Cycling: at 30, Julien Pierrat will go pro and run with the Italian champion Rebellin

In recent days, congratulatory messages have poured in, like that of his friend Nacer Bouhanni… At 30, Julien Pierrat had received a beautiful Christmas present before the hour.

The Paris Cycliste Olympique rider (DN2 amateur) will join the professional ranks from July 1 after signing for the Cambodia Cycling Academy team.

Created by one of his former teammates, Samy Aurignac, this formation is based in Alès but operates under a Cambodian license.

Pierrat will have as teammates the indestructible Italian Davide Rebellin, 49, triple winner of the Flèche Wallonne and author of a hat-trick over the Ardennes (Flèche Wallonne, Liège-Bastogne-Liège and Amstel Gold Race) in 2004, as well as Johan Le Good (ex-FDJ, B&B Hotels).

"I know that some will criticize me"

“Eight years ago, I was a trainee in Differdange and it was always a kid's dream to turn pro,” says the person concerned.

I've always been serious, I've never missed a practice.

It's a great reward.

I know that some will criticize me by saying that I am 30 years old, that I did not win a single amateur race last year, that I do not deserve ... But that does not affect me.

For me, the most important thing is to have been honest with my club in Paris.

"

The runner, education assistant in Xertigny in the Vosges, had indeed already signed up for a third season with the PCO.

So as not to hurt anyone, he therefore chose to split his year into two, the first six months with the Parisian team among amateurs, then six months at Cambodia Cycling as pros.

“We found an agreement that suits everyone,” he explains.

The PCO gave me back my confidence and my desire to cycle thanks to sports directors like Guy Gallopin and Théo Bartuccio.

There is a beautiful project, a great atmosphere, and I could not see myself leaving them like that, leaving like a thief.

Especially since they have always helped me by paying my travel expenses to come to the races from the Vosges.

I found them a partner for the wheels, it's my way of thanking them and sending them back to the ascender.

"

He will compete in his last race with the PCO during the French Championships which will take place near his home in Epinal.

After that, it will be the big leap for the professionals.

“I'm not going to change my preparation for the first races in February.

Afterwards, I will try to gradually increase the doses during training.

I don't want to jerk off (sic) at the pros.

Since I work 35 hours a week, I will be riding early in the morning or late at night.

But, it is a question of will.

"

"It's really crazy what happens to me"

If the winner of Paris-Connéré 2016 will have a professional status, he will not receive a salary at Cambodia, just the payment of his expenses.

The foreign Continental teams (3rd pro division) are in fact not subject to the same specifications and regulations as the French teams of this level such as St Michel-Auber 93.

“I'll be a professional cyclist but without being an employee, I know it's a bit ambiguous,” he admits.

That's why I have to ensure my back by keeping a job on the side.

I will also prepare a BPJEPS (Professional Brevet for Youth, Popular Education and Sport).

But I have nothing to lose by embarking on this adventure.

If it goes badly, I would always have the possibility of returning to the amateurs.

It's good pressure.

"

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If the Cambodia team will compete in several races in France at the start of the season, Pierrat should have a more international program when he joins it from July: “In the program, there are races in Asia, the Tour of Colombia, the Tour of Hungary, the Tour of Guadeloupe.

It already makes you want.

I will be able to travel and learn several languages ​​because the team will be very international with Russians, Americans, Italians, Cambodians.

It's really crazy what's happening to me!

"