Pauline already told us a few weeks ago that "the goal of the year is the Olympic Gameswithout a doubt. It is the most special race. It's clear that the pressure is brutal because it's held every four years, but it's the only big one missing from my list of winners and I always want more.”.
World champion in MTB, road and cyclo-cross.For the rider from Reims, it is obvious that the Olympic gold medal is the first and almost the only option. However, she knows better than anyone that the task is far from easy, as Tokyo will be her third time at the great celebration of world sport.
Of course, the first time she was called for a Games, London 2012, it was a double call: "I was called for the road race and the MTB. I suffered a fall while training with the MTB and, as the second biker on the team, I had to manage to go alone to the hotel, the selection was very focused on the first rider Julie Besset, who also had a fall".
A bitter experience far removed from the Olympic dream, which she does not wish on others because "for me, equality between athletes is something non-negotiable, it is the key to sport".
The excellence of sport
"In my opinion, the Olympic Games are excellence in sport, the maximum to achieve. It is a very special day, unique. Anything can happen," he describes of the competition day.
"We have experienced a postponement of the Games," he continues, "but I have not done badly. I had an injury in 2019 and went through surgery early last year for a problem with the iliac vein. Like two-time world champion, in 2019 and 2020I was guaranteed to be selected, but you are not sure, until it becomes official".
For Pauline "the Games are a driving force for training. Unlike other times, it will be the first time I'm only going to race MTB. I've focused exclusively, I didn't even do cyclocross last winter because of the injury. I've changed things in my preparation that I want to test and focus on the Games, the big goal right now where I want to go with my best form. Everyone is looking at Tokyo.
What hasn't changed is the support of Gobikwearing the Absolute AbsalonTheir support is constant throughout the year. I really appreciate their bib shorts, a very comfortable piece, but also the technical side of their products".
He knows the circuit, to the point that, in the pre-Olympic, he had an accident and broke his nose: "I'm very proud of his support.It's an uncomfortable and technical course, with no places to rest.. I love it, it's a challenge that demands total concentration, without pause".
He points out to Rebecca McConell, a Jenny Rissveds, Haley Batten... "They come on very strong, but in my opinion, I have to focus on my own, because I can't control them. In the end, you are your own main rival.
Her date in Tokyo is Tuesday, July 27.
Photos: Paul Foulonneau
