Benjamin thomas, 27 years, is a six-time European champion and two-time World Champion in track cycling. He is also a member of the Cofidis road team. Growing in importance within the peloton, we did a long interview with him on the eve of the launch of his 9th season as a professional cyclist.
In the third part of the interview, Benjamin Thomas looked back on his transfer to Cofidis training. For the last part, we were able to discuss his relationship and his vision with cycling.
Cycling Times : You start cycling at five years old, your older brother, Adrien, in fact also. Could you tell us your story with cycling? ?
Benjamin thomas : This story with the bike, it's a family thing. My father has, as a hobbyist, been president of a cycling club. So quickly, with my brother, we rode and ran together for quite a few years.
We trained together, we lived, we ate bike every day. That was kind of how I grew up with it., through the cycling school. My parents in general have always been there for us.
And my brother is my example also on the bike. When I was young, he won a lot of races. He was very strong and he always served as an example. I was the little one in the family.
C.T. : You are a member of the MPCC. What does it mean to you ? Why did you make this choice ?
B.T. : It’s natural to join this movement. First of all, at the level of ethics. They had a speech that was preventive and they were always in anticipation of the anti-doping rules.. We have seen this since the UCI and the World Agency banned certain products, the MPCC had already sounded the alarm for five or six years. So they are always in anticipation at this level. For me, who rides a bike above all to be healthy, I think it is important to join this type of movement, whether for tramadol or corticosteroids.
Now, there is the use of ketones that, as members of the MPCC, we do not use. If in a few years we discover that ketones were harmful to the body or the liver or I don't know, I hope this could have preserved the health of some runners. For me, it's natural to adhere to this.
[…]
C.T. : On Facebook, the 11 last December, you shared a photo in which we see you explaining the rules of the American to a young fan. Is for you, the place of fans is very important in cycling ? [ndlr : Benjamin thought the question was about women and not fans]
B.T. : For me, this is the most important. In addition, my partner is a professional cyclist.. So I follow women's cycling all the more.
And for me, it’s a great example for the fight, for parity. Even if there are still differences in salaries, in terms of resources and budgets. We have real enthusiasm for women's cycling. I think it's important to highlight it because it has as much potential as that of men and there should be no difference between women's cycling and men's cycling.. We should prohibit putting barriers against anyone. If a boy or girl wants to ride a competitive bike, it should be valued !
And I'm happy to see the growth of women's cycling in recent years.
C.T. : To return to the basic question, is that for you, the place of fans is very important in cycling ?
B.T. : If there are no fans, there is no more professional cycling.
We could continue cycling, but if there is no one watching it, we would do it for free. It is also important to pass on this passion to young and old alike.. But especially to young people. To allow them to play sports, to stay healthy and, why not, create vocations and make them want to later do this job.
Now that the full interview has been published, we hope this content has benefited you. Do not hesitate to give us feedback.
Thanks to Benjamin Thomas for this collaboration !
