Definitions: sprinter by Paul Fournel

Definitions: sprinter by Paul Fournel

“The sprinter is all thighs. Whether he is small and powerful like Cavendish, or big and powerful like Cipollini, he is always powerful”

Mario Cipollini Mark Cavendish Paul Fournel Racing

The sprinter is all thighs. Whether he is small and powerful like Cavendish, or big and powerful like Cipollini, he is always powerful. His job comes down to the last five hundred metres of the race, but it is a big job. The sprinter is respected, first and foremost, as a virtuoso.

The sprinter is the best manager of the strength of others. He nests in the peloton throughout the day, leaving his team to impose law and order at the front. He spoils himself, riding small gears and so turning his precious legs in velvet.

Read: Caleb Ewan on the art of sprinting

Then, when the finish approaches, he hides behind the train of his team-mates, who are charged with taking him close to the finish line in a good position. Only a little slower than him, they link five or six sprints together in a row, preventing the opportunists from jumping away, and launching the sprinter like a rocket into orbit.

Let us be clear, though: the sprinter is not a shirker. He is not a man of the shadows. He belongs to the world of light, though primarily light in the form of camera flashes.

In the last five hundred metres, he has his head down on his job. He is putting the tools of his trade to the test. Torsion on the handlebars, squashing of the tyres and rims, torture of the bottom bracket, efforts to drop the chain, destruction of the pedals. Going off at a patently unreasonable speed, he knows that he is guilty of a folly but he has confidence.

Read: Mario Cipollini – “Real sprinters are like heavyweight boxers” 

Confidence in himself and confidence in the privileged few who still fight it out with him and who barge him with their shoulder, brushing against his spokes with their pedals, zigzagging on the road in front of him.

When he is finally sure of his victory and when the finish line is his, he lifts his head and then his arms in a beautiful unfurling which resembles taking flight. At that moment of glory, he smiles at his strength and the logos inscribed on his jersey are perfectly readable. He’s a good salesman, the sprinter.

Definitions by Paul Fournel: Rouleur| Baroudeur| Sprinter| Climber

The post Definitions: sprinter by Paul Fournel appeared first on The world's finest cycling magazine.

Mario Cipollini Mark Cavendish Paul Fournel Racing


READ MORE

‘The bike is fun, freedom and exploration’ - Ed Clancy: For the love of sport

‘The bike is fun, freedom and exploration’ - Ed Clancy: For the love of sport

Part of our series with the British Cycling Hall of Fame inductees, Clancy discusses why he believes cycling can change lives

Leggi di più
Cav's legacy: why there may never again be a sprinter like Mark Cavendish

Cav's legacy: why there may never again be a sprinter like Mark Cavendish

As he prepares to bow out of the sport at the end of the year, Cavendish's prolific record will stand the test of time

Leggi di più
Gallery: A look back at Mark Cavendish's record-breaking career

Gallery: A look back at Mark Cavendish's record-breaking career

Rouleur looks back at all the Tours Mark Cavendish has completed 

Leggi di più
Closing the gap: can Remco Evenepoel rise to the challenge of Tadej Pogačar in 2025?

Closing the gap: can Remco Evenepoel rise to the challenge of Tadej Pogačar in 2025?

The Belgian rider is not going to go down without a fight next season

Leggi di più
Max Poole on near misses, learning from the best and why Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL’s structure works

Max Poole on near misses, learning from the best and why Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL’s structure works

The British rider discusses his impressive Grand Tour debut and the work it has taken to get there

Leggi di più
'British Cycling has done everything for me' - Dani Rowe: From a talent ID programme to Olympic gold

'British Cycling has done everything for me' - Dani Rowe: From a talent ID programme to Olympic gold

Speaking after being inducted into the British Cycling Hall of Fame, Rowe tells Rouleur about her journey to the top of the sport

Leggi di più

MEMBERSHIP

JOIN ROULEUR TODAY

Independent journalism, award winning content, exclusive perks.

Banner Image