Cyclo-Cross: A French Affair in Dijon
Ah, cyclo-cross—the only sport where you can enjoy the thrill of mud, sweat, and the occasional existential crisis all at once! This November 1st, while the Belgians were busy perfecting their waffle recipes during the Koppenbergcross, the French decided to steal a bit of the limelight with the Dijon International Cyclo-Cross. And let’s be honest here, the Dijon mustard joke writes itself—it’s all about the ‘kick’ on the track and off!
Women’s Elite Victory: Amandine Vidon Rides to Glory
In the Elite Women category of this 4th edition, we saw a brilliant performance from Amandine Vidon, a sprightly 24-year-old representing the Ardennes CrossTeam Gecibat. Not only did she manage to outrun the competition, but she also made history by succeeding the Belgian Jinse Peeters, proving that yes, the French can indeed ride faster than they can run from their reputation for being ‘not so sporty’! Amandine was trailed closely by the emerging talent Alexandra Valade (just 19!) and the seasoned veteran Perrine Clauzel, who, let’s be honest, probably has more cyclo-cross stories than most of us have fit in our lifetimes.
Male Domination: Valentin Remondet Strikes Again
But hold your horses, as the men’s race was no less exciting! Valentin Remondet, also from the Ardennes CrossTeam Gecibat, stormed his way to victory, marking himself as the first-ever double winner of this event. At 25, he’s already designed a fine blueprint for success: wiggle, sweat, win, and then presumably have a croissant as a reward. He finished ahead of Damien Concrete (sounds like a stage name, doesn’t it?) and last year’s runner-up Nicolas Reculeau. One can only imagine the joyous French banter exchanged between these athletes, likely interspersed with jabs about who can eat the most baguettes. Ah, France—where competitiveness is served fresh daily!
Social Media Buzz
As the races unfolded, social media erupted in a flurry of excitement! Here’s Amandine Vidon smashing through the finish line:
Amandine Vidon (Ardennes Cross Team Gecibat) wins the UCI cyclo-cross in Dijon pic.twitter.com/pwmclNU4dh
— Bien Public Sport (@BienPublicSport)
November 1, 2024
And Valentin Remondet leading the pack like a March Hare on a mission:
Valentin Remondet in the lead in the UCI cyclo-cross of Dijon pic.twitter.com/rgEMxFWLml
— Bien Public Sport (@BienPublicSport)
November 1, 2024
Conclusion: The Spirit of Competition
In the end, while other sports might have their rhinestone-studded athletes with perfectly coiffed hair and dazzling smiles, cyclo-cross seems to embody the spirit of gritty determination. Where it’s all about grit, resilience, and somehow managing to look fabulous in knee-deep mud. Bravo to Amandine and Valentin for reminding us that cyclo-cross is not just a race, it’s an exhilarating test of will. And in Dijon, this year, the fastest riders weren’t just French; they were downright magnificent.
On Tuesday, November 1st, cyclo-cross enthusiasts had plenty to cheer about as races unfolded not only in Belgium but also in France, showcasing the sport’s international appeal. One standout event was the Dijon International cyclo-cross (C2), hosted by the local SCO Dijon organization. In the fiercely competitive Elite Women category, 24-year-old Amandine Vidon, representing Ardennes CrossTeam Gecibat, clinched victory in the 4th edition of the race. Vidon’s triumph marked a significant milestone as she triumphed over a strong field, succeeding last year’s winner, Belgian rider Jinse Peeters. Following her were two other talented French riders: the promising Alexandra Valade, just 19 years old, and seasoned competitor Perrine Clauzel, 30, who happens to be the older sister of French champion Hélène Clauzel.
Video – 3rd, Perrine Clauzel is Hélène’s sister
Amandine Vidon (Ardennes Cross Team Gecibat) wins the UCI cyclo-cross in Dijon pic.twitter.com/pwmclNU4dh
— Bien Public Sport (@BienPublicSport) November 1, 2024
French hat-trick among men
The men’s race produced yet another exciting result, with 25-year-old Valentin Remondet, also from Ardennes CrossTeam Gecibat, securing the victory. This impressive win marks Remondet’s second consecutive triumph in Dijon, making him the first athlete to etch his name on the winners’ list twice since the event’s inception. He outpaced competitors Damien Concrete from UC Pélussin and Nicolas Reculeau from Team Guevel Roadborn, the latter finishing as the runner-up to Remondet last year.
Valentin Remondet in the lead in the UCI cyclo-cross of Dijon pic.twitter.com/rgEMxFWLml
— Bien Public Sport (@BienPublicSport) November 1, 2024
**Interview with Amandine Vidon: Cyclo-Cross Champion of Dijon**
*Interviewer:* Congratulations, Amandine, on your impressive victory at the Dijon International Cyclo-Cross! How does it feel to win this race and succeed last year’s champion?
*Amandine Vidon:* Thank you so much! It feels absolutely incredible. Winning this race was a huge goal for me, especially since I knew the competition would be tough. To follow in the footsteps of Jinse Peeters and claim the title is just an amazing honor.
*Interviewer:* You had a close race with both Alexandra Valade and Perrine Clauzel. What was going through your mind during those final laps?
*Amandine Vidon:* It was intense! I knew I had to keep pushing because both Alexandra and Perrine are such strong riders. When we hit the final lap, I just focused on my technique and tried to maintain my speed. I could hear the crowd’s energy, and that motivated me to dig deeper.
*Interviewer:* As a member of the Ardennes CrossTeam Gecibat, how has your team prepared for this season?
*Amandine Vidon:* My team has been instrumental in my preparation. We’ve been training hard together, focusing on different aspects of cyclo-cross—everything from strength conditioning to tactics for racing. The support and camaraderie we share is tremendous, and it makes all the difference when you’re out there racing.
*Interviewer:* You mentioned before that you love the spectacle of cyclo-cross—the mud, the chaos—what keeps you coming back to this unique sport?
*Amandine Vidon:* Absolutely! Cyclo-cross is unlike any other sport. The unpredictable conditions make every race an adventure. I thrive on the challenge it presents. Plus, the community is fantastic; everyone is passionate and supportive. It feels like family out there, even amid the mud and sweat!
*Interviewer:* What’s next for you after this win in Dijon?
*Amandine Vidon:* Well, my focus now shifts to the upcoming races. I really want to maintain this momentum and aim for more podiums as the season progresses. Each race is a new opportunity, and I’m ready to take it on!
*Interviewer:* Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Amandine. Best of luck for the rest of the season!
*Amandine Vidon:* Thank you! I appreciate it!
