"Cyclocross is going through a great moment, no doubt, and it's partly because of that trio Mathieu Van der Poel, Wout Van Aert and Thomas Pidcock. In the case of the first two, we are talking about great champions who emerged in cyclocross. Their stories are very important for the sport, just look at the number of races we can watch on television, never less than 45 per year", starts Nicolas Hays, second Team Manager of the Cross Team Legendre.
"Cyclocross appeals to everyone, from beginners to experts. It is the most accessible discipline, and everything happens in one square kilometer, from the competition to the bar and the autograph area, and in one hour of racing" he continues.
"Everything is condensed, with constant attacks, complicated steps, at 180 beats per minute, and a brutal conditioning factor: mechanical uncertainty. Anything can happen. To top it off, the weather, which can be a spectacle, as when it puts the runners to navigate in the mud, fighting against the cold and the rain".
"It's impossible not to empathize with these gladiators," he concludes.
International projection
It all started seven years ago, when Steve Chainel left cycling to work on what is now the cyclocross-oriented Cross Team Legendre. Chainel had been a pro for years and has since become one of Eurosport's cycling faces, while working to make the team "a fertile ground for talent. Already in 2020 it became the third team in the world to achieve the label "UCI Pro CX Team".
A project with a French heart, supported by a name of the powerhouse of Groupe Legendrea company with construction, real estate and energy activities, which has grown to an international dimension thanks to MTB and gravel.
"In 2021, it obtained Pro Series level," recalls Nicolas Hays, "which gave it a place in stage races such as the Tour of Greece or the Tour of Alsace. These are good stages to test our talent ahead of the cyclocross season. We don't forget, therefore, that we are still young, but with the enthusiasm of those who know they are just starting out. That's why we are fast and determined in everything we do. We can never have enough, but that doesn't mean we don't appreciate that our journey has had a lot of merit and that's the best guarantee for the future".
Talent by and for cyclocross
Steve wanted a team dedicated to cyclocross, that's why he created this cross structure, an atypical bet in this universe where cyclocross is usually a preparation discipline for good road racers".
For Nicolas, "managing this team is exciting. Generally, at the beginning of the week, we plan equipment such as bikes and vehicles for the mechanics. In the meantime, the management sets the lines of communication, travel logistics and training plans. In the team, we work like a big family, promoting support among its members.
On the season underway, Nicolas Hays admits that "for Legendre, it is important for the team to dominate in the Coupe de France. In this respect, we have already won two races with our promising Rémi, while Loris has been second in one race. Looking a little further ahead, we want to win the Swiss and French championships."
Team colors
The French tricolor and the Swiss cross would thus enter the colorful inventory of the team's closet, with a jersey that does not go unnoticed: "We were looking for fresh, almost summery colors, in contrast to the colors of winter. There goes red, yellow and pink. I think that Gobik I think he has succeeded in impressing with this camouflage pattern that gives a great visual aspect to our partners".
Nicolas says, "We are fortunate to work with very good brands in their respective fields to offer the best equipment to our riders. In this group are Canyon, Sram, Duke, Challenge, Giro, Oakley, Northwave, Wahoo and ... Gobik.
"We met Gobik We met them at Roc d'Azur last year and were quickly convinced of the quality of their products. After a first test, our riders were happy and appreciated aspects such as durability. We got to work until we found this camouflage," he reinforces.
Let's remember that for Gobikthis is the first cyclocross team.
Now he is thinking about the future: "It will certainly be colorful, as we are working with the prospect of being a continental road team by 2024".
Credits
Photos courtesy ofThomas Maheux and Noam Meresse
