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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Yay! I made the World's team!

Oooffffff, gosh, at 40 and after years of racing, stress is still a factor!

I think I just spent the most stressful 48 hours of my career. Silly! It was just a pursuit tournament in Bordeaux to choose two riders for the pursuit at the World's in Melbourne, which will be our Olympic selection.

I spent the week in Bordeaux testing gears and figuring out how I was going to pay for a week at the hotel - especially after my wallet was stolen in Belgium last week; I had zero money, no credit cards, etc. And it rained all effin' week to boot, keeping me off the road!

I suppose I was a little worried as well about the epilepsy thing, but no worries there. Turns out I didn't ride as much as I would have liked. I changed my position and used a bigger gear, which I'll have to work on now... the times weren't exceptionally fast for the women or the men but its done, and ooooffff, I'm in!

And even better news - I just received a letter from a couple in Holland who found my wallet, drivers license, etc... There are honest people around!

Results

1 Clignet
2 Vanderkekove
3 Moncassin
4 Hocq