège performance Sunday evening. "I gave everything I had, but it was not enough to finish off the great work of my teammates," she said. Speaking through the team's website, she added, "With 25 kilometers to go, I realized I could not fight for the win. I did not have the same legs I had at the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, but that is part of the process."

"After a long block of racing, I can feel that I need some physical and mental recovery," she continued. "I definitely need to work on my climbing form, but overall I am very happy with my spring campaign. I leave Belgium and the Netherlands with a full heart now that the classics season is over. I take away great memories and have learned so much with the team."

"Back to our second home," Ferrand-Prévot added, referring to Monaco, where she will prepare for the Vuelta a España, which kicks off on May 4. "The main goal is to win the Tour de France, so I believe it is important to have a Grand Tour in the legs. I am confident we can show some great things at the Vuelta."