If the high amateur level is in great danger in France, the significant reduction in licensees and races is just as worrying. Like the disappearance of the Tour Boischaut-Champagne-Brenne in Indre. Village races practically no longer exist.
“The bicycle is a reflection of society. It no longer attracts young people because it is a hard sport. You have to hurt yourself, the parents don’t care. It’s very expensive, the logistics are important. Very difficult monitoring. »
Even the equipment becomes paid
The observation is clear for Didier Bournand, president of Guidon du Crochu de Veigné in Indre-et-Loire. This year, his club had to cancel a race. “There were only 9 juniors, 8 cadets and 11 femaleshe regrets. There would have been as many vehicles as bicycles. We would have been frowned upon in the town. »
There are also numerous prefectural or municipal constraints. “It’s always more papers”he whispers. “Twenty years ago, communities paid for a racerecalls Frédéric Mainguenaud, president of PSF Niort. Then, the loan of equipment was free. Now, some municipalities charge for the provision of barriers and other equipment. »
His club organizes six to seven events per year. The race for partners is always important. The budgets are considerable. “To organize an elite race, you have to pay between €4,500 and €5,000”points out Benjamin Dupuy, the president of CS Chinonais. On the security side, you now have to pay “ for gendarmerie bikers »adds Frédéric Mainguenaud.
“In Secondigny, I only had two adults”
And volunteers are getting older and fewer. “They are always the same. There are a lot of consumers. In Secondigny, I only had two adults with me at the start”he laments. As for the flaggers, they are regularly attacked by motorists unhappy with the closure of the lanes.
“We must value them. Without them, you don’t have any more races. At the Chinon GP, we offer them a meal and a bottle of red”insists Benjamin Dupuy. The second edition of its race increased from 40 to 140 runners and attracted several DN teams such as Paris, Guidon Chalettois and Chartres. “It’s anything but luck. I called the athletic directors on the phone. There is work behind it. » A nice example to reproduce.
“Cyclists will run less, but run better. We need to rethink our racing modelsagrees Éric Hervouet, the strong man of ACBB Issoudun. They need to be more interesting and exciting. »
Frédéric Mainguenaud goes even further: “In 6-7 years, it will be private or public organizations which will organize races with commitments of €50 or €60. On triathlons or cyclosportives, there are people. It’s a hit. » The bets are on.
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