"We don't have a favorite like Tadej Pogacar" - France ready to gamble on multiple cards in order to succeed in Kigali

Many national teams have been forced to make compromises in the run-up to the World Championships in Rwanda - a logistical nightmare as many would agree to align with the European Championships in France just a week later. But France is not one of those willing to take any half-measures and for the first-ever rainbow race on African soil, they're sending all the weapons in their current disposal. That includes multiple debutants, for example the number 10 of this year's Tour de France - Jordan Jegat.

"It's both an honor and a source of pride to be part of it," Jegat begins in an interview for L'Équipe. "Wearing the French team jersey is simply a dream. I'm really happy. Last year, I was already part of the pre-list for the World Championships in Switzerland. There, I had this goal very early on when I saw the route. From December, I wanted to go there. I've always been in contact with Thomas (Voeckler, the coach), I was thinking about it...," he explains.

Ultimately, it wasn't meant to be for the 26-year-old last year. In 2025, Jegat continued to perform at an even higher level, leaving national coach with no other option but to call Jegat up for his debut World Championships. And his tenth place at the Tour de France probably didn't harm his selection odds.

"I think my Top 10 in the Tour de France really helped me get selected," he agrees. "Thomas (Voeckler) was on the bike every day, I think he saw my way of riding, my character, I imagine he liked it. It wasn't easy to follow that up with the Tour de l'Ain, but I was really motivated to go. In the end, I was a bit sick but I went anyway, and it cost me a lot of energy. I was a bit scared of not being selected because of that..." Jegat still finished 6th overall and 4th in the queen stage of the 2.1 race.

Afterwards, there was still some room for finetuning of the form and at Giro della Toscana, Jegat reintroduced himself with a top-10 finish. "I got back into racing in Italy, I really felt like I was getting back into it (laughs). It wasn't easy but I came back well, that was the most important thing."

France brings an ambitious team for the road race in Kigali, spear-headed by former two-time world champion Julian Alaphilippe and Olympic medallist from Paris Valentin Madouas. Another name that will draw a lot of attention is the Tour de l'Avenir winner Paul Seixas who will only turn 19 next year. The brightest prospect of French cycling never rode such a hard race, and to see how he fares will be very interesting.

Jegat also discussed the main cards to play for the French team: "We have a lot of good cards who can attack from afar, it's really nice. And we also have an experienced rider like Julian Alaphilippe, two-time world champion (2020, 2021). We don't have a favorite like Tadej Pogacar in the team, but we have weapons," concludes Jordan Jegat.