Beninese Hermione Ahouissou is taking part in the World Cycling Championships for the first time, which begin in Zurich this Sunday with the time trial. A historic event for the 26-year-old cyclist, who discovered cycling only three years ago and will become the first cyclist, male or female, to represent Benin at the world level.
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RFI: What does it mean to you to be in Zurich, alongside the biggest stars of world cycling in one of the most prestigious events of the year for your sport? ?
Hermione Ahouissou: It gives me joy, I have a feeling of joy. It allows me to show what I am capable of. I am so happy to be here. It is the first time I am participating in a World Championship, so I will try to do my best.
Have you ever come across any male or female cycling stars? What goes through your head when you find yourself among the best riders in the world?
I always wonder if it’s really real, meeting people like them. It really gives me confidence and the desire to become like them. When I see them, it motivates me.
You are 26 years old, can you tell us how your story with cycling began?
I started cycling at 24, so it’s been almost three years. Before that, I did another discipline, rollerblading. I had a friend who did cycling and who introduced me to this sport. I spoke with the coach, he gave me appointments to test me, to see what I could do. After that he introduced me to Mr. Hazoumè, the president of the Beninese cycling federation. He wanted me to participate in a race that same day, but at that time I hadn’t yet mastered the bike well and it was a bit difficult for me to change gears. But I did my best and I managed to finish 4th. That’s how I started cycling.
How did you become the best Beninese cyclist in two and a half years? ? Is there little opposition or do you simply have natural qualities that have allowed you to stand out from the others? ?
I would say that I have natural qualities. I used to roller skate at a high level and when I started cycling, I found a lot of similarities. As I was the African roller skating champion, my wish is to become the African cycling champion. This goal gave me the most strength to move forward. It is also what allowed me to participate in the World Cycling Championships, because I became the best in the women’s team.
How did the preparation for these World Championships go, particularly during the training camps in Vendée? ? What did you learn there? ?
We learned a lot of things, including how to take turns but also how to stay on the bike during descents, how to position ourselves in the peloton and how to calculate our speed.
This Sunday, you will become the first Beninese cyclist, male or female, to represent Benin at the Road Cycling Championships. How does that feel?
It motivates me to give my best. I think the whole country will try to watch the race and follow me. For my part, I am really motivated as it is the first time I participate in a race like this. I hope to be able to finish the race without falling, because I did the course in reconnaissance today and the level scares me a little. There are descents and turns that are really impressive. I am both stressed and relaxed, I feel both at the same time (laughs).
There are 82 runners from the African continent participating in these Zurich World Championships, a record. Do you feel that an effort is being made to showcase you and give you a better chance of showing yourselves to the world?
It is true that in Africa there are not many cyclists, even fewer women. There are really few of us. As you said, I would like us to continue to be highlighted as is the case now.
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