Back on track: The Marion Clignet Journal 2004

French track legend Marion Clignet retired from racing in 2000, intending to become active as an advocate for women's sport. But after two years off the bike, and perhaps inspired by the other female champions she's encountered while working as a presenter for French TV, Clignet returned to the velodrome in 2003 to the velodrome in a determined comeback. After a solid year building a foundation, Marion's back competing at thehighest level in 2004.

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Marion Clignet's letter to Jean-Marie LeBlanc

M. Jean Marie Leblanc
Directeur du Tour de France masculin
2 rue Rouget de L'isle
92130 Issy les Moulineaux

Tuesday, July 29 2004

Cher M. le Directeur

Tout d'abord nous souhaiterons vous féliciter pour votre organisation, gestion, et promotion du cyclisme professionnelle masculin a l'heure actuelle. Etant les meilleurs du monde dans le cyclisme féminin nous serions honorées de retrouver notre place (comme dans les années 80) parmi 'La Grande Famille du Vélo' au Tour de France.

Une course féminine qui se déroule le matin du course masculin réunirait les meilleurs du monde hommes et femmes tout ensemble-le vrai fête du cyclisme de haut niveau. Notre addition au Tour de France aurait également un effet positif sur le nombre de licenciées féminin au sein de la FFC, les écoles de cyclisme, et permettrais les françaises de créer des groupes sportif (la France est la seul paye dans la CE sans groupe sportif féminin)…..

Dans l'attente d'une réponse favorable

Amitiés sportives

Dear Mr LeBlanc

First of all we would like to congratulate you on your tremendous organization, management, and promotion of professional men's cycling in these somewhat difficult times. Being the best in the world in our sport of professional women's cycling we would be honoured to have our own race included in the Tour de France (as was done in the 1980's).

A women's race run in the morning of the men's stages would add the best women in the world to the best men in the world already present thus creating a true festival of the worlds best cyclists. Our addition to the tour would also have a positive impact on the increase in women's licenses( not only in France but in other countries as well), cycling schools, and would permit women's cycling to attract more sponsors and media attention (particularly in France the only European country with no women's teams).

Looking forward to hearing from you soon