Cycling's Ageless Queen Jeannie

No. She didn’t win the coveted rainbow jersey. Not many picked her as one of the favorites to win. American Kristin Armstrong powered her way to win her second World time trial gold medal. Longo-Ciprelli was there, as always, racing hard with the intent of winning.

The Individual time trial is unique and quite ‘simple.’ Starting at intervals of two minutes apart, each rider goes flat out over a designated course. The rider with the fastest time wins. The French refer it as, “contre-la-montre”, against the watch. It’s appropriately called “the race of truth”.

The last time, I remember seeing Longo-Ciprelli was in a World Cup road race in Montréal back in 1998. Even at the age of forty she was always in the thick of things. She finished in second that wet day. And that day, I realized the fighter in her. That’s when I truly witness and admire her tenacity.

And what a track record she has. She has won over 1,000 races, 13 world championships and 4 Olympic medals. Twenty-three French national titles, too. Since 1984, the iron lady has never missed an Olympics.

She said her longevity is attributed to healthy living and wise planning. On the other hand, the Queen has known detractors to her reign. She has snubbed teammates, sued the French Cycling Federation, threatened to change citizenship, and banished from the national team for selfish racing tactics. She once called her competitors, “silly girls.” Her rivals may still not like her, but the respect is there. She’s known as “Queen Jeannie.”

I respect her. As she lines up with kid’s half her age. I like her refusal at not retiring.
At Wednesday’s time trial, the ageless Queen Jeannie finished in tenth place. Giving another snub at her detractors!

Written by Richard Lee
www.cyclingart.blogspot.com