All eyes are on her. Pauline Ferrand-Prévot is the big attraction of the French Elite Women team which will participate this Saturday in the World Championship. Which is not to displease her teammates for the day. “There is less media pressure this year, all eyes are on her. It also feels good after this year and the Tourrecognizes Evita Muzic. We are a little less in demand. And thanks to her presence, we are talking about women’s cycling, the French team…”. Juliette Labous also goes in the same direction. “There is a lot of media for us, we are starting to get used to it but here it is more focused on Pauline. It’s always nice to have less pressure, even if the biggest pressure is the one we put on ourselves…”.
“EVERYONE IS SCARED OF WHAT SHE CAN DO”
In addition to the pressure of D-Day, sharing a selection with a multiple World Champion in all disciplines is wide-eyed. Those of Cédrine Kerbaol, for example, who went to the other side of the lens. “I started mountain biking at 14 years old. I had fun taking photos of Paulinerecalls the Breton woman. She was the first cyclist I knew. We all have respect for Pauline.” Juliette Labous also talks about this respect, having already met her at a Championship in 2017. “She has added a few lines since then. I don’t think she has changed, there is even more respect for her track record. It’s good that it’s back on the road, it’s pulling upwards. We can all learn from each other”. And Paul Brousse sees the benefits in his group. “She brings a lot of experience and serenity”.
But it is above all on Saturday, on the bike, that the French team will count on the Olympic MTB Champion. “The look of the opponents will be different. There is a big question mark. Everyone is afraid of what she can do”appreciates Paul Brousse. For Evita Muzic, there is no doubt about what Pauline Ferrand-Prévot can bring, nor about the fact that she is currently in good shape. “I am convinced that she will be with us in the finale. It’s clearly scary, and we can play with it. It’s an additional asset for the team”. Juliette Labous also sees this reinforcement favorably. “At DSM-firmenich PostNL, I am often alone and you can’t miss out”. For her, it will be easier to be offensive with several options among the French. “It can allow you to run without having regrets at the end, I like running like that. You can get beautiful things while running this way. It’s really very positive”.
“THE BEST TEAM WE HAVE IN SEVERAL YEARS”
That’s good, Paul Brousse intends to ask his daughters to make an offensive run. “You will have to expect to see a French team that will try things. We want to finish without regrets. There is the desire to fight. This year we can play. We feel that everyone is concerned. It’s stimulating”. He assures us, he has never led such a strong French team. “French women progress over the years, they are in great structures, in France or abroad. On the qualities of climbers and punchers, it’s really very dense”. Opinion shared by Juliette Labous. “It’s nice to see the level of this French team on paper. It’s the best team we’ve had for several years, it’s great for French women’s cycling.”.
The whole group is very confident. “I am convinced that if we take the right risks, we will be able to play”this Cédrine Kerbaol. “The girls have done great things this year, I think we can end this season in a good way. I hope we end on a high note. There are incredible talents”notes Léa Curinier. “This is the first year where we can dream big. I’m a bit of the odd one out in the group, I only find myself with female climbers. I can make my contribution, like Léa (Curinier) I am used to transcending myself for my leaders. I can’t wait to discover the strategy”adds Jade Wiel. To finally bring back a medal or even better from a World Championship. Which would be the first since 2014 when… Pauline Ferrand-Prévot won the title in Ponferrada.
