Étienne Oliviero, you win your last French champion title, the fourth this week* in the final of the Keirin U19 men. How did you feel about this last “France” Avenir race?
A little tired. The week was long, the nights not short, but almost. Despite everything, this last day went rather well. I had good legs in qualifying. I came across the “biggest semi-final” and I knew that if I passed this test, first place would be achievable. I finished first in the semi-finals. And finally, I started the final with a little pressure. I saw Matthias (Sylvanise, Guadeloupe) start very well. I said to myself: “That’s it, we have to go!” » He was ten, twelve meters ahead, I came back and took off and ended up overtaking him in the last turn. We ended with a beautiful “photo finish” and I won.
What objectives did you set for these French Avenir Track Championships?
To be present on all the podiums. It's successful. And to do the times that I usually do in big competitions, there too, I'm quite happy. Now time for a little rest before resuming the Elite championships.
What feeling does it give to ride “at home” in front of an audience committed to your cause?
It's nice. This helped me, especially on the kilometer test. In the last lap, it's just mental, you can't feel your legs anymore, the encouragement pushed me.
What title do you now have in your sights?
Why not the Elite kilometer. This is the event on which I perform the best. Then, next year, I hope to join the Olympic Center in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines to become a professional athlete.
If you had one dream to achieve in your career as a cyclist, what would it be?
The absolute dream would be to be an Olympic champion and the “attainable” dream would be to participate in the Olympics…
* Team speed, U19 kilometer and individual speed, Keirin U19.
France
