Léo Bisiaux about adapting to "big" cyclocrosses: "Week after week I feel myself getting stronger"

The 18-year-old top talent Léo Bisiaux became the junior World Champion in Hoogerheide, but never got to show off his rainbow jersey. This doesn't really bother the Frenchman though because his goals are much greater than that, he tells WielerFlits.

"It is mainly the longer duration of the U23 crosses, compared to those for the juniors, that bothered me," says Bisiaux. "In the last fifteen minutes I often felt the light go out. I don't think it's illogical that I needed an adjustment period. Week after week I feel myself getting stronger, and I gain the strength to persevere to the end. Just in time, with the championships in mind. I already feel more than ready for that."

"I personally believe very strongly that cyclocross racing can help make yourself a better road cyclist," says Bisiaux. "I'm a climber. By nature I have difficulty with short climbs and quick attacks uphill. The cross helps me to sharpen my explosiveness, and thus makes me a better climber. I live in the Massif Central and train in the mountains almost every day. I want to continue to focus on that, just like Pidcock does. I am perhaps closest to him."

"I was already able to complete a nice summer program with the U19 team of AG2R Citroën. But it's actually just starting now with their U23 team. The Baby Giro, Tour de l'Avenir and the U23 World Championships will be big goals, and then we will have a better idea of where I stand at international level. Only then will I dare to think about a professional contract. And in the cross? Only the World Championship counts, but then I will have to continue to grow. Immediately afterwards I take a rest again and continue on the road."