From our special correspondent on the Tour de France – Enthusiasm, desire to be there… Even if the women’s peloton is in the middle of the Tour de France, the eyes of the French riders fill with stars when they are asked to talk about the Games Paris Olympics. One year from the prestigious competition, Audrey Cordon-Ragot, Aude Biannic, Juliette Labous, Évita Muzic and Sandrine Bideau confided in France 24.
Published on: 07/26/2023 – 17:37
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The wheels on the Tour de France, the head in Paris-2024? As the second edition of the professional era of the Women’s Tour de France is in full swing, France 24 went to meet French riders to collect their feelings on the road cycling events of the Paris Olympics. If some are under no illusions about the possibility of being one of the four elected, all are enthusiastic about the idea of the circuit between the Chevreuse valley and the Paris of a postcard.
Audrey Cordon-Ragot (Human Powered HealthCycling) : “A very big goal for me”
The 33-year-old Breton is the face of women’s cycling in France. A tireless advocate of her discipline, she has never spared her efforts to publicize the women’s peloton. After a complicated year marked by illness, the bankruptcy of B&B Hotels, which was to recruit her and the lack of seriousness of the Zaaf cycling team, which paid neither her nor her partners, Audrey Cordon-Ragot finally flourishes at Human Powered HealthCycling. The 2022 French champion is already thinking about the end of her career, which she intends to decide as usual on her own terms, with Paris-2024 as the high point.
“It’s the common thread for the end of my career. I would like to end my career on Paris-2024. It’s really a very big goal for me. But I’m not the only one, there are a lot of French women. The level is very high, we are among the 5 best nations in the world.The little young people push me to be the best version of myself and for that, you have to work.
This is a course that could suit me. It’s early to think about it because there are still great races until then, including this Tour de France. Whether there is a medal or not at the end, that will not be important for me. The important thing will be to have managed to finish my career as I see fit.”
Juliette Labous (DSM) : “For now, focus on the Tour”
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???????? @JulietteLabous started riding early in her youth, motivated by her brother. The one who finished 4th in the #TDFF2022 considers herself an outsider for the #TDFF2023 but already has the yellow jersey in mind!… pic.twitter.com/r09Krg8eAn
— The Tour de France Women with Zwift (@LeTourFemmes) April 21, 2023
Fourth on the Tour de France in 2022, Juliette Labous is probably still the best French chance of a podium in the new edition. This complete Grand Tour runner is also keeping an eye on the Olympics.
“The Games are obviously in the back of my mind, but for now it’s focused on the Tour.”
Aude Biannic (Movistar) : “It would be a great pleasure to participate”
Aude Biannic (Movistar)
Even if retirement is fast approaching for the Finistère, its importance within the Spanish formation does not move one iota. Teammate of the indestructible Annemiek van Vleuten, she will try to put her leader in the best mood. pic.twitter.com/fKSslLTaHe
— Aymeric Fiaudrin (@AFiaudrin) July 23, 2023
From the same generation as Audrey Cordon-Ragot, Aude Biannic is the lieutenant of the “cannibal” Annemiek van Vleuten. She has won everything in cycling [par procuration], starting with the three Grand Tours. While the 2018 French champion has scheduled her retirement for the end of 2024, she looks at the Olympic Games with a twinge in her heart.
“When I saw the course come out, I found it very interesting. It’s a classic type circuit [les courses d’un jour, ndlr] with cobblestone climbs and winding passages in Paris. On paper, it could suit me… Unfortunately, I never have the status of leader in my team and so it’s hard to show the coach what I’m worth. But if he’s looking for the perfect teammate to help the leaders of the France team: I’m here for it! It would be a great pleasure to participate.”
Sandrine Bideau (St-Michel-Mavic-Auber 93): “I hope to be able to go and see the races”
???? In 2023 with @SandrineBideau !
???? Sandrine Bideau: “I am very happy to continue and to be able to devote myself 100% to cycling in 2023. I thank the whole team for their support and I can’t wait for the season to start! » pic.twitter.com/AkHF14hLa7
— St Michel – Mavic – Auber93 ???? (@Auber93Cyclisme) November 7, 2022
At 34, Sandrine Bideau already has her cycling career behind her. Without any illusions about her chances of being in the game, the native of Blanc-Mesnil, in Seine-Saint-Denis, just wants to enjoy the party at home.
“It’s great to have the Games in Paris. After me, I know I won’t be there, but I hope to be able to go see the races and enjoy the atmosphere. I haven’t looked at the details of the course but it’s not too close to home. I train further north of Paris.”
Evita Muzic (FDJ-Suez-Futuroscope): “In a corner of my head”
She is the future of tricolor cycling and already a bit of her present. Incubated by the FDJ-Suez-Futuroscope, Évita Muzic crosses the stages one by one and her team sees no limits. The outstanding climber is looking forward to this road race and the gold medal that goes with it.
“That’s the question everyone is asking me right now! The Games are getting closer, we feel it more and more. And yes, of course, it’s in the back of my mind. In Tokyo, I was one of the three preselected. Today, I am one of the best French women so I can hope to be at the start.
Of course, I would have preferred the course to be in the Alps. Afterwards, it’s a very beautiful course where several race scenarios are possible. I may be fine.”
