2023-10-11 02:39:20
On Saturday January 6, 2018, Steve Chainel won the first edition of the Troyes cyclo-cross (Aube). On Sunday November 19, 2023, now retired from the pelotons, the former French champion will be at the edge of the track for the fourth of the fourteen rounds of the Cyclo-cross World Cup. In just a few years, Troyes has made its way to the elite of the discipline. “I immediately sensed a real desire among the organizers to have a great cyclo-cross and, why not, host an international event. There’s something real here, says the ex-runner. Nothing was left to chance. Often, organizers highlight the sporting part and neglect the rest. In Troyes, there is racing and a whole spectacle around it. »
“We want there to be food, music, inflatable games…”
Steve Chainel, former French cyclo-cross champion
Not known for being a great land of cycling, Aube took a liking to the discipline under the leadership of a group of friends, aged 30 to 40, eager to import to their land these events which made them dream in Belgium. “When we started, we didn’t close any doors,” underlines Geoffrey Corniau, one of the members of the organizing committee, a former good runner at national level.
The Henri-Terré complex, where the event will be held, he often trained there with his older brother Guillaume. “It was the perfect place to prepare. When we wanted to launch a cyclo-cross in Troyes, it was obvious to do it there. » From the first edition, Troyes succeeded in attracting the best French people. Renowned foreigners then came to join the party before the Coupe de France stops in 2021 and 2022.
Free entry for all
Troyes also attracted Flanders Classics, the promoter of the World Cup, thanks to the dynamism of the organizing committee. “Since my victory in 2018, I have participated in all editions. I saw the progress of the event, says Steve Chainel. I have nothing against races that have existed for 25 or 30 years but the days are over when people came to see a race and went home…” Indeed, the public wants more. “We come to cyclo-cross as a family. We want there to be food, music, inflatable games… Without this attractiveness, you only attract enthusiasts. »
The communities followed the movement, aware of the positive image that the event conveys for the territory. “Without them, we would never have been able to organize this World Cup,” greets Geoffrey Corniau. In one year, our budget increased from 150,000 to 300,000 euros. » Public money largely amortized by the economic benefits. Last year, Troyes hosted the last two rounds of the Coupe de France on the weekend of December 3 and 4. There are an estimated 2,000 overnight stays linked to the event. 7,000 spectators traveled the circuit during these two days.
French or World Cup, the Troyes rule is immutable: entry will be free. A rarity in the World Cup. “We really wanted to,” breathes Geoffrey Corniau. Charging entry meant putting barriers around the site. It would have been too complicated to manage. » In a little over a month, the cyclo-cross world will have its eyes trained on the Prefecture of Aube. The races will be broadcast on the L’Équipe Channel and Eurosport. With the stars Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel? “They will probably still be on break after their road season but if they want to come, even at the last minute, they are welcome! », says Geoffrey Corniau.
Cyclo-cross World Cup in Troyes, Sunday November 19 at the Henri-Terré complex. Free admission.
Site Internet : www.troyescyclocrossuci.wordpress.com
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