Lucie Elizalde (Nouvelle Aquitaine) won the French U17 Girls Cyclo-cross Championship this Saturday in Pontchâteau (Loire-Atlantique). She beat Lana Le Guilloux (Brittany) and Justine Mesnard (Ile-de-France) after 29 minutes of racing (see ranking).
Lucie Elizalde succeeds Lise Revol (South Region) on the list.
Find below the reactions of the silver and bronze medalists, collected by DirectVelo at a press conference.
Reactions
Go to the reaction of:
Silver medalist
“I’m obviously a little disappointed because I wasn’t far from the title, but I’m a first year Cadet so it’s not so bad. It’s the best race I’ve done this year.
As the race progressed, I saw that I was coming back (on Lucie Elizalde, Editor’s note)which gave me confidence. I didn’t expect to come back to the hills so quickly. Once I got back on her, the stress mounted, I told myself that I was perhaps going to become French Champion. I made a cleat error twice and that’s why I lost the title on the last two stairs. I can’t really tell, straight away, if I’m more satisfied than disappointed.
The course was good for me. I’m not at the top technically so it was good to have this circuit above all physical. It was better than all the rounds of the Coupe de France which, each time, were more technical. It was a chance for me. I heard people cheering for me all the way, they were shouting, we didn’t understand anything but it was a real boost. »
L. LE GUILLOUX
Bronze medalist
“I’m happy. I’m C1, it’s crazy to make a podium here. I never imagined I could do it, but I’m still disappointed not to win the jersey. Lucie (Elizalde) was stronger.
The course was too smooth for me. I would have preferred there to be running portions because I like the change of pace. I still lack the strength and power for rolling circuits like this. This podium motivates me even more for next season.
At the start of the season, I aimed for the Top 5 but by obtaining my first podiums, I revised my ambitions upwards. Throughout the season, I train with the boys, it pushes me to the top.
Apart from the first round of the Coupe de France, I managed to be consistent throughout the season in the national events. I am happy with my season. »
J. MESNARD
France
