When it comes to cyclocross, Flamanville knows a thing or two about it. Since 2007, the twenty hectares of the castle park have seen runners pass by. First of all regional competition from 2007, the cyclocross climbs the ranks to a French championship in 2020 and this round of the World Cup on January 16, 2022. For more than 300 volunteers mobilized, it is a “nice reward. A bicycle party after months of work”. Hubert’s eyes, from Benoîtville, sparkle at the idea of experiencing this event.
We don’t sleep much at night, because we think about a lot of things. We don’t want to forget anything – Hubert, volunteer
– Pierre Coquelin
“We feel that it is happening. We are confident: the circuit is almost finished. There, we finish the catwalk, it’s the story of two hours”, explains Patrick, des Pieux, a faithful volunteer since 2012. The footbridge is impressive: “24 steps, a 40 degree slope. When you’re up there, it’s pretty impressive “, adds the Manchovy.
Months of work
A little further in the park, Michel positions wooden slats on the 2.9 km circuit. His mission will be over soon. “Long days, long weeks. It’s 8:30 am-6pm since the beginning of December “, specifies this inhabitant of Helleville. On the course, 1,500 poles, six kilometers of fluorescent nets and twelve kilometers of rope. “We are a good team of volunteers. And then we have Christian and Gisèle who take care of our meals at noon “, smiles the volunteer.
– Pierre Coquelin
All roads lead to Flamanville. But for the formula to be true, it is necessary mark all roads. And that is Jean-Marie’s mission. “With a ladle, I would say 3 to 400 signs. We do all the parking lots, the pedestrian crossings on the circuit, the first aid stations, the catering, etc. We are all bicycle lovers”, confides Mr. Signage of the band.
This Thursday, the TV infrastructures and the podiums in the finish area must land. Sunday, we wait 5,000 spectators, maximum tonnage authorized under the new sanitary measures.
Sunday program
- 9:30 am: Junior men
- 10:30 am: Junior women
- 12 hours: Under 23 men
- 1:40 p.m .: Elite women
- 3:05 p.m .: Elite men
A round of the cyclocross world cup to be experienced on France Bleu Cotentin with a special broadcast on Sunday January 16 from 10 a.m. to noon from the park of the Château de Flamanville.