The Frenchwoman won the silver medal in the time trial (C5). Her second silver medal at these Games.
Silver medalist in the 3000 m pursuit (C5) on the track, Heïdi Gaugain won another medal this Wednesday on the circuit around Clichy-sous-Bois (14.2 km). She set off in the first event of the day at 8am, only to be beaten (by 4”69) by the British legend Sarah Storey. In tears after her first silver medal (beaten by Marie Patouillet) on the Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines velodrome, Heïdi Gaugain (born with agenesis of the left arm) was, this time, all smiles. After a difficult morning wake-up: “I got up at 4:20. Marie woke up, we weren’t sleeping anymore. At 4:50, I ate, then we took the shuttle at 5:00. It really wasn’t easy. Fortunately, I slept well, I went to bed at 8:40. Now, I’m going to have breakfast and go back to sleep. Running at 8:00 is not cool.”
Before returning to his race: “Damn…, it sucks. 4”. But if I had been told this morning that I would finish 4” (behind the British Sarah Storey). Last year, she put me over a minute behind, for me she was untouchable. On a circuit like that, there were bends everywhere, the 4 seconds, it was maybe a hit and miss, but I gave the best of myself and it proves that I am in shape for Friday (road race). I will try to enjoy the podium more. Storey is a legend. I am coming up against her. I hope that later I will be a legend like her. The Australian (Alana Forster), it’s a great podium, girls who ride well. I am looking forward to the road race, I will try not to do anything, not to panic. It gives me confidence.”
