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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It doesn't get any easier

Sydney Track World Cup, Australia, May 14 - 16, 2004

So I guess it doesn't get better with age.

Seems like when you've been there, done this and seen that, it should all be easier if you're back out to do it again. Or maybe it's just jet lag... on fire one day, in hell the next.

Don't really know what to write about the World Cup on the track. Fully expected to be top three in the pursuit, especially after the times I put in on Friday - but ended up fifth with an awful time and lost my legs somewhere on the track. Seemed to have a bit of a panic attack at the start and suffocated all on my own, but why?

Ok, so I'm not sleeping well, am not myself, yadiyadiya... More stuff to work on from here into Melbourne. The good news is I have an awesome new Look bike, have been on form like I haven't in years and am happy to be in sunny Australia! Best of all though, was to see a new generation of younger women riders with a killer instinct!

Alexis Rhodes and Adrie (Dutch scratch winner), both young talented riders. All I can say is good going girls and keep it up! It's great for us 'older' riders to see that there are young guns coming along who go get the results and don't just sit in expecting the results to come to them. DON'T CHANGE A THING! You guys are on the right track!

See y'all in Melbourne,
Marion

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