2023-06-21 11:48:33
Retiring at age 64, or even beyond, is a concept that suits Jeannie Longo perfectly, an insatiable competitor of… 64 years old. As for the flavor of victory, this is something that Longo will never lose the taste for, despite the years that tick away as surely as the seconds on the stopwatch.
On Saturday, the Grenoble woman, terror of several generations of French competitors, returned to success, winning not far from her home, in the Chrono du Vercors. A time trial contested by teams of two and bringing together 67 competitors, certainly at regional level, but which Longo won “all categories combined”.
This new bouquet is added to the innumerable successes amassed by the Frenchwoman whose prize list, opened in 1979, shines with 59 national titles, 13 world champion titles and an Olympic title.
“When I’m at the start of a race, I tell myself that I still have to make an effort, that I’m not too motivated, and then I get into the game, she said at the microphone of Europe. 1 after the test. When I am told “3, 2, 1, go”, the motivation returns. »
This incredible little piece of woman, 1.64 m for 47 kg, draws her resources from her past as a champion. “I see myself in the years before and I try to run a bit like that,” says Longo, who started cycling at the age of 20. I know that I have aged and that I no longer have the same physical abilities, but I tell myself that I still have beautiful remains. I tell myself that I mustn’t look too bad, that I shouldn’t be ridiculous… Afterwards, we’re going to say to ourselves: That’s Jeannie Longo, she sucks. In my head, I try to run like before. »
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