It is thanks to the track that Emmanuel Houcou reached the high level and it is on the track that the neo-pro from the Conti Arkéa-B&B Hôtel gave his first pedal strokes of the season, at the occasion of the French Track Championship in Loudéac. “The sensations are correct here, we still need to refine the tactics and the racing strategy a little so that it goes a little better. This is my first block of intensity, it will be very important for the start of the season. There will be big goals that will arrive very quickly, I will certainly be at the European Track Championship, hence the interest in doing intensities here. I hope this will do me good for my start to the season“, he comments for DirectVelo.
Its road season will begin at the end of January thanks to the mix between the WorldTeam and its reserves. “Normally, I will resume in Mallorca with the WorldTour. I'm happy that the team trusts me. I tried to have a serious winter with my new coach Pierre Gouault. We've worked pretty well so far. I hope I can be useful for the WorldTour team and perform well“.
“MY FIRST ADVICE WOULD BE TO BELIEVE IN YOURSELF”
The former member of AVC Aix is therefore taking an important step in his career. “First of all, I am satisfied to be in Conti and to be able to move on to pro. It is the fruit of work that has been going on for a long time after three full seasons with Aix. Other steps remain to be taken, he admits. There are new goals. I hope I can continue my momentum, stay motivated and serious, disciplined and hope that everything goes well“. The Arkéa-B&B Hôtels reserve has been following in the footsteps of runner 21 for a year. “Léonard Cosnier contacted me at the start of the season, from my first results“The two men know each other well thanks to the track.”It happened after my 2nd place in Paris-Troyes. We then saw each other in France and it was decided very quickly at the end of June-beginning of July“.
Becoming a pro cyclist for a rider born in Martinique requires leaving his family. “Since I was little, I knew that I wanted to cycle at a high level and become a pro. I tried to give myself the means. Being in Martinique, if you want to perform at a high level, you have to come to mainland France. This is what I did as soon as I had the opportunity thanks to the Pôle France overseas. I tried to make the right career choices, which is why I find myself here today“So how can we ensure that other West Indian Hopes follow his example?”My first advice would be to believe in yourself, give yourself the means and tell yourself that it is possible. They have the potential. You have to be motivated and passionate, the results will follow“But overseas riders also have to overcome an additional hurdle.”The back and forth quickly becomes financially complicated. But it's a necessary step, I think. Afterwards, we can also perform very well by staying there. The high level takes place in Europe, we don't really have a choice if we want to evolve and perform at a high level.“.
France
Cycling
