For his first year at the highest level, at 22, Océane Mahé shone under the colors of the team Arkéa-B&B Hotels. Between his 5th places on the Extremadura Tour and on the Tour of Portugalhis 6th place in the Elites chrono French Championships and especially her national title in the time trial in Espoirs, the native of Sallanches has made a name for herself in the peloton. On the occasion of the partners’ evening International Women's Tour of the Pyrenees, Cyclism’Actu was able to meet her.
Video – Océane Mahé at the microphone of Cyclism'Actu
For those who don't know you, can you introduce yourself?
I'm 22 years old, I'm a runner for the Arkéa-B&B Hotels team and besides that, I'm also an engineering school student.
How do you judge your first year at the top level?
This year was marked by the title of French Espoirs Time Trial Champion. I had really set it as a goal, with new equipment, a new time trial bike… I knew there was the possibility of doing great things. There was also 6th place among the Elites and good results in class .2 events which gave me confidence. And otherwise I remember the discovery of the highest level on certain events like La Flèche Wallonne or Liège-Bastogne-Liège, where I had no ambition for results, but which allowed me to have fun, to help the team as much as possible and give me even more desire for the future.
What are your main strengths?
Basically, I am categorized more as a climber, however, I have also achieved results in events categorized more for punchers. And obviously, I also appreciate the time trial event. I consider myself a climber, but I don't limit myself to that and I like to express myself a little on all terrains.
