Ferrand-Prévot has just returned from a training camp in Tenerife, where she and some of her teammates put the finishing touches on their preparations for the spring. The pleasant conditions on the Spanish island allowed her to focus entirely on cycling. ‘I had a very good training block in Tenerife. I really feel that I have been able to prepare myself optimally for the start of the season", Ferrand-Prévot says.

The Tour de France winner can't wait to pin on her race number for the first time this season. "I'm really looking forward to racing again. Strade Bianche is the perfect race for me to kick off my spring campaign. I love racing here. It's a tough and challenging race every year, but that's exactly why I enjoy riding it so much. I'm going to do everything I can to achieve a good result again this year."

In last year's edition, Ferrand-Prévot showed that the Italian classic suits her well. The Frenchwoman crossed the finish line in Siena in third place, securing her first podium finish for Team Visma | Lease a Bike. "My third place last year was a special moment and gave me a lot of confidence for the rest of the season. I'm curious to see how I'll do this year and how my legs will feel."

According to sports director Boven, Team Visma | Lease a Bike will be fielding a strong team at the start of the Italian classic. In addition to Ferrand-Prévot and Vos, Sarah van Dam, Femke de Vries, Daniek Hengeveld and Katharina Sadnik are also part of the six-strong selection. "We couldn't wish for a better team for this race. Pauline and Marianne had a good training camp in Tenerife. It looked really good. Femke and Sarah also worked hard there and are ready to play their part."

During the twelfth edition of Strade Bianche Donne, the riders will have to cover fewer gravel kilometres than usual. Whereas last year they had to ride 50 kilometres on sandy roads, this year it will be just under 33 kilometres. "There are 18 kilometres less gravel and the timing to the most important section has become even more crucial", describes Boven the most important change to the course.

For Team Visma | Lease a Bike, this does not change their plans and ambitions. With Ferrand-Prévot as their designated leader, the team is aiming for a successful start to the Italian block. "Strade Bianche is the first race in a block of exciting races. After Strade, Trofeo Alfredo Binda and Milan-Sanremo follow, where the focus will be more on Marianne. We have a nice mixed line-up and hope to show some great things in Italy."