Unlike the sun, we didn't have to wait until the end of June to see the riders of Team Komugi - Grand Est go on the offensive this year. Actress of this great collective emulation, we are taking the wheel of Victoire Joncheray for a second consecutive year within our partner training.
A solo escape on Paris-Roubaix, on the offensive in the Italian races or even wearing the polka dot jersey on the Tour of the Pyrenees, Victoire Joncheray likes to be at the front. Last year, she told us that she had learned a lot and thought she had a lot of room for improvement . 2024 seems to have confirmed everything with a new milestone reached:
“Yes, it’s incredible, I still can’t believe it! Everything that happens to me this year is magical! We worked hard for this with Claire (Editor's note: Claire, member of the staff and coach of the team) , it's really nice to see that the recipe works, and I don't know my limit yet, we still have plenty of things to optimize. I am also much more relaxed, I no longer have to prove what I can do, this allows me to approach races more calmly. I take great pleasure in going on the attack, I also like when I play the general in stage races. I'm discovering a lot of things this year, that's obvious!
Like last year, everything is going very well within the team. The atmosphere is family, the staff listens and encourages us to express our needs. The fact that the staff is partly salaried has also changed the way we operate a little, it is much more homogeneous and professional. In terms of runners, there are fewer of us this year and much closer, we also know each other better!
Having played a role in the team's graphic charter (Editor's note: Victoire has a master's degree in web design) , it's always incredible to be able to wear and experience all that with a jersey that I made myself! I'm still very lucky! Afterwards, in the middle of the season, I admit I have to look at it a little further! »
In an ecosystem that is only progressing, the Komugi - Grand Est team is a good example. Professionalization of the team, evolution of the runners, international race calendar, our partner training continues its transformation towards excellence. For this second year at the continental level, the team had the opportunity to take the start of a renowned race, Paris-Roubaix. Victoire was able to taste the Hell of the North and left her mark in her own way by being the only athlete to manage to escape from the peloton. A memorable moment for any athlete that we can follow inside right here and through his words:
“I still have stars in my eyes when I think about it, that day will remain engraved in my memory! It was also the first time I managed a breakaway, my parents were at the side of the road, I took advantage of every kilometer. Although I admit that in the end it was still very painful. Especially since I was originally the second substitute, the team really wasn't keen on me doing the race because of the high risk of falling! I still did the reconnaissance of the route, and my background as a mountain biker really helped me! I wouldn't say I love cobblestones, but it wasn't as bad as advertised! At the finish, the whole team arrives at the velodrome and that was also incredible to experience. »
In mid-June, it is time to take stock of the season. Like last year, with a particular affection for the Italian races where the Lyon athlete took places of honor (6th in the Trofeo Ponente in Rosa and 7th in the Giro Mediterraneo Rosa):
“Ahaha, it’s their completely rutted roads and their technical descents that I like most, I think! I really like taking action, but also playing general, that amuses me; there is a real strategy to put in place at each stage, I really like it! This first part of the season has gone by so quickly, I especially remember that each time I push my physical and mental limits a little more. I am 100% fulfilled in this lifestyle, I want to see how far I can go! Obviously, I'm extremely happy and sometimes I take the time to look behind me and tell myself that it's only my 4th year of cycling! But you also have to think about what’s next and how to do even better! Many more adventures await me. »
And the rest is coming very quickly, with the national championships this weekend where Victoire and the girls of the Komugi - Grand Est team will try to leave their mark on the race:
“We have just returned from a great Tour of the Pyrenees, I admit that I feel quite fit! I didn't prepare specifically for France. I'm waiting to explore the route to see what it's possible to do! It's my 4th French championship, I've never had a poor performance, it's a race that I love doing! I'll do the best I can, that's for sure! Our racing schedule is quite light for the end of the season, my next big goal will be the Tour d'Ardèche in September! Afterwards, I see myself on my bike with lots of more crazy things done! »
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Thanks to Victoire Joncheray - professional runner - Komugi Grand Est for the time given and to Noam Meresse , Billy Ceusters and Xavier Pereyron for the photo credits.
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