Interview Kim Le Court

History maker, ambassador, monument winner. Kim Le Court became all of that in just 1,5 years. The 29 years old rider already won Liège-Bastogne-Liège, this Spring, after only joining the international road peloton, last year. In a quick rise to the top, she wrote history for her native Mauritius and for the African continent as a whole. In this interview, we get to know the AG-Soudal better, on & off the bike. A conversation about her recent successes, her new lifestyle in Europe... and coffee.

You wrote history for your country and continent. What does it mean for you?

It’s honestly hard to put into words. Winning a Monument is already something huge, but to be the first from Mauritius and even from Africa… it’s a feeling of pride, but also a reminder of how far we’ve come. I hope it shows that it doesn’t matter where you come from, if you work hard and believe, you can make your mark.

You made your debut in the World Tour last year, and this year you already won a monument. How did the past 18 months feel to you?

It’s been a whirlwind, to be honest! If I look back, the past 18 months have been intense but also super rewarding. I had so much to learn when I joined the World Tour, but I feel like every experience, every race, every mistake has helped me grow into the rider I am now. It’s been a fast journey, but I’m enjoying every step of it.

What are your main interests outside cycling?

I love being active in general. When I’m not on the bike, I enjoy spending time with friends, my husband, and just being outdoors. And I have a bit of a passion for good coffee. I’m always trying to perfect my espresso skills!

What are your next goals in the sport?

For sure this win makes me hungry for more. I’d love to keep performing in the big Classics, but also explore stage racing more in the future. And of course, always representing Mauritius and Africa on the biggest stage is something close to my heart.

How does it feel to live in a completely different environment during most of the season?

It’s definitely not always easy being away from home so much, especially when you come from an island like Mauritius where family and community mean everything. But I’ve learned to create a bit of a home wherever I am, and I think that’s part of being a pro cyclist, you adapt, and you find your balance.

Do you believe that the stakeholders in cycling pay enough attention to cycling in parts of the world who receive less visibility in the sport? Could they do something better?

I think there’s still a lot of work to do. Cycling is growing globally, but there are still so many parts of the world that don’t get the same attention or opportunities. I’d love to see more investment, more races, more support structures in places like Africa. The talent is there; they just need the chance.

Where can we see you racing next in the coming months?

Next up I’ll be focusing on the second part of the season. After a small break, I’ll be back in Europe for some of the summer races, and then build towards the last big goals of the year.

Which advice you like to share to many young women and girls around the world who see you as an inspiration today?

I’d say: believe in your path, even if it looks different from everyone else’s. There will always be people who doubt you, but as long as you stay true to yourself and keep showing up, amazing things can happen. And most importantly, enjoy the journey.