In mid-October, Gwen Leclainche received a two-year contract from ProTeam Wagner-Bazin-WB, born from the merger between WB-Bingoal and Philippe Wagner-Bazin where he had been playing for two years. But the 24-year-old Savoyard preferred to stop there. He explains why DirectVelo.
DirectVelo: Why did you choose to end your career when a two-year contract awaited you?
Gwen Leclainche: I was in Continental, I wanted to move up to the next level. Given my season, it was Wagner or nothing. I also wanted to stay in this team because it was thanks to Philippe Wagner that I won big races and that I was able to turn pro. During the season, I decided not to have a long career whatever happened. Cycling does not correspond to my vision of family life. It’s a passion job that takes up all your time and energy. It's a lot of sacrifice and pressure, so I knew I wouldn't do this until I was 30.
“SPORT IS LONG TERM”
And finally, you stop at 24…
I was wondering whether or not to do another year except that in ProTeam, these are two-year contracts when you are a neo-pro. I didn't feel like doing another two years, I didn't want to resign midway, or get disgusted with cycling which is my passion, or put the team in trouble by quitting overnight. And even if I did a whole season, I would have had to resign and work directly because I wouldn't have had unemployment. There, I am under contract until December 31, I still have a month and a half to take a breather and find a new job. I have a few leads but nothing certain yet.
Was there something that clicked?
It was very progressive, I had less desire to train during the season especially since I had decided as I said that I would not have a long career. I clearly saw that this year, I was less in phase with the bike. Sport is long term. You lay small stones which form the foundations for the future. When I was sick, I didn't miss the races too much even though normally you're sick… So it was time to leave properly. I wanted something new. I'm no longer a student, I've grown up, I've gotten to know myself and I want to move on, I want to spend more time with my family. Cycling takes time, it always came first. I always wanted to do things thoroughly. I didn't go to a family meal the day before a big session. I didn't take it as a sacrifice, it made me happy but inevitably, we miss things on the side. I have reached a point in my life where I want to discover these things. But it remains a difficult decision to make.
How did Philippe Wagner react?
He was understanding. Even though he wanted us to experience a new adventure, he understood my choice. We both have a good relationship. We get along very well. I am indebted to him, and he is satisfied with what I did for the team, I made my contribution. My teammates were also understanding. They know the rewards of this passionate profession.
“CHOOSING IS GIVING UP”
Runners seem to be worn out younger and younger…
I haven't had a long career, I don't have the perspective to compare, but I could see that it's becoming extremely professional. Now the Juniors are already pros. When I was an Espoirs at CC Étupes, I raced against guys whose job it was while I was still studying on the side. I wanted to do things well. We run a lot, there are training courses… In Conti, there were long trips because we didn't always get home between races. It would have been even worse in ProTeam when I was already suffering from it this year. I would have been asked for even more, that would have hit the nail on the head for me and as I said, I didn't want to stop partway through.
Aren't you afraid of regretting it one day?
To choose is to give up. It works both ways. There is a counterargument to every argument. At 30, I might tell myself that I should have continued, but I might also tell myself that I could have missed the best years of my life if I had continued. I want to do lots of things, touch lots of things, both in sport and professionally. I will perhaps still compete but with a different approach, without aiming for the high level.
Is this a relief?
No because I'm not disgusted with cycling. I didn't get rid of a burden. I'm stopping before I'm a year too long. I am curious to know and experience what happens next. I achieved what I wanted to do when I was a kid, which was to win big races like a Class 2 (Paris-Troyes) or Annemasse-Bellegarde, reach the high level and turn pro. I had this contract in ProTeam even if I didn't sign it. We can always do more but I am satisfied with what I have done. I thank the teams I worked with. You have to know how to step back and be satisfied with what you have achieved. I leave with a feeling of accomplishment. I always said I would stop the day I chose to. That's why I fought to get this contract. I wanted to have a choice.
