Clément Venturini will be satisfied with that. This Saturday, for his first UCI race of the season, the Arkéa-B&B Hôtels rider took his place at the back of the Top 10 during the first of the two Aube rounds of the Coupe de France cyclo-cross, in Troyes (see ranking). An overall logical result for a runner who lacks benchmarks and physicality in the face of athletes who have been struggling in the plowed fields for many weeks now. “The start was good but then I quickly found myself in my place. I slipped on the first lap, which immediately relegated me a few places behind. But it was a very good exercise today”he rejoices with DirectVelo.
The six-time French Champion in the discipline and current wearer of the tricolor jersey evokes “good feelings” for this first, he who has resumed training for a month now. “It’s pretty good. Technically and physically, I am in my place for the moment”he insists briefly. “The goal here is to get back into activity, by being in the deep end straight away”.
Still far from the level of David Menut, who won this Saturday, Clément Venturini knows the work that remains to be accomplished. At 31 years old, this is not his first attempt and knows the procedure by heart. “After cutting a month, you shouldn’t dream. All the specialists in the discipline, the best French, are there. We owe them respect. I couldn't have been expected to win today. Did you think I was going to win? It’s normal that I’m not with them today”. Next deadline in 24 hours, still in Troyes. “I hope to continue to progress”.
France
Cycling
