French champion, Amandine Fouquenet recounts her race

Originally from Brielles and now based in Argentré-du-Plessis (Ille-et-Vilaine), Amandine Fouquenet was at the start of French cyclo-cross championship in Pontchâteau (Loire-Atlantique), this Sunday January 12, 2025.

The member ofArkéa-B & B Hotels was one of the favorites and it was she who crossed the finish line in front during the sprint.

The Argentinian cyclist won the tricolor jersey on the Coët-Roz circuit which had already seen her become French champion in 2021.

A very tactical race

Sunday, Amandine Fouquenet was ahead Hélène Clauzel and Célia Gery at the end of a “suspense” race whose thread she unwinds.

“I felt that at the recce, things were going well. On the first lap, I perhaps did a little too much and I probably showed my ambitions too much. Then I needed to breathe and let the others do it. Hélène Clauzel took the lead and I was able to follow from behind. I feared Célia Gery who could attack. So I preferred to be in third position. »

A tricky place, because the runner had to pick up on a few breaks.

“In the last lap, Hélène left and I didn't want to make the effort, because Célia had done less than me during the race. »

Finally, the two runners came back to Hélène Clauzel quite quickly.

In a bumpy turn, I attacked and managed to make a good hole. Then, I took my time in the complicated turns where I could have crashed before the finish.

The end of the race ultimately came down to a sprint. And in this game, it was the Argentinian who was the strongest.

“I was afraid someone would attack me, but no one did. My sports director told me that the wind was at my back, so I started my sprint,” relishes Amandine Fouquenet.

“It was hard from start to finish, because we were all at the same level. I think I was mentally strong. »

A top 10 in the World Cup

Four years after her title, Amandine Fouquenet returns to the blue-white-red jersey.

“It feels good. I am happy to show that the first title was not due to chance. I was able to take it back. »

The Arkéa-B & B Hotels runner hopes that this title will give her wings in the coming weeks, on the occasion of the World Cup.

“I've been trying to make a top 10 for a while. I hope this title will free me. »

The next meeting will be in Besançon on Sunday.

Follow all the news from your favorite cities and media by subscribing to Mon Actu.