2023-12-01 10:25:31
Their qualification for the French team is a bit like the birth date of their new association. Célia Jolly, volunteer coach, and Julien Vallois, experienced practitioner, now run under the colors of Roller Sport Troyes. Very focused on team sport and hockey, their former club Troyes Roller no longer allowed speed and cross-country enthusiasts to fully flourish. “We really want to develop roller skating in the department, and obviously a little more racing, because that’s what we do, but we are open to all disciplines. », Indicates Célia, also president of Roller Sport Troyes. “At least there, we talk between people who have the same passion. It will be easier to have projects and move the club forward,” adds Julien. “We did not have the same objectives and the same financial demands, because they practice a team sport and we an individual sport”
These two enthusiasts fell into the roller skating pot at a very young age, from the age of 10 for Julien, a farmer in life, even earlier for Célia “I had my father who helped in a roller club. I won a pair when I was 5 years old. I put them on and haven’t taken them off! », exclaims the school teacher. At 32, she has become an expert in Roller Course, currently leading the French Marathon Cup. “On long-distance races, there can be attacks. Sometimes we need rest time too, we have to manage all that, plus the skating technique,” explains the young woman. “You have to be very precise in pushing your foot and pushing to the side. You have to use your thighs correctly so as not to get too tired. On racing skates, the ankle is not supported. There is therefore a lot of strength training to be done, because you have to use it as if you were slaloming, without falling! “.
An expensive trip for athletes who have to fend for themselves.
If Célia Jolly quickly became immersed in competition, Julien Vallois only really got into it at the age of 25. “I was skating alone for a long distance, 30 km. I loved participating in the night hike in the city of Troyes. I often rode at the head of the procession, I am someone who loves adrenaline! “. Club practice in Troyes very quickly opened the doors to competition for him. “It was never easy to achieve good senior positions against the elites. But it’s great to start around multiple world champions.” Enough to give the experience that was lacking to the young 36-year-old veteran, who has been on the podium many times and won the Coupe de France last season.
The world championships under the blue jersey? “It’s my first selection for the French team and I’m proud of it, it’s what I was looking for! », relishes Julien who is aiming for a Top 5. “It’s a climax, because we are not an Olympic discipline”, underlines Célia with a touch of regret. The two athletes intend to take advantage of the moment and also discover a country that they do not know. A challenge that will cost them dearly, nearly 4,000 euros for both of them, because the federation only takes care of their registration. Both have opened an online fundraiser, with no time limit, to relieve their finances a little.
#Aubois #selected #Roller #world #championships