Baldino rhymes with bicycle. At 92 years old, Jacques, whose surname could be that of an Italian bicycle champion, gets on his bike every day without losing weight on the hills. Meeting with a resident of the Dunes district who left Bordeaux for Poitiers after a detour via Paris and Availles-Limouzine.
What are you doing in Poitiers?
“I have been retired since 1987 but I arrived here in 2007. Before, I was on the farm with my wife's parents, in Availles-Limouzine. I really started cycling when I was working in post office in Bordeaux. The head of the center, who also chaired the ASPTT, let me run even during the week. I had won thirteen races, I was at the level to turn pro.
On the walls of his pavilion Jacques Baldino displayed memories of his won races.
© Photo NR-CP Emmanuel Coupaye
“I like cycling in Poitiers. The Ile de Ré is flat. We can't say we're cycling. There, you have to force it. I like difficulties. As long as I can, I don't go electric. I climb all the hills of Poitiers, apart from the very steep one of Montbernage, the Cueille-Aiguë. I climb at my own pace, but I'm happy, it's my pleasure. »
What is your favorite neighborhood and what do you like about it?
“I don’t really have a preference, I like everything about Poitiers. It's a very beautiful city. Angoulême is a beautiful city, but it doesn't have the same charm. I like the city center. I always went by bike to do my shopping at the market halls in Pépito's time. »
Where do you like to go to have a good time?
“When walking, I never go on foot. I'm unhappy with walking. I have a fault, I don't go out, I don't go and play tarot or belote. I need a goal. So, I force myself to take a long trip, for example I go to the Bugellerie. I stop at L'Eau à la bouche for regional products. »
A place to recharge your batteries?
“Blossac, with the entertainment. Tison too, it's a very beautiful place, people relax, it's pleasant. »
Your favorite personality or character from Poitiers?
“No, I don’t really have a favorite personality or character. It's more people I know and like, like the deacon at the cathedral. »
What do you like about the city?
” All ! Architecture, I am very attached to monuments. I go to church to look at the beauty of stone or wood work. »
What annoys you?
“The town hall!” I'm arguing with her. When we need it, we are not received. I wrote to the mayor after a bicycle accident in 2022 due to a small wall, no response. I requested an audience, refused. I sent I don't know how many letters, nothing, I cited several dangerous anomalies for the bikes. »
If you had power, what would you change in the city?
“I would make all parking free to encourage people to come, provided they have a receipt from a store and then we beep. I'm not against making the center pedestrian, but we should make parking free. Not half an hour is not enough, but an hour, an hour and a half, enough time to do your shopping. »
