Martinique Cycling Tour 2024: French, Swiss, Germans, British happy with their participation

Four other overseas teams are invited to the 2024 Cycling Tour of Martinique. Some people already have little habits, but for others, the territory’s steep roads are best at first. However, there is no question that the numbers are coming up.

The team from UC Pelussin (a town located in the Loire department in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, between Saint-Étienne and Lyon) prepared for all events and made the trip with six runners with different profiles.

We wanted a race that was a change from our plan and something a little more exotic for our runners. Throughout the year we race in mainland France and need to see something different to get the runners excited to finish the season. We have interesting runners. We have sprinters, rollers, climbers. We are here with the intention of winning a stage. In general, it can be a little complicated.

Xavier Brun, Athletic Director, UC Pelusin

The challenge was quickly won by Theo Thomasin who won the 2nd stage between Fort-de-France and Saint-Pierre on Monday July 8th.

Still in Europe, but outside French borders, the island was discovered by the German team Hessen Frankfurt Obelisk Tour.

This is the first time in Martinique. Last year we went to the Tour de Guyana. Coming here is a good opportunity for our runners to have a long stage race. Such elite status breeds are hard to find in Europe. Our runners have some acclimatization issues as they are not used to tropical temperatures and humidity.

Niklas Reinhardt, Sporting Director Hessen Frankfurt Obelisk (Germany)

Raffaele Clemenceau has rejoined Swiss team Nippcycling – Shore Garden. In the 2023 Tour, the rider won the first stage in Le Marin and the second part of the second stage in Fort-de-France.

It was a great experience last year, my love is in Martinique for a few months, so it’s a chance to come back and experience this special, family and warm atmosphere again. It’s a big race, well organized with closed roads, spectators that we don’t often see in Europe. Riders and sports directors are always happy to see people who are passionate about cycling. The only downside is the setup to get here, otherwise it’s a joy.

Alexandre Lebel, Sports Director Knippcycling – Schaär Gärten

Those selected from Guadeloupe and Guyana were most loyal to the congregation. Along with other invited teams, it is a true love story that grows in a circle.

We are used to it and this is our 6th or 7th participation. I myself ran in 1992 and wore the jersey for six days. Unfortunately I lost the round and finished 3rd overall. From there to Martinique is a vibe. Then my club had the best rider of his time, Cedric Eustace, another reason to come. And even when he left the club, we continued with the team because it was a great run. It is exceptional, runs differently, is always exciting and exciting.

Hristo Zaykov, sports director Nipo EF Martigues

The team won stage 5 in Trinidad with Jules Chatelon.

We have been several times, including last year. I really like this race because it has passes that we don’t have in the UK. The atmosphere is truly unique, making it a real event. We have no equivalent race in England. There is also the fact that the roads are closed and it is very safe. I want to come to Martinique. People are very friendly. It is a large species.

Charlie LaGaille, Velo Shills rider

All invited teams traveled with six runners and their companions (sports director, masseuse, etc.). They all stay at a hotel in Sainte-Luce and have a vehicle for the week of the tour. The head of the regional cycling group notes that they are fully looked after from the moment they arrive.