“We may not always be the best individually, but when we ride together, we’re very strong" – France react to dramatic mixed relay European Championship victory

France have once again claimed the mixed relay team time trial crown at the European Championships, edging Italy by a mere six seconds in a tense finale that had fans on the edge of their seats.

From the outset, the French squad, spearheaded by time trial specialists Bruno Armirail, Rémi Cavagna and Thibault Guernalec looked sharp. They clocked the early splits faster than Switzerland and Luxembourg, building a lead of more than 17 seconds over the Swiss by the second checkpoint. With Juliette Labous, Marion Borras and Cédrine Kerbaol yet to ride, France were mounting a serious challenge for gold.

“It was a busy few days,” said French national coach Thomas Voeckler in a post-race interview with Cycling Pro Net. “Much of our staff, including myself, were in Africa, while Bruno was with the men’s squad. We had to switch quickly, both structurally and mentally, to focus on each event. But the riders went out and delivered this second European Championship title — it’s truly deserved.”

Italy, the defending champions, rolled off last, with Filippo Ganna, Lorenzo Milesi and Marco Frigo driving a blistering pace. The Italian men handed over to Elisa Cecchini, Vittoria Guazzini and U23 European champion Federica Venturelli with a 24-second cushion. But the French women refused to yield. Labous and Kerbaol launched a relentless effort, slicing into Italy’s lead and overtaking Switzerland’s benchmark with authority.

“It’s great to win,” Labous reflected. “After Kigali, we finished just seconds behind and it was frustrating, so to come out here a few seconds ahead feels fantastic. The girls’ team did an incredible job, and collectively we’re super strong. It’s teamwork and consistency that get you the results in this event.”

The final kilometres were a test of nerve. Italy were reduced to two riders as Cecchini fell behind on the climb, leaving Guazzini and Venturelli to defend the gold. At the last time check, their advantage over France was a mere 0.26 seconds. But the French duo held firm, Labous and Kerbaol pushing every pedal stroke to the line, securing the victory by six seconds. Switzerland, with Marlen Reusser delivering another stellar performance, claimed bronze, while Germany slipped back.

Bruno Armirail reflected on the effort afterwards: “Thibaut was very powerful at the start against the wind — it was tough. Rémy was excellent on long pulls and the climbs. Overall, we executed well. Even though the courses were different from Kigali, the intensity was similar. It was about staying consistent and strong.”

Cédrine Kerbaol described the emotional rollercoaster in her own post-race interview: “Yesterday was disappointing, but we didn’t let up. It paid off, and we’re bringing home a beautiful European Champion jersey as a team. Juliette was incredible in the finale, and the effort from everyone was just fantastic.”

For Voeckler, the victory was a testament to preparation and adaptability. “We planned carefully, and with different courses to consider, we managed everything from logistics to mental focus,” he said. “The riders delivered when it mattered most.”

France’s triumph is a reminder of their strength in unity. Individually, they may not always top the podium, but together, they are a formidable force. Labous summed it up succinctly: “We may not always be the best individually, but when we ride together, we’re very strong. That’s what wins you the European Championship.”