Sandra Lévénez is the oldest of the Tour de France Women 2022. At 43, this former duatlhon world champion wants to prove that her age is not a problem to fully enjoy this first edition organized by Amaury Sport Organization (ASO).
From our special correspondent on the Tour de France Women,
Is there an age to live your dreams? Obviously not for Sandra Lévénez, the dean of the Women’s Tour de France. “ I want to enjoy these moments, this privilege of being there “, welcomes the former world champion of duathlon (running and cycling, editor’s note).
At 43, the Breton, born in a region where cycling is a real religion, has dedicated her life to sport. The one who practiced cross-country for a long time (running in nature, editor’s note) was also part of the French triathlon team. In 2019, she won the title of short-distance duathlon world champion for the second time at the Worlds in Pontevedra in Spain.
” My age does not matter, what guides me is the search for performance »
Since 2020, this physical education teacher has dedicated herself solely to cycling. “ Nothing is left to chance anymore, we are really in a high level sport and this Tour de France Women is a recognition for us “explains the runner of the Cofidis training. Sandra Levenez, passionate ” and ” perfectionist ticked off the last stage on Sunday July 31, with a finish at the Super Planche des Belles Filles. Typical climber (1m57, 44kg), she will be keen to be at the front of the race. And it is not his age that will curb his enthusiasm. ” My age does not matter, what guides me is the search for performance “, she explains bluntly.
Moreover, when we talk about the Spanish cyclist Alejandro Valverde, 42 years old, with an encyclopedic track record, the runner agrees without however wanting to compare herself to such a great champion. Moment of humility. One could add that her 43 years remain a vector of experience and that she makes it an asset. ” I started cycling relatively late and I’m on a rather upward phase, believes Sandra Lévénez. I was lucky to come across a period when women’s cycling is expanding and I have to take advantage of it. The rest is literature to answer politely (smile). If I thought about my age on the bike, it wouldn’t be good. It would give me excuses every time I’m not well! Anyway, cycling is a late-maturity sport “. Sandra Lévénez really has the temper of a champion.
” She proves to young people that we must not let go of the case »
And it is not her sports director who will contradict her. ” She proves to young people that we must not let go, emphasizes Gael Le Bellec. She has serenity and above all she is very enduring. His age is not a problem “. At 39, Dutch Annemiek van Vleuten has just won the Women’s Tour of Italy. At 35, her compatriot Marianne Vosthe best female cyclist of all time, is here to win this Women’s Tour de France.
So, Sandra Lévénez has no complex to do, just have fun and prove that dreams are stronger. The main thing is that she can still compete with the competition “. She swallows the miles with the greed of a junior.
On the roads of the women’s Tour de France, Sandra Lévénez will be at the service of her leaders but could also play her personal card for a first victory among the professionals. A well-deserved reward.