It's a test already transformed for Noémie Garnier. The Sarthoise, a mountain bike specialist (she has been French champion several times), decided to participate in part of the cyclo-cross season. Weaned from competition in 2024, due to a knee injury, Noémie Garnier returned to mountain biking late this season. Which motivated her to venture into the undergrowth, in order to continue building her return to the highest level. “I knew little about the discipline. The idea was already to have fun, to help me regain my physique, to gain strength. »
If the former Brette Cycling licensee, 23 years old, had already participated in a few cyclo-cross events in her career, this is the first time that she has entered the Coupe de France Elites with assiduity. With success since she won two podiums in six rounds, including the last Sunday in Troyes (3rd). “During Saturday's round, it was still muddy due to the snow that had melted. You had to change bikes every lap (in order to clean it)running a lot, which is not my crazy thing. These are not conditions I like and I finished twelfth. »
“The density is lower in cyclo-cross than in mountain biking”
The next day, Noémie Garnier was smiling again in the colors of Guével Roadborn. “It was drier, there was no need to get off the bike as often. » With a second podium at stake, after his second place in Pierric (Loire-Atlantique). Performances which allow him to occupy third place in the general classification of the Coupe de France, before the final rounds which will be organized at La Ferté-Bernard on December 14 and 15. “I had set myself top 10 or even top 5 as goals. » Which might seem high for someone new to the discipline. “But I compared myself to other mountain bike girls who also do cyclo-cross, knowing the density of cyclo-cross is less than mountain biking. »
Do the results obtained give Noémie Garnier more ambitions in cyclo-cross? The answer is no. The Sarthoise does not intend to deviate from her passion for mountain biking even if her performances have not gone unnoticed by the French Cycling Federation. “I was approached to find out what my ambitions were, which were the Coupe de France rounds and the French championships. I don't want to push to the world championships, even if they take place in France (in Liévin from January 31 to February 2). I dream more of a selection for the mountain bike world championships. And to have a good mountain bike season, I can't afford to do the full cyclo-cross season, which would be far too tiring. »
Noémie Garnier will therefore take her cyclo-cross experience to the French championships, in Pontchâteau (Loire-Atlantique, January 11 and 12). Before that, she will try to move up one place in the Cup standings. “That’s the goal I’m giving myself from now on, even if being on the podium is already cool. » Even more so for a first at this level.
