Pauline Ferrand-Prévot is pursuing her 16th world title in Rwanda

There is only one person in the history of cycling who has been World Champion in cyclocross, road, XCO, and gravel, her name is Pauline Ferrand-Prévot and she is already in Rwanda with her sights set on the historic challenge of conquering her 16th world title.

The French champion, who this summer achieved an unforgettable victory in the Tour de France, is in Kigali preparing for the road race at the World Championships, where she hopes to add a second gold on the road after the one achieved in Ponferrada in 2014.

Pauline Ferrand-Prévot is the favorite for a new rainbow

The Visma ease a Bike rider has shown confidence after several days of reconnaissance of the demanding urban circuit, which includes the cobblestones of the Côte de Kimihurura as a key point. "I have done intensity training and the numbers have been good. I feel recovered from the Tour and ready to give my best," she explained during the days leading up to the race.

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Ferrand-Prévot will have the support of a strong French team made up of Juliette Labous, Évita Muzic, Léa Curinier, Cédrine Kerbaol, Marie Le Net, and Maeva Squiban. France, Italy, and the Netherlands are the only countries that will field seven cyclists, a factor that can be decisive on such a tough and technical course, with 11 laps on a 15.1 km circuit, 3,350 meters of accumulated elevation gain, and two ascents per lap.

The French rider arrives in Kigali after a outstanding season, with victories of great prestige such as the Tour de France and Paris-Roubaix, as well as podiums in Strade Bianche and Tour of Flanders. In her return to the road after seven years focused on off-road cycling, she has once again established herself as one of the top references in the international peloton.

"Eleven years ago I won the World Championships in Ponferrada, and repeating would be a huge prize, but I don't feel pressure. I want to race calmly, give it my all, and see how far I can go. If it goes well, it will be fantastic, if not, it won't change anything from what I have already achieved this year," she declared.

With 15 world titles in road, cyclocross, mountain, and gravel cycling, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot faces the opportunity to continue expanding a legendary career in Rwanda and close out an unforgettable season with a flourish.

The Women's Elite race will be on Saturday starting at 12:00 and here you can see the schedules of the rest of the events and how to watch it.