The interview had just concluded, and the dictaphone had hardly been turned off when a few spectators, who had come to visit the brand new Loudéac velodrome, called out to Alexandre Leauté for a photo. The paracyclist agreed, but the passers-by were unaware that the Breton had spent nearly an hour discussing his status as a “star” of paracycling, a concept he struggles to comprehend. “After Tokyo, I went from being just a local guy from the Loudéac countryside to something much bigger, with numerous requests,” he reflects.
Alexandre Léauté: The Rise of a Paracycling Star
The interview had barely finished, the dictaphone had switched off, when a few onlookers, visiting the newly inaugurated Loudéac velodrome, called out Alexandre Léauté for a quick photo. The paracyclist obliged, unaware that many of these passers-by were oblivious to the hour-long conversation he’d just had about grappling with his newfound status as a “star” in the paracycling world. “After Tokyo, I went from the little guy from the Loudéac countryside to someone much more prominent, receiving numerous requests,” he reflects.
Tokyo Glory: A Star is Born
Three years ago, the Tokyo 2021 Paralympic Games catapulted Léauté into the limelight, where he snagged a remarkable gold medal, a silver medal, and two bronze medals. At just 20 years old, the Costarmorican returned from Japan with a suitcase packed not just with medals, but also with a new identity as a public figure in sports.
14 World Champion Titles in Just Three Years
After returning to live with his parents in Saint-Caradec in 2021, following three years at the paracycling center in the Basque Country, Léauté has enjoyed unparalleled success since Tokyo. With only two exceptions where he “only” secured silver and bronze, he has amassed an astounding 14 world champion titles across both track and road cycling in just three years—bringing his career total to 19!
As expected, this rise has drawn attention from the media, sponsors, and the broader disabled sports movement. “I initially had a rough experience, to be truthful. The early days were quite challenging,” admits Léauté, who often prefers to decline requests rather than risk saying no.
His coach, Mathieu Jeanne, mentions, “He is an altruistic individual. In group settings, he does not prioritize himself and prefers to handle matters discreetly.”
Special Engagements: Élysée, LVMH, and More
With the first Paralympic Games in France on the horizon, Alexandre Léauté finds himself constantly in the spotlight. He has been welcomed at the Élysée Palace by the President and participated in a promotional campaign with LVMH for the official outfits of Olympic and Paralympic athletes. “Honestly, sometimes I feel out of place. I don’t find it easy,” acknowledges the 23-year-old.
“I was at one request in the morning, one in the afternoon. I was driving at lunchtime, not even taking a moment to eat. I wanted to say yes to everyone, and soon it felt like a dangerous game,” he lamented.
Recognizing this overwhelming schedule, his coach advised him to minimize engagement with requests, as Léauté has never been inclined to deny opportunities, particularly since they rarely happened in the past. “For many athletes, saying no feels insulting,” his coach emphasizes.
Despite all this, Léauté decided to decline a request from the Handisport Federation to be a flagbearer, prioritizing his competitive focus. “I prefer to prepare calmly and have requests post-competition; I’ve succeeded at my Games,” he shared.
Preparing for Success in Côtes-d’Armor
To maintain his edge, the cyclist finds reprieve from the intense spotlight in his homeland of Brittany. “I enjoy stepping away from the cycling bubble, hanging out with friends, even if just for a short while. It helps me focus on something outside of competitive cycling,” he remarked.
With his local club, VCP Loudéac, Léauté feels almost like everyone else, despite the challenges posed by his birth-related stroke that resulted in an enormous loss of strength in one leg. “When he joins us on the podium, it’s never trivial; people come to support him,” says Gaëtan Lemoine, his sports director at Loudéac. “Yet, he experiences less scrutiny and expectation within our group.”
Post-Paris, Léauté expresses interest in transitioning to fully able-bodied competitions. “Even though I’m not one to seek attention, I relish the thrill of winning on my bike, dreaming to compete in Elite races without the rainbow jersey but still under the banner of my lifelong club,” he aspires. In the immediate future, he has five possibilities to sing “La Marseillaise” at the Vélodrome de Saint-Quentin in Paris, where he’ll share the stage anew.
The Impact of Media and Sponsorship in Paracycling
The surge in interest in the paracycling sector can also be attributed to athletes like Léauté, who have brought light to the sport through their extraordinary talent and determination. From social media to traditional forms of media engagement, the visibility of disabled athletes is gaining traction.
Benefits of Media Presence for Athletes
- Increased Sponsorship Opportunities: Greater visibility often leads to more lucrative sponsorship deals, helping athletes invest in better training resources and equipment.
- Role Modeling: Successful athletes inspire a new generation, motivating others with disabilities to engage in sports.
- Awareness for Disabled Sports: Enhancing public awareness and interest fosters support for disabled sports organizations and events.
Practical Tips for Managing Fame
- Set Boundaries: Athletes should establish boundaries around public engagements to protect their mental health and training schedules.
- Prioritize Training: Always keep the focus on athletic goals to ensure peak performance in competitions.
- Embrace Support Systems: Surrounding oneself with a solid support system, including coaches and families, can ease the stress of fame.
Personal Journey and Reflection
Alexandre Léauté’s journey is inspirational, illustrating how talent combined with determination can elevate a person’s life beyond expectations. From a young boy cycling for fun to an elite athlete, Léauté embodies resilience and humility. His experience sheds light on the intersection between sports, media, and personal identity, encouraging others to forge their paths, regardless of challenges.
As he prepares for the upcoming events, audiences can expect to see more than just a cyclist; they will witness a dedicated athlete striving to navigate the complexities of fame while aiming for excellence on the track.