Tour de France Femmes: French rider Océane Mahé reveals she 'lost her period three years ago'

Océane Mahé, who wore the first polka dot jersey at the 2026 Tour de France Femmes, has revealed a significant personal health consequence of elite cycling: she has not menstruated in three years. The 24-year-old French rider attributed her amenorrhea to extreme weight loss, a common but concerning practice in high-level cycling. Mahé explained in an interview with Actu.fr that her hormonal system went into 'standby' after she shed pounds to enhance her performance on the bike. While her weight has since stabilized, her hormonal function has not returned to normal. This revelation brings attention to the persistent problem of excessive weight management in women's cycling, often linked to the RED-S syndrome, where insufficient nutritional intake clashes with high energy expenditure. The issue has drawn criticism and concern from within the sport. Last year, the lean physique of Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, a Tour de France winner, sparked debate. Swiss cyclist Marlen Reusser voiced her unease about the image projected by the sport, stating that successful lean riders set a 'new norm' that pressures others. Cédrine Kerbaol echoed these concerns, warning of a 'dangerous moment' where young athletes might emulate the extreme weight loss of successful competitors. The discussion underscores the delicate balance between athletic performance and the long-term health of elite female cyclists.

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My hormonal system decided to go into standby.