During the Tour du 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 fine second place for Noa Isidore. But beyond the result, it was above all the meeting with the riders, their dreams and their ambitions, that best demonstrated the role played by this team and its vision of cycling.
Can you introduce yourself?
I am a member of the Nogent-sur-Oise club, and I am 16 years old. I have a brother and a sister, and I started cycling (mountain biking) at the age of 6.
Why did you start cycling?
My father used to cycle and he inspired me to do the same. Until last year, he was the one who always trained me. So if I took up 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 organisation and I heard great things about it. So I signed up and managed to join thanks to my good results in Cadet 2.
And how is it going?
Honestly, it's great. We don't put our studies aside, we always have them in the back of our minds. I'm not much of a studious person, I preferred to do a CAP (vocational training certificate) in baking. Alex is brilliant, he really teaches us everything. I've improved a lot in terms of expressing myself, posting on social media... all the «extras» that go with cycling. Before, for me, cycling was just «pedalling and that's it», but here I'm learning a lot and I can see that I'm making progress in everything I do.
What does cycling bring you?
Well, first of all, on days when I don't cycle, I get bored! (laughs) And I love running, so when I don't run, I get a bit grumpy.
What are your ambitions for the future?
In the short term, I hope to do well in UCI races and be selected for the French team. And then, of course, my dream is to be a cyclist. Right now, I'm a baker, and in July, I'll be working as a butcher with my father to improve my working hours. It's not what I want to do, but I know I need a plan B. When I see professional cyclists, it makes me dream, and I know that's what I want to do.
What about after your career?
Haha, that's a long way off! I hope I'll have had a successful career and that I'll have been smart enough to invest so that I'll be financially secure. And after that, I'd like to be the boss of my own bakery or butcher's shop, why not... I'll see when the time comes!
Any last words?
Five minutes without talking rubbish... I'm dead! Interviews are harder than cycling! 😂
