The French Cycling Federation was under fire from critics on Saturday for having decided to have riders travel in business and women in economy class to join the Worlds in Australia, a choice that it assumes and defends.
On social networks, many Internet users were indignant at this difference in treatment after the publication of an article from Ouest-France revealing that the nine riders of the French men's team, including the reigning double world champion Julian Alaphilippe, make the journey to the Antipodes in more comfortable conditions than the seven runners, but also the rest of the delegation including hopes and juniors, girls and boys, as well as all the staff.
A decision made
This choice, the French Cycling Federation (FFC) assumes it and explains it by the very important budget of the trip.
“It is very very expensive.
Some countries like Ireland have decided not to take part in the World Championships.
We asked ourselves whether we were taking all the categories, especially the juniors.
We did it.
But we do not have the means to put everyone in business”, declared, reached by telephone by AFP, the national technical director Christophe Manin, who gave up the trip for the sake of economy.
It was therefore necessary to choose and for this, the FFC says it was based on one main criterion: the ability to get involved in the fight for the title and the medals.
“For men, we have been world champions for two years.
We really go there to win, while
Before ensuring: "we would have the Mountain Bike World Championships in Australia with the same economic choice to make, we would put the two girls in business and the boys in eco", since Pauline Ferrand-Prévot and Loana Lecomte have better results than men in this discipline.
Two men and two women from the elite French team are already in Wollongong, on the east coast of Australia, to compete in the time trial on Sunday.
Those engaged only in the road race on September 25 must join them on Tuesday.
"I focus on the athlete and I have no energy to lose from the moment that the riders and riders of the France team are proud to wear the colors of the jersey", underlined with AFP coach Thomas Voeckler, who himself traveled by eco to get to Australia.
