Lison Desprez will be able to revise his ambitions upwards at the international level. 9th in Dublin last year, the Breton expected to enter the Top 10 once again last Sunday, on the same Irish circuit, but this time in the shoes of a J2. “I told myself that ultimately, even a Top 5 was perhaps doable”. But she managed to do much better by grabbing second place, after being alone in the lead for two laps of the circuit (see ranking). “I am more than satisfied, I didn’t expect that”she congratulates herself afterwards with DirectVelo.
As is often the case, Lison Desprez relied on her qualities as a good “starter” to quickly find herself at the forefront. “I went to the front line, it helped me a lot. I was quickly in second position”. The national coach, François Trarieux, quickly instructed him to take the reins and push hard. “He wanted me to set my pace, that’s what I did”. Almost instantly, Lison Desprez noticed that no one was able to keep up. “I did two laps in the lead with a lead of around ten seconds”. Then, during the third round of the circuit, the American Lidia Cusack – 23rd in Dublin in J1 last year – returned. “She cycled the boards, not me”. Which allows the United States Time Trial Champion to make the difference. “She opened up a little gap that I never managed to fill”.
“I DON’T WANT TO GIVE MYSELF FALSE HOPES EITHER”
Although the time was down to three-four seconds and eager to go all the way, Lison Desprez also ended up securing the 2nd place. A great satisfaction and a nice surprise. “I tried to come back but I also wanted to secure the podium. And it's done. I didn't think I could beat a girl like Rafaelle at all (Carrier, 3e, NDLR). It's beautiful”. Enough to revise your ambitions upwards for this winter? “Obviously, I will hope for other podiums until the World Cup. But I don't want to get my hopes up either. I will continue to aim for Top 5 and if I do better, it will be perfect”.
Before trying to confirm this result internationally, Lison Desprez will spend the next two weekends in France. First in Quimper, on December 8, for the Brittany Championship, before the last two acts of the Coupe de France at Ferté-Bernard, in Sarthe. “For the World Cup, I hope to compete as many as possible to challenge for the general classification. It’s important if I want to start on the front row at the World Championship”. After her performance across the Channel, Lison Desprez has undoubtedly definitely gained the trust of her coach and there is no doubt that we will see her regularly in the biggest races on the calendar.
France
Cycling
