In Orne, three friends promote their cycling club to the national level

“When we are announced on the microphone by the announcers, they always say: the three Flériens. ” They are inseparable. In the U17 category, Elouan Vincent, Mathis Lecellier and Timothé Mary are part of the top 5 in Normandy in cyclo-cross and put their club forward, Flers cycling 61 (Orne).
The story begins three years ago. “We all started in the first year, but without consulting each other before,” indicate the young cyclists.
Ensemble, they will progress. “We live a few kilometers from each other, last year we were in the same class…” So many elements that promote motivation and the desire to train.

New this year, the trio includes the sports studies section from the Saint-Thomas d’Aquin high school in Flers.

We have arranged schedules and we ride in groups, it’s important to improve. We are more motivated to go out in bad weather conditions.

The new president of the Orne committee, Aymeric Brêteau agrees: “we see real group emulation. »

Excellent results

Since the start of the season in the undergrowth, cyclists have been accumulating rewards.

Ten victories, including the regional and departmental title, for Elouan Vincent, accompanied by a top 10 in the Coupe de France. A victory in Cesson-Sévigné and six podiums for Mathis Lecellier. Five podiums, including a silver medal at the departmental and regional championship, and a top 10 in the Coupe de France for Timothé Mary.

“I wanted to achieve these objectives,” admits the recent Normandy champion of the discipline. Mathis and Timothé wanted to integrate the top 5 Normandy : “it’s more or less successful”, estimates the first, upset by mechanical problems in the regional championship (seventh on the line).

For his part, Timothé Mary admits “his surprise” to finish ninth in the first round of the Coupe de France. “I wanted to get into the points (top 40)…” An objective that he reissued on all contested events.

A love of cyclocross

His performances allowed Elouan Vincent and Timothé Mary to be selected for the French championship which takes place in Pontchâteau, Saturday January 11, 2025.

With what ambitions? “A top 10” for the Normandy champion and “a top 20” for his sidekick. “The top five in the category are above the rest. Then we are around fifteen runners to be able to position oneself, depending on the conditions, the form, the physiognomy of the race…”

One thing is certain, young cyclists enjoy the winter discipline.

It’s my favorite discipline. When you’re a crossman, you’re happy with the mud.

Mathis confirms: “I like to be in the mud with the guys, even if the road remains my priority activity. » “I prefer to do cross-country skiing instead of a long break,” concludes Timothé, who also stands out in mountain biking.

A great outlook for the future

Three cyclists and three different profiles on the bike. ” I am a mad dog », announces the man with ten victories this winter. “I only attack, because sprinting is not that. I’m powerful, but not very technical. »

Conversely, Timothé relies on his maneuverability, “thanks to mountain biking”, while Mathis has a good burst of speed and “likes long climbs. »

Three spearheads for the future of the Ornais club which will extend the dynamic with the road calendar, starting in the spring. “We have six U17 runners, which will allow us to take part in important races,” explains Philippe Durand, the president of the association. “It’s the best way to progress. »

And attractive program for young cyclists who continue to move forward in packs.

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