French cyclists compete in Shanghai

Bryan Coquard, 34, and Benjamin Thomas, 31, will compete individually and together in the Madison event during the World Championships in Shanghai, which runs from Wednesday to Sunday. The French team is entering a key phase of Olympic qualification.

Athletes’ backgrounds and achievements

Coquard, who was world champion in 2015 with Morgan Kneisky, and Thomas, who won gold in the omnium at the Paris 2024 Olympics, will be competing in several individual events and the Madison on Sunday. Coquard has 56 career victories, including a stage in the Tour of Spain, while Thomas won a stage in the Tour of Italy in 2024.

Coquard’s Olympic aspirations

Coquard said he was inspired to pursue an Olympic title after watching Thomas win gold in Paris. "When I saw Benjamin with his gold medal, I thought: that's what I'm missing," Coquard said. He acknowledged the challenge of balancing family life with the demands of track cycling, noting that he is already away 250 days a year.

Training and preparation

Despite his achievements, Coquard knows nothing is guaranteed for the Olympics. He has been training regularly at the Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines velodrome since late April. He emphasized the need to work hard to achieve his goal of becoming an Olympic champion.

Team dynamics and coach’s view

Coquard and Thomas have a strong relationship, with Samuel Monnerais, their endurance coach, noting their "incredible energy and enthusiasm." Thomas said they get along well and have inspired each other over the years, citing Coquard’s professionalism as an example.

Challenges and goals ahead

The pair will undergo a "full-scale test" in Shanghai to identify areas for improvement. Thomas warned that "the level of the track has increased a lot" and emphasized the need to approach the competition with humility. Both cyclists believe in their project, citing their experience from previous Olympics and their ability to combine road and track cycling.