Audrey Cordon-Ragot Clinches Seventh French Elite Women's Time Trial Title

Podium Finishers

Cédrine Kerbaol (Ceratizit-WNT): The 23-year-old defending champion had to settle for second place, finishing 54 seconds behind Cordon-Ragot.

Marion Borras (St Michel-Mavic-Auber93): Borras claimed the bronze medal, finishing 1:33 behind Cordon-Ragot and beating Maëva Squiban (Arkéa-B&B Hotels) by 12 seconds.

Maeva Squiban
(Photo Credit: Aubin Lipke)

Key Performances and Reactions

Cédrine Kerbaol (Ceratizit-WNT) – 2nd Place “The defending champion found herself at a disadvantage this year. ‘Last year, being in the lead, I heard encouragements by the roadside. This year, I didn’t, so I quickly realized it wasn’t for me. It was a bit blind.’ Despite the setback, she acknowledged Cordon-Ragot’s superior performance: ‘She beat us fair and square. There’s no regret; she was simply stronger.'”

Maëva Squiban (Arkéa-B&B Hotels) – 4th Place “It’s 4th place, I’m starting to get used to it. It’s a bit disappointing. During the time trial, I heard that I was not far from the podium, but it was in the last part that I lost a little time. I think it was the others who finished very strong; I don’t think I collapsed. I’m still happy, it’s still a good place.”

Marie Le Net (FDJ-Suez) – 5th Place “I’m happy with my time because it was long, hard and the wind didn’t help us. I managed to manage well, I gave what I could. The podium was very strong so I have no regrets. It’s not often that we have times this long. It’s a time for a specialist, and I hadn’t prepared too much for it with the courses on the track with shorter and more intense efforts.”

Océane Mahé (Arkéa-B&B Hotels) – 6th Place “I’m already glad I didn’t break down mentally. It was a long time and it was already a challenge to stay focused during the 53 minutes of effort. I didn’t have the best feelings in training so I didn’t come with any other ambition than to gain experience. My title of French Champion, the one that was playable (among the Espoirs, Editor’s note), I already have it. I didn’t come for a result.”

A Special Victory for Cordon-Ragot

Cordon-Ragot’s triumph holds a unique significance as she plans to retire at the end of the season. The win not only adds another title to her impressive career but also vindicates her selection for the upcoming Paris Olympics, a decision that stirred considerable controversy.

“Yes, this will be my last championship, and it’s particularly special given the recent announcement of my selection for the Olympics, which sparked a lot of debate. I understand the disappointment of others, but I wanted to show respect by performing well today,” said Cordon-Ragot.