Tour de France: Laura Silande, the beekeeper from Caen who is participating in her 3rd Grande loop

Graduate in sports management and competitive cyclist for five years at The Tilly Val de Seulles Universitythe sports enthusiast Laura Silande, a 23-year-old beekeeper, is participating in the 2024 edition of the Tour de France cycle as a caravan driver, for the third consecutive year. Originally from a town near Caen (Calvados), she will evolve within the Cochonou caravan. “I was vice-champion of Normandy time trial in 2018,” she confides. I had good places at the regional level, but at the national level, not so much. » Since Covid, she stopped competitive sport and turned to beekeeping, his new passion.

She wants to democratize beekeeping

She manages on her own account Laurette Bees in Mouen, a beekeeping structure which offers corporate hive rentals. Laura raises awareness among young people by introducing them to beekeeping in an educational manner. Her weeks are punctuated by beekeeping and sport. “I work in beekeeping every day, the goal is to democratize it. On the sports side, I cycle five times a week, even if I no longer compete.” She does not distance herself from sport, however.

I have fond memories of sporting events. This is why I still do the Tour de France, but on the side, I am developing my passion for beekeeping, so that I can make a living from it. I find it incredible.

“It’s really a community life.”

To integrate Cochonoushe went through the box of casting. “It’s very cool: the participants are almost all athletes. Everything is done on purpose, it’s quite sociable. We all have pretty much the same interests. It’s a small family.”

On the Tour de France, his days start very early. At departure and arrival, the Cochonou caravan operators clean the cars. They prepare what they are going to do during the day, including stocks, and also refuel the vehicles. “All the brands are coming together. We rehearse the choreography. We then get into the vehicle, about one to two hours before the runners to be exact. There are all the people cheering for us. We realize that Cochonou is very acclaimed compared to other brands. I think we are the caravan’s favorite brand. » At the end of the stage, they share a moment of conviviality together around a good meal.

“The Tour de France was a part of my childhood”

As a child, she started watching the Tour de France with his grandpa who is a cycling fan. “Everyone in the family loves cycling. I started watching cycling when I was about 8 years old. During the summers, we watched the Tour de France. I think it’s the same for everyone.” Among her memories: drawings she made of Pierre Rolland in the white jersey and Thomas Voeckler in the yellow jersey.

Laura also met some great people on the Grande Boucle, notably the speaker of Cochonou, Damien who became “a daily friend.” Also, during his first Tour de France, with a driver, they stalled on a hill. “I have the videos! The car didn’t want to start again. The spectators pushed us and it started again. It was one of the biggest and funniest anecdotes to tell.”

For her, it’s Pogacar

This year, she will follow the route of the Norman runner Kévin Vauquelin from the Arkéa-B&B Hotels teamwho came out of the same club as her, the Tilly Val de Seulles University. “He has already won against Thibaut Pinot. There is a possibility that he will achieve very good sporting results.”

Of course, she made her predictions. “I would say Tadej Pogacar, because he flew so well in the Giro. I have doubts for Jonas Vingegaard, double title holder, because of his injury. I can’t see Primoz Roglic winning, even if he just won the Dauphiné. “.

You can find Laura on the Tour roads aboard the 2CV Cochonou.

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