Last weekend, the Schwenheim VCU ran at home during the Souvenir Patrick-Metz for the 3rd round of the French Cup of N2. John Gadret, former professional runner and team sports director returns to the performance of his runners at the microphone of Directiveby also approaching the ambitions of his collective for the Chrono 47 of this Friday that they approach in 5th place in the French Cup N2 (See the classification).
Directvelo: What assessment do you make Souvenir Patrick-Metz?
John Gadret: The balance sheet is positive. We brought back points, knowing that there are teams that failed to take as much. On Sunday, 60 runners arrived at the sprint and I had 6 runners in this group. They worked well in the final for Anaël (Finckbohner). Timothe (Gabriel) was also sacrificed. We placed 2 guys in the first 11 and in the general classification, we put 3 guys in the top 20, so it’s satisfactory. There may be a point of disappointment concerning the time trial. We had very strong runners. They put themselves a little too much pressure for my taste, but we are not going to say that they missed it. I have 3 runners who arrive in the first 25. The time was difficult, but I thought they would do a little better. It remains a good record anyway.
You are currently 5th in the French Cup of N2. What does it inspire you?
The Coupe de France is important for us, but we don’t only run for that, otherwise, we wouldn’t do many shopping. For the moment, our ranking is satisfactory. We are not very far from third place. The podium remains possible. If we do not finish in the first three, it is not catastrophic. The whole thing is to be well placed at the top of the table, as we are currently. If we step back, we step back. We do not put the pressure for the Coupe de France. There are other beautiful tests next to where we take a lot of fun.
« I know they will give the best of themselves »
In what state of mind are you before this Friday chrono 47?
I think most of my runners have reassured this weekend. We leave with a good workforce. Now, a team time, it’s still a special race. There are lots of factors to take into account. Avoid having mechanical problems and not falling. They are six so we can quickly go to the fault. I know they will give the best of themselves so as not to have regrets on arrival.
How did you prepare it?
We will try to recognize the course on Thursday. It was not prepared as much as some teams were able to do so. I have runners who work and who are at school. I cannot afford to do internships for a team time trial. The six guys who will be there know each other very well and I will also be present to accompany them. This time is complicated mainly because of the bumps that there is on the course, but in terms of technicality, I do not think there is much to spot.
« We want to appear on all the races »
What will be the next important deadlines for you?
After the time 47, we will be on the round of the Channel from May 22. We will continue with the southern arrow four days later. Then we will have the Grand Est championship with the time trial and the online race. We will also be in Paris-Troyes on June 9 and afterwards, the team will play the Val Villé Grand Prix in Steige, a great race that we have already played last year. Finally, if we are still in the first 8 in the French Cup classification, we will participate in the French amateur championships. For the moment, we are 5th. We will know Sunday evening if we can go there or not.
What is the team’s goal for this season?
The goal is to win races. This is the little regret that I have for the moment. We are placed but never winner. I would like you to raise your arms. We want to appear on all the races in which we participate by being an actor. For example, go to the escapes and bring back distinctive jerseys. Even if you don’t win, you have to show yourself and have fun.
