Defending champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévôt pulls out of Women's Tour de France after feeling unwell

Defending champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévôt withdrew from the Women's Tour de France after feeling unwell on the morning of August 8, 2026, according to her team. The French cyclist had won the race on her debut the previous year and is also the 2024 Paris Olympics mountain biking gold medalist. Her withdrawal marks a significant blow to the race, as she was the title holder entering the competition.