Name: Mathilde Gros
Hometown: Cornillon-Confoux beach
Country: France
Age: 18
Sport: Track Cycling
Years in the sport: 3
How did you get started cycling?
I was a basketball player training in youth training centre in the south of France. Our strength coach was the BMX strength coach as well. One day, we did our warm up on a wattbike. After 2 sprints I hit 1200 watts. The coach couldn’t believe it so I tried on a different one. Same result. The next September, I moved to the national track cycling centre in Paris.
Goals for this year?
To make some podium on the elite World Cup/champ
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Here, training and more training, with some medals around my neck.
Favourite athlete?
Usain Bolt
What has been your biggest challenge as an athlete and how did you overcome it?
The transition from basketball to cycling. I was scared but excited at the same time
The best advice that you have been given?
Greg Baugé once told me ” confidence is key ”
If you were not an athlete, what would you be doing?
I’d be at school more often!
Any hobbies?
Shopping
Favourite music?
Work – Riri
Favourite book?
Les vertues de l’éches
What does a typical day of training look like?
2 hours gym in the morning, and sprints on the track later in the day
Anything people be surprised to learn about you?
That I’m actually a basketball player who started track cycling 3 years ago
What is the funniest thing has happened to you/others while training?
The very first day I came to Paris. I crashed, and ripped off my Lycra… everyone saw it… ended up with 5 stitches in my butt
Any pre-competition rituals?
I sing a lot
Best movie and tv series?
Titanic
Favourite food while training?
The sports brownies
Results you’re most proud of?
My 3 worlds title in junior this year
Do you have a saying or motto you live by?
Better than yesterday!
What do you enjoy most about cycling?
The speed
Advise that you have for someone starting out biking?
Don’t be scared to go for it
What is the most crucial part of your training?
Working on my sprints, and my technique
Anyone you would like to thank?
Babu, Arnaud, and Herman
Find Mathilde Gros on Social Media:
Instagram: @gros_mathildeon
