"As a kid, I never imagined becoming a professional cyclist, let alone win stages in the grand tours, the Tour de France in particular. My dreams were realised very early on in my career and that certainly did me a disservice in terms of motivating me to build a bigger palmares. But I'm very proud of what I've been able to achieve and of the resilience I've shown, in particular over the last four seasons." "After a decade in the professional peloton, it's time for me, as a competitive person at heart, to turn to new challenges in sports. I've always seen this job as a unique opportunity to combine pleasure and work. For some years now, I've been feeling a little cramped and less fulfilled. I'm no longer satisfied with my results and performances. I've seized my chance on many occasions, and what transcends me most about top-level sports is being able to win races." "I am authentic and uncompromising. I hope that you too, just like me, will treasure the happy memories of my honourable performances as a baroudeur or with panache. This chapter has been written thanks to the many people who have pushed me to achieve my goals, or even more, supported me in the many moments of doubt that I have been through during my career. Thank you to my employers, Jean René Bernaudeau, Vincent Lavenu and especially Jean-François Bourlart for these two wonderful years with Intermarché-Wanty." "With this last team, where a family atmosphere reigns and which operates on a human scale, I rediscovered my appetite for the top level. I was warmly welcomed, and I felt a great desire to work together and share good times. I particularly remember my debut on Majorca, the Tour de France 2023 and the Giro 2024. I also enjoyed watching a boy like Biniam Girmay achieve big things which mean a lot to African cycling. I was reunited with old friends like Adrien Petit, Rein Taaramäe and Niccolò Bonifazio." "I'm happy and relieved to close this chapter and I can't wait to start the next one. I am very hungry for more and I intend to pursue my dreams, accompanied by my dearest and the people I love."
Lilian Calmejane Tweet