Célia Géry did not replicate the success of Paul Seixas, the world champion in the junior time trial, on Monday. The athlete from Ardéche, despite being the French champion in this specialty, finished in a disappointing 18th place on Tuesday, falling significantly behind the British competitor Cat Ferguson.
Overwhelmed with disappointment, she cried for several minutes after crossing the finish line. “She gave it her all, she didn’t give up,” stated Emilian Broë, the coach of the French team. “Some days just don’t go your way; she had that fear, and unfortunately, it happened during the world championship time trial for which she had prepared well.”
Broë: “I am convinced that on Thursday, she will be very strong.”
Nonetheless, it is important to note that the woman who will turn professional next year with FDJ-Suez did not arrive in Zurich in optimal condition. At the beginning of September, Géry had to withdraw from the Watersley Lady Challenge after a fall and was struck by a hit-and-run driver two weeks ago during a training session near Valencia.
The result was significant pain in her left wrist, forcing her to wear a splint during the race. “When you’re hit by a car just three days before a European championship and twelve days before a world championship, it has a psychological impact,” Broë explained. “For 48 hours, we weren’t sure if she would be able to compete, but she is incredibly resilient. She has an amazing mentality; she wanted to get back on her bike despite the pain and tried to manage it.”
She now looks ahead to the road race on Thursday, where she is one of the favorites and it serves as her main objective. “I believe in her,” concluded the French coach. “Right now, she is downcast; I have never seen her like this. But I am convinced that on Thursday, she will perform very strongly.”
Célia Géry: Overcoming Adversity in Cycling Competitions
Disappointment at the World Championships
Célia Géry did not follow in the footsteps of Paul Seixas, the world champion in the junior time trial, finishing in a surprising 18th place during the recent championships held in Zurich. As a French champion in time trials, expectations were high for Géry, yet she fell significantly behind the British competitor, Cat Ferguson.
The emotional aftermath of her performance was palpable. After crossing the finish line, Géry was visibly upset, shedding tears for several minutes. Her coach, Emilian Broë, reflected on her performance, stating, “She gave it her all; she didn’t give up.” He acknowledged that certain days are just challenging, noting her pre-race fears that unfortunately materialized during this critical event.
The Coach’s Perspective
Broë emphasized that despite the disappointing result, he holds firm belief in Géry’s resilience. “I am convinced that on Thursday, she will be very strong,” he asserted, pointing to her preparation and tenacity as indicators of her potential success in upcoming races.
- Previous Performance: French champion in time trials
- Current Challenge: Overcoming recent injuries and setbacks
- Upcoming Goal: Road race on Thursday, a primary focus for Géry
Recent Struggles
Géry’s journey to the world championships has not been a smooth one. Heading into the event, she faced instability due to injuries sustained from a recent fall during the Watersley Lady Challenge, where she had to abandon the race. Adding to her difficulties, a motorist struck her while she was training in Valencia, resulting in significant wrist pain that required her to compete while wearing a splint.
Broë noted the psychological impact of these incidents, particularly when they occur shortly before major competitions. “When you get hit by a car three days before a European championship and 12 days before a world championship, there is a psychological impact,” he explained. However, he praised Géry’s mental fortitude, remarking on her dedication to race despite the pain.
Célia Géry’s Future in Professional Cycling
Looking ahead, Célia Géry is set to turn professional next year with FDJ-Suez, a significant step in her cycling career. As she approaches this new chapter, the stakes are high, and there is great anticipation surrounding her potential.
Key Objectives for Upcoming Races
- Maximize performance in the upcoming road race on Thursday
- Aim for podium finishes in both European and World Championships
- Build strength and confidence for the professional cycling stage
Broë’s Confidence in Géry
As Géry prepares for the next race, Broë expresses unwavering confidence in her abilities. “She is tough. She has a crazy mentality, and she wanted to get on her bike despite the pain.” This strength of character, he believes, will shine through in her upcoming competitions.
Injuries and Recovery: A Cyclist’s Challenge
The journey of a competitive cyclist often includes dealing with injuries. Géry’s experience underlines the importance of resilience in the sport. Here are some strategic recovery tips that young cyclists can adopt:
Practical Tips for Recovery
- Listen to Your Body: Acknowledge signs of injury and take necessary breaks.
- Physical Therapy: Regular sessions can enhance recovery and prevent future injuries.
- Nutrition: Fueling the body correctly is essential for recovery; a balanced diet supports healing.
In the Spotlight: Célia Géry’s Statistics
| Event | Result | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Time Trial World Championship | 18th Place | 2023-09-XX |
| Watersley Lady Challenge | Abandoned | 2023-09-01 |
| Upcoming Road Race | Expected to compete | 2023-09-XX |
Conclusion
While Célia Géry faced adversity in the World Championships, her determination and fighting spirit remain undiminished. The upcoming road race offers a platform for her to showcase her true capabilities. Coaches and fans alike eagerly anticipate her performance as she strives to overcome recent challenges. With the support of her coach and a strong will to succeed, Géry is poised for a remarkable comeback in her cycling career.
