Anaïs Morichon is indeed back in business. Certainly, the Haut-Viennoise did not win this Sunday, but she won a new podium on the Aube circuit of Troyes, only beaten by Amandine Vidon (see ranking). After her success the day before, the member of the Arkéa-B&B Hôtels training course was full of confidence, having been feeling gloomy for months. The 25-year-old athlete mentioned, for DirectVelothe race of the day, without forgetting to look back on this very difficult period that she recently experienced. Interview.
DirectVelo: You didn't manage to double the stakes but with this 2nd place, you confirm your return to a very good level!
Anaïs Morichon: Yes, I’m still super happy with my 2nd place. The circuit was totally different from yesterday (Saturday). The change in temperature was weird. I put myself in the red from the start and quickly understood that it was going to be complicated to last the entire race at that pace. I also fell twice during the race, that didn't help matters, even though I had already been left behind by Amandine (Vidon) at that time.
Where did you fall?
It was at the end of the second round, in the small hill. I wasted a lot of time on this story… Technically, I made a lot of little mistakes. I had a little sluggishness in the second part of the race, but I managed to finish better, things were a little better on the last lap.
“I WONDERED WHAT I WAS DOING ON A BIKE”
What is your assessment of this weekend?
This bodes well for the future. The sensations return little by little, it gives me pleasure and a lot of good. I needed it.
Because you are not retained by Arkéa-B&B Hôtels and you are preparing to make your return to the amateurs?
It's complicated. I waited quite a while to find out if I was kept on staff or not. I knew it well after Plouay. The summer was complicated, especially mentally. I didn't really know where I was anymore. This will be all new to me in January, I'm going to move on to something else. In the meantime, I'm trying to get back on track little by little.
You were almost part of the furniture at the rouge-et-noir since you have been with the team since its debut in 2020. Were you surprised to be let go?
Surprise, no, because I knew that in terms of results, apart from at the very start of the season, it was complicated for me this year. I lost myself, both mentally and physically. The last few months have been very complicated. I wondered what I was doing on a bike. That's why yesterday's victory did my morale good. I was waiting for it.
“I DON’T LOSE HOPE”
Did you have any other contacts among the pros?
I tried to contact an agent but they were all blinded at this time of year. Same thing for the teams… Timing-wise, it was complicated, especially since I didn't have a big results sheet in my 2024 CV. I had some contacts abroad but it didn't work out. I'm not losing hope, I'm going to try to bounce back in 2025 with this year among the amateurs, hoping to move up then, why not.
Why did you choose Lanester?
The team has a good calendar, they finished 3rd in the Coupe de France this year. It’s a good, well-structured team.
In the meantime, will we see you in Dublin at the World Cup?
No, the team doesn't want me to do Dublin. I'm going to try to find a little race in the area so I can continue despite everything, I need it. I will definitely do other World Cup rounds later. I am planned to go to Hulst and Zonhoven (December 21 and 22, Editor’s note).
France
Cycling
