'We would never have hoped for this' - French interest in women's cycling booms with Pauline Ferrand-Prevot's Tour de France Femmes triumph

Pauline Ferrand-Prévot won the Tour de France Femmes, marking France's first victory since 1990 and generating massive public interest. Her win peaked TV viewership at 7.7 million. The final stage's audience share rivaled that of the men's Tour, demonstrating the growing popularity of women's cycling in France. Fans and officials expressed surprise at the overwhelming response, with fan club leaders reporting hundreds of emails daily. The event's success notably surpassed viewership of other major sporting events, indicating a shift in public engagement with women's sports.

Ferrand-Prévot's success drew a huge TV audience for the final day of racing to Châtel, confirming her status as the first French Tour winner since 1990.

The final stage recorded a similar TV audience share to the Paris finale of the men's Tour, highlighting the increased interest in women's cycling in France.

Read at Cyclingnews