On Wednesday 15th June, Loana Lecomte and Thomas Griot came to Les Gets as part of their preparation for the UCI MTB World Championships.
On the programme: reconnaissance of the cross-country circuit with their coach Yvan Clolus and meeting with the local media.
We asked the two athletes of the French cross-country team what they think of the track and how they see these special 2022 Worlds in France.
Loana Lecomte
“The XCO track is very good. It’s the same as last year with some changes. I can’t wait to see how the track will be laid out for the race because it will also depend on the weather conditions. I wouldn’t mind some rain the day before the race to make it a bit slippery and more technical. I approach these World Championships like any other competition. I don’t want to put more pressure on myself because we are riding at home. But the fact that my family and friends are here is a big plus!”
Thomas Griot
“The circuit is complete with two climbs that are physically demanding and technical sections that test the abilities and commitment of the athletes. I still have a great season ahead of me to prepare for the World Championships: the French Championships in July, 4 World Cup rounds and the European Championships. I’m happy to be racing in Les Gets because this is where I did my first competition in the French Young Mountain Bikers Trophy in 2010!”
Yvan Clolus, coach of the French XCO team
“The objective today was to discover the new features of the track, even if Loana and Thomas already know the characteristics of the circuit, as they raced here during the World Cup last year. Beyond the prestige of the competition, these Mountain Bike World Championships “at home” are a dress rehearsal before the Paris 2024 Olympics.”
