Of the two South Africans who are engaged in the Tour de France Women, the young Frances Janse van Rensburg discovers the high level. Having turned professional this season, she arrived in Europe in 2021 at the World Cycling Center in Switzerland.
From our special correspondent on the Tour de France Women,
Sitting quietly in her sports director’s car, the South African Frances Janse van Rensburg savors the spectacle around her. One hour before the start of the third stage which takes the riders to Épernay on July 26, dozens of spectators came to greet them, admire the cycling equipment, enjoy this extension of the Tour de France spirit, this time with the girls. .
Incredulous at the idea of doing the women’s Tour de France
Far from her hometown near Durban, Frances Janse van Rensburg widens her eyes, raises her nose in the air, and even wonders what she is doing there. ” If someone had told me that I would one day do the Tour de France, I would have taken it as a joke “, she laughs.
The 21-year-old girl arrived on the Old Continent to spend several months at the World Cycling Center in Aigles, Switzerland. After a few races in France, she was spotted by the Stade Rochelais Charente-Maritime team and signed her first professional contract. ” It’s like a big dream, I’ve only been in Europe for a year and already in a major race. My family always said: “one day you will do the Tour de France” and I said: “No, that’s not possible” “. For the moment, she has passed between the drops of the many falls which have knocked down several girls and left the Italian Marta Cavalli, considered one of the big favorites of this round, on the floor.
Bike and tribute to his deceased father
After having to deal with the death of his father, his family buys him his first bike during one of the posthumous birthdays of the dad. ” My father was a cycling fan, it was a way of paying homage to him. He followed all the races. He wanted me to compete. Often I think of him when I’m on my bike “, she explains with modesty. Frances Janse van Rensburg started with mountain biking in 2015 and turned to the road in 2018. From now on, she crosses the women’s Tour de France with the South African champion’s jersey on her shoulders.
With several titles to her credit on the African continent, in particular that of African champion on the road hopes in Cairo in 2021, Frances Janse van Rensburg continues to learn.
” All my friends and family follow me during this race. I call them often and hope to do my best to make them proud “says the eldest of the four daughters Janse van Rensburg. In the meantime, she is thoroughly enjoying this somewhat crazy and unprecedented week for women’s cycling. “ At each arrivalwith the public screaming, I have goosebumps “, admits Frances Janse van Rensburg.