Race preview: French CX Championships
Amandine Fouquenet and Anaïs Morichon will defend the colors of the Arkéa Pro Cycling Team this Sunday on the circuit of Bagnoles de l’Orne (Normandy).
“After the last World Cup round in Zonhoven on a very difficult circuit, the important thing was to recover well this week. This French championship is the big goal of the season: I had the chance to win it in 2021. When you have tasted the tricolour jersey, you have only one desire: to win it back. The Bagnoles de l’Orne circuit is very physical and has changed very little compared to last season when I won the French Cup there. On a circuit like this, the level between the girls can be more homogeneous. But the weather can also make it more complicated. The start will be important. It’s my strength this season but I shouldn’t focus too much on that. I know that I will have to stay calm, not get carried away because the race will be long.”
“I’m approaching these championships with confidence. For many girls, it is the big goal of the season. I love the circuit of Bagnoles de l’Orne, it has often been successful for me in the past. Even if I won the French Cup this season, I think I’ll start as an outsider. I don’t put any particular pressure on myself. I have put all the elements on my side to be ready with the desire to do well. The race and the legs will decide the rest.”