During the Tour Pays de Vaud, we went to visit "our young ones" from the junior team. It was a big day, with a double stage and a fantastic second place finish for Noa Isidore. But beyond the results, it was meeting the riders, hearing about their dreams and ambitions, that best demonstrated the role this team plays and its vision for cycling.
Can you introduce yourself?
I am in the club of Nogent-sur-Oise, I am 16 years old. I have a brother and a sister and I started cycling (mountain biking) when I was 6 years old.
Why did you start cycling?
My father used to ride a bike and he gave me the desire. Until last year, he always trained me. So if I started cycling, it's thanks to my parents.
How did you discover the U19?
I knew someone from the Hauts-de-France region who had joined the structure and I had great feedback. So I registered and I managed to integrate the structure thanks to my good results in Cadet 2.
And how does it work?
Frankly, it's great. You don't put your studies aside, you always have them in the back of your mind. I'm not too studious, I preferred to do a CAP, in bakery. Alex is great, he really teaches us everything. I've improved a lot, to express myself, to post on social networks... all the "sides" of cycling. Before, for me, cycling was "you pedal and that's it", but here I learn a lot and I see that I progress in everything I do.
What does the bike bring to you?
Well, on the days I don't ride my bike, I get bored! (laughs) And I love running, when I'm not running, I'm a bit of a sulker.
What are your ambitions for the future?
In the short term, I hope to do good UCI races, to be selected for the French team. And then, of course, my dream is to be a cyclist. At the moment, I am a baker and in July, I will become a butcher with my father, to improve the schedule. It's not what I want to do, but I know I need a plan B. When I see the pro cyclists, it makes me dream and I know that's what I want to do.
And after your career?
Haha, that's a long way off! I hope that I would have had a good career and that I would have had the intelligence to invest in order to be free of need. And afterwards, I would like to be the boss in my bakery or my butchery, why not... I'll see at that time!
Any last words?
5 minutes without saying anything stupid... I'm dead ! Interviews are harder than cycling! 😂
