Interview Justine Gegu (EN)

 Interview Justine Gegu

Working your way-up to the pro level. Growing steadily by hard work and dedication, year after year. That's what Justine Gegu has been doing in the past seasons. The 25 years old rider used to be an established name in the national circuit, but this year, she also adds results in UCI races next to that. The French woman dreams about a spot in a pro team and a growing sport. In this article, she tells more about her experiences and her dreams on the bike.

After an excellent 2024 on the national level, you also achieved good results in UCI races this season. Do you have the feeling that you have set a step forward?

I'm making progression year on year without having the impression to have reached a certain step. It's step by step, season after season, but I don't feel specifically stronger than in the previous season. I have worked on important points during the Winter, to perform in UCI races today. That allows me to achieve good results in those races.

What are your ambitions in the sport?

Firstly, to develop myself and try to make a living from my passion. At the moment, I'm reconciling cycling with a full-time job, and that's not easy every day. It's very tiring.

Who has been your inspiration to start cycling?

Nobody specifically. I'm inspired by rider who win by mental strength, when the effort goes beyond extremes and that the athlete pushes till his limits. That's more the thing that inspires me and that I can find in many different cyclists in many different moments in their carreer.

What are your favourite courses?

I like the courses that are a bit steep.

What are your interests outside sport?

I don't really have any. All my interests revolve around sport, sports training and other disciplines in addition to cycling. But nothing in particular outside sport.

You're part of one of the strongest French generations in many years. Do you think that there is a reason for this progress?

I don't consider myself to be part of this generation. The talented rider of my generation are already at a higher level. My progression is very straight, and I hope to continue like that and reach the step of the pros. I'm training hard, with a lot of passion, without giving up the hope to reach this level. It's this goal that makes me go forward.

Women's cycling is in a constant evolution. Are you statisfied or do you think that there are still some important things left to improve?

Women's cycling has evolved a lot, with more media attention and big races. But there are still important things to improve, like the salaries, the amateur calendar and equal opportunities in the youth categories.

From my point of view, I see an enormous difference between men & women on the amateur level, especially on the calendar. We have only a few races on the national calendar, while the men have races in all 4 corners of the country. For example, we only have two or three stage races (Races during the weekend in 100 % of the cases), while the men have many stage races.

What can we wish you for the coming months?

To become professional and continue to perform at UCI level.