The French Cycling Federation (FFC) revealed the names of the runners who will be required to participate in the 2024 Track Cycling World Championshipswhich will take place in Ballerup from October 16 to 20. And after Paris 2024 Olympic Games disappointing for the French track (only one medal, in this case the gold one from Benjamin Thomas on the omnium), its managers have decided to make strong choices, only taking athletes who will be able to be competitive during these Worlds special since they were contested only two months after the immense Olympic event. This is why we only find nine names in the selection communicated by the FFC.
Video – Mathilde Gros is part of the French selection
Florian Rousseau: “We only send competitive athletes to Denmark, it’s a question of respect”
“These World Championships are at the crossroads of two Olympics, and we already have in mind to maintain our UCI ranking. That’s why we only send competitive athletes to Denmark, it’s a matter of respect. Respect for ourselves, and for what a World Championship represents.”declares Florian Rousseaudirector of the Olympic program at the FFC.
In Ballerup, France will be led by the one who had been world champion in individual speed in 2022, the Northerner Mathilde Gros (photo). The one who does the speed and the keirin will be the only French sprinter entered, Marie-Divine Kouamé et Julie Michaux having been left at home. The men’s sprint will be represented by Sébastien Vigier, Rayan Halal et Melvin Landerneau. The first two will only do team speed, while Landerneau will participate in the latter – it replaces Florian Grengbo – but also in the kilometer, an event in which he was European champion and vice-world champion in 2022. It should be noted that the selection for the sprint “was carried out on the basis of timed tests which were carried out at the end of September.”
In endurance, no Benjamin Thomas, Marie Le Net or Donavan Grondin
When it comes to endurance, there is room for youth among men with Oscar Nilsson-Julien (22 years old) and Clement Petit (23 years old), who will be associated on the Madison. While Nilsson-Julien will also make omnium, Petit will participate in the scratch and the points race. “With certain athletes, we didn’t even mention the Worlds. Between those who were at the Games and who gave a lot, and those who are caught up in their road schedule, it seemed to us that the opportunity was perfect to give their luck to the youngest”explain Steven Henrythe coach of the endurance collective.
The latter can’t wait to see the performances that the two young riders selected will be able to achieve, and in particular Clement Petit. “He has shown his worth in international junior and junior competitions, he is currently in very good shape, so it is time for him to take the plunge.” Finally, among the girls, three of the executives of the French team will travel to Denmark, namely Victoire Berteau (omnium and points race), Marion Borras (scratch and madison) and Valentine Fortin (Madison). In its press release, the FFC specifies that “the choice, narrowed on the peloton events, focused on those which have started again sinceSeptember goal and whose motivation is intact.” As a reminder, last year, France left Glasgow with five medals (two silver and three bronze).
