Juliette Labous Crowned French Road Racing Champion
Juliette Labous achieved a significant milestone in her career by winning the French road racing championship for the first time. The 25-year-old cyclist, who previously won the time trial in 2020, completed the 125 km race between Avranches and Saint-Martin-de-Landelles. Labous demonstrated her offensive strategy by breaking away from the leading peloton 10 km from the finish line and ultimately winning the sprint ahead of Gladys Verhulst-Wild.
Labous expressed her joy and determination after the race, stating, 'I just ran. I didn't feel good at the start of the race, it got better and better afterwards.' She also acknowledged the efforts of her teammate Églantine Rayer, who played a crucial role in her victory. Labous is now looking forward to the Giro and the women's Tour de France, where she aims to build on her impressive fifth-place finish in the Grande Boucle last year. Additionally, Labous will be part of the French team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, alongside Audrey Cordon-Ragot and Victoire Berteau.
Exciting Prospects for the 2024 French Road Cycling Championships
The 2024 French road cycling championships are set to take place in Normandy, specifically within the Manche department. The men's road race, scheduled for Sunday, promises to be a thrilling event with a route that spans 240 kilometers. The race will start from Place Littré in Avranches and will include thirteen laps of a 16 km circuit before concluding in Saint Martin de Landelles. The course, reminiscent of the Polynormande, features several challenging bumps, such as the Côte de la Vallée, Côte du Pigeonnier, and Côte des Biards.
The race is expected to attract French punchers, including Benoit Cosnefroy, the regional favorite and winner of the Polynormande in 2019. Other notable contenders include the title holder Valentin Madouas, young talents Axel Laurance and Axel Zingle, and seasoned riders like Julian Alaphilippe and Christophe Laporte. Bryan Coquard, who recently found success in the Tour de Suisse, is also a strong contender for the tricolor jersey.
Romain Bardet Announces Retirement Plans
Romain Bardet, a prominent figure in French cycling, has announced his retirement plans. The 33-year-old cyclist will participate in the upcoming Tour de France and will continue to compete until the end of the season. Bardet plans to retire from road cycling after the Critérium du Dauphiné in June 2025 and will then focus on gravel racing. Bardet's illustrious career includes a second-place finish in the Tour de France in 2016, a third-place finish in 2017, and notable performances in one-day races and the Giro.
- The 2024 French road cycling championships will also feature other events, including cyclocross and time trials. The men's road race, however, remains the highlight of the championships, with a challenging course designed for punchers.
- Juliette Labous's victory in the French road racing championship is a testament to her resilience and determination. Her performance in the upcoming Giro and women's Tour de France will be closely watched by cycling enthusiasts.
- Romain Bardet's transition to gravel racing marks a new chapter in his career. His passion for long-distance mountain biking and gravel racing aligns with his approach to cycling, which emphasizes freedom and adventure.
