The former French champion, Laurent Jalabert, returned to the worst and the best moment of his career as a professional cyclist.
Today consultant for RTL and France Télévisions, Laurent Jalabert was especially one of the best French cyclists of his generation, much appreciated by the public. Champion of France on the road (1998), world champion of the time trial (1997), winner of the Vuelta (1995) or even wearing the yellow jersey on the Tour de France, “Jaja” won 138 victories in his career.
Complete runner, Laurent Jalabert has also experienced difficult times. As was the case during the 1era stage of the Grande Boucle 1994. The one who is now 56 years old had dropped heavily on arrival. “” The most difficult memory is perhaps my fall on the first stage of the Tour in 1994, on arrival in Armentières. It marked me a lot physically. I was roughly injured, with multiple face fractures, the following weeks were painful “, He said to theOrne Hebdo.
Jalabert: “Until this moment, I did not exploit my qualities correctly”
A fall that has changed his way of cycling, going from sprinter to puncture. “” Then it played to change my way of running, he said. I was sprinter and, for fear of living such an adventure, I adopted a more offensive temperament. I found other ambitions. Until this moment, I did not exploit my qualities properly. »»
Laurent Jalabert then spoke of his best memories of a bicycle. “” There are many. Wearing the yellow jersey, it was a great moment, he said. Becoming world champion (time trial) was also of a particular emotion. French champion too. It’s just a national race but the symbol of wearing the tricolor jersey for a whole season, it touched me a lot. The race that brought me the most pride was to win Milan-San Remo (in 1995). It was my first great classic, I have dreamed of it for years. That day, I felt like I had won the six lotto numbers. It was great! »»
