“I know almost all the racetracks in France. "If the routes of the Tour de France, which he is preparing to follow as an ambassador for the organizer ASO, no longer hold any secrets for Sylvain Chavanel, who ran the Grande Boucle without stopping between 2001 and 2018, the a former cyclist is also a regular at the racetracks. “My father was a racer. With my brothers and sister, we spent a few afternoons in the daycare centers of the racetracks where he went to watch the races. "
For the first time in his life, Sylvain Chavanel will be this Friday not in the stands, but on the track of the country hippodrome of Luxé (Charentes). And, rather than shorts, he'll put on a light blue and yellow gown of the owner of Daisy des Charmes , his partner for this baptism of fire. A few hours before his big debut, the former top athlete does not hide a certain excitement. “It's always special a first. I will especially be careful not to do anything, especially at the start. As I remain a competitor, I want to win but I am aware that it will not be easy. If I fail, I will make it up to myself by telling myself that my first bike races were not exceptional (laughs). "
If his initial objective is to "have fun with modesty and with respect for the animal", Sylvain Chavanel has given himself the means to succeed in what is an old passion. “Driver racing stuck in my head during my career as a professional cyclist. I didn't have too much time, but I got to know Philippe Daugeard (coach of Daisy des Charmes ), who rides a lot. He put me on a sulky and I really liked the sensations, especially the speed. "
"As in a cycling race, it rubs and you have to be well placed at the decisive moment"
Before embarking on the competition, the multiple champion of France, on the road and against the clock, took care to improve. “Twice a week, I go to Jean-Jacques Beausse, a trainer who is based not far from my home in Chouppe (Vienne). This allows me to learn to take good care of the horses for the care, the harness. This morning (Friday) I even tried a running sulky for the first time (shorter than the ones intended for training). It's impressive because you can see the whole body of the horse in motion. We really realize that he is a high level athlete. "
Last training and 1st with sulky race (Emir du Bouillon) before the competition this evening and Sunday the same day as the French CLM championship😍😍 #trot #driveramateur #sensation #sanspression # applied… https://t.co/n6IkmA21r3
- Sylvain Chavanel (@chava_sylvain) August 21, 2020As he could do before starting a cycling race, Sylvain Chavanel took care to look at the layout of the stage, or rather the route, which he will take this evening. “The coach did not put pressure on me and I will do my best to respect his instructions. But I know that the Luxé slope is a bit special, especially the entrance to the last bend which is sloping. “Not enough to destabilize the one who has practiced track cycling a lot. “Horse racing reminds me of events on a velodrome, like a points race. It rubs and you have to know how to be well placed at the decisive moment. "
But the former tracker gives himself time before going to elbows on his sulky. “The right reflexes in the race will not come overnight. It takes time for automatisms to be created. For my debut, I'm not going to step aside from the field, but I will still avoid rubbing the wheels. "
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Proof of his involvement, even at the amateur level, Sylvain Chavanel will be on the track again on Sunday at La Ferté-Vidame (Eure-et-Loir). “The goal is to have fun. If I don't win this week, I'll try again after the Tour de France. Because the bike is still an integral part of Sylvain Chavanel's life, who will be in the caravan for ASO. Perhaps he will allow himself a small detour via a racecourse, in order to combine his two passions.