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