Christophe Moussy and Cyrian Merlin take their first victory of the season at the Châtillon-en-Bazois cyclo-cross [Classements]

Winner in the masters at the Châtillon-en-Bazois cyclo-cross this Sunday, November 10, Christophe Moussy is a former motocross rider. Having moved from motorbikes to cyclos, the member of the Union Cosnoise Sportive is preparing for the French championship in the discipline.

From one category to another. Since the start of the cyclo-cross season in Nièvre, Christophe Moussy (UCS Cosne) is used to battling with the seniors, despite his 52 years, which authorizes him to compete in the masters category. “It’s to sharpen me a little more, the little kids hurt me a lot and that makes me happy,” he explains, smiling.

This Sunday, November 10, in Châtillon-en-Bazois, he let the young people battle among themselves, to benchmark themselves against opponents in their category. Thus, he was able to “pull out” with Richard Tillier (CC Varennes-Vauzelles), before raising his arms for the first time this season.

In seniors, it's completely inaccessible for me, so it's nice to win from time to time.

Long neck and neck with the Vauzelliens, the Cosnois ended up breaking away, a few laps from the finish. “He is more technical than me. In small, very tight turns, it goes better, and there are a large number of them here,” analyzes Richard Tillier (55 years old). “On the big climb, I managed to follow him, but on the flat, he took me around ten seconds, which I ended up no longer compensating for. »

Former motocross rider

Christophe Moussy may have acquired his technique on dirt during his years of motocross. “I did it at regional level for 10 years. I got into cycling after I turned 35,” says the professional insurer. “After motocross, I switched to running, but I had a lot of injuries, so I took up cycling. The advantage is that if you don't fall, there is no injury. »

Cyclo-cross: the good sensations of the young Vauzellien Clément Chyra, who has a string of successes [Classements]

On the bike, Christophe Moussy specialized in cyclo-cross. It's rare to see him on the road. “I cycle very little in the summer. I'm not a big rider. I do around 4,000 kilometers a year. But in winter, I go there regularly, three to four times a week. I do very few road races, just a few to gain weight in preparation for cyclo-cross. For the road, you have to do hours of cycling that I don't want to do. »

On the other hand, his motivation is increased tenfold when it comes to riding in the undergrowth. To the point of setting a high goal: to enter the top 5 at the French masters championship, among 50-54 year olds, which will take place in Oléron (Charente-Maritime) on December 1st. There, he will meet Richard Tillier, but the two men will not be able to fight against each other, since the CCVV member is now in the 55-59 year old category.

The power of Cyrian Merlin gives him the podium at the cyclo-cross of the Etang de Niffond [Classements]

First victory for MerlinIn seniors, Cyrian Merlin from Nivernais won his first cyclo-cross of the season in Châtillon-en-Bazois. His first victory under the jersey of C'Chartres Cyclisme, which he recently joined. “I knew I had to make the difference in the physical parts, so I immediately pushed myself,” which allowed him to widen the gap in the first round, never to be caught again . The day before, he took second place in Yzeure, behind Tanguy Loisy (Team Atria). “The weekend is already a success, but I still have tomorrow (Monday November 11) in Bourbon-Lancy. I have a revenge to take with the winner of Yzeure. I know he's over it, but I'm going to try to tease him until the end. »