Marianne Vos may be chasing a third stage win at the Tour de France Femmes, but her main mission in 2025 is supporting teammate Pauline Ferrand-Prévot.
Speaking to Wielerflits in Brittany, where she’s been reconning the opening stages ahead of Saturday’s Grand Départ in Vannes, Vos acknowledged a clear shift in personal goals. “The green jersey, of course, winning that was great, but this year that’s not the main target with the team. We have a mission with Pauline as our GC rider,” she said during a media call.
Now in her fourth appearance at the race, Vos is ready to play a supporting role as Visma-Lease a Bike targets the overall classification for the first time. Ferrand-Prévot, the reigning Paris-Roubaix champion, is making her debut in the Tour de France Femmes after switching her focus from mountain bike to road in 2025. “We want to see what Pauline can do in the general classification. Of course, it’s her first time in the Tour de France,” said Vos. “I’m here to do well and to support the team where possible, and to look for opportunities in the stages.”
Vos had to pull out of the Giro d’Italia Women due to lingering effects from a crash at the Dutch national championships. She was second on stage 5 at the Giro and said she’s now feeling fresh and motivated. “I wasn’t 100 percent fit [at the Giro]. Together with the team, they decided to end it a little earlier, to focus on the Tour de France. After a couple of days of rest, I felt fit and fresh again.”
The opening stage of the Tour from Vannes to Plumelec is short but demanding, with three ascents of the Côte de Cadoudal. Vos expects the fireworks to start immediately. “The first stage is pretty short, which makes it also very explosive. It’s a bit twisty, sometimes narrow, it’s up and down. It makes it very interesting. Everyone is probably as excited as I am, so you’re gonna feel the nerves in the bunch.”
Having previously raced with Ferrand-Prévot at Rabobank, Vos said the Frenchwoman has integrated well into the team and has the legs for a strong GC ride. “She’s fit in the team really well. She’s very kind and generous. Obviously, the Spring Classics were outstanding. Now for a stage race, that’s a different role. We’re going to see what we can do.”
Despite the support role, Vos isn’t ruling out taking her own chances if they appear. “If a chance presents itself, I’m not going to let it go. That’s the beauty of a stage race – opportunities can come from nowhere.”
When asked what would make the Tour a success for her, Vos gave a characteristically grounded response. “That’s a question for the end of the Tour. It depends on so many factors – how we’ve raced and whether we’ve won. I can’t pin that to results right now.”
