How did the preparation for the World Championships go?
Quentin Lafargue: It all went well. During the South African training at the beginning of the year, we all worked actively and very well physically.

Before we talk about the World Championships, what about the World Cup in Milton?
QL: It was a short trip as I only took part in team speed sprint. We won the last World Cup round. We were three sprinters from VCESQY Team Voussert. It was a great experience and this result gave us confidence.

Qualification for the small final with 2 French records. It’s a good start for team speed sprint?
QL: Indeed the competition started very well for us. We were good enough to bring the team to win a bronze medal with the 3rd best time during qualifying rounds and then beating New Zealand in the first round.

What did the French Team miss to reach the top of the podium this year?
QL: We lacked some technical practice. We haven’t worked with such speeds recently. So when everything goes faster, reactions and standard change. At such speed, we need to master all minor details and we need some extra work. Each one of us improved or was at his personal best time.

You are back on the track after a day off in order to defend your World Championship jersey. How do you feel the morning of the competition?
QL: On the day of the kilometer race, I’m very motivated and focused on what I want to achieve. I know conditions are good to go fast and I think several competitors will perform below one minute. I really want to start this new day on the track.

Tell us about this day…
QL: For the qualifying rounds, I chose the same gear as last year in Pruszków. I made some tests beforehand and I thought it was the right choice. Warm up goes as usual and I see my competitors doing great times. I don’t pay too much attention to it as I’m focused on my effort and on what I need to do. Before I start, the best time is achieved by the Dutch S. Lightlee in 59”59 and I want to do better. The race goes well. I stay focused on the basics and I perform really well in 59”32. I beat my personal record and it’s the best time!
As it was a year before, there are 5 hours between the qualifying rounds and the final race. I take the time to get off the lactic acid accumulated in my legs before getting off the home trainer. I go back to the hotel, have something to eat and continue with a pressotherapy boots session. In order to warm up again, I’m back at the velodrome 1h30 before the final race.
It all goes well. S.Lightlee is the only one who manages to improve his time, but he is not as fast as I was in the morning. When back on the track, I very determined to keep my jersey. The race goes well but I finish in 59”74 which brings me to the 2nd place.

Tell us about this day…
QL: For the qualifying rounds, I chose the same gear as last year in Pruszków. I made some tests beforehand and I thought it was the right choice. Warm up goes as usual and I see my competitors doing great times. I don’t pay too much attention to it as I’m focused on my effort and on what I need to do. Before I start, the best time is achieved by the Dutch S. Lightlee in 59”59 and I want to do better. The race goes well. I stay focused on the basics and I perform really well in 59”32. I beat my personal record and it’s the best time!

With a silver medal, you carry on with an unbroken series of podiums since 2015. What do you think of this consistency?
QL: I was very disappointed after the race as I wanted the gold medal.  Despite everything, and looking back, it’s another world medal. I ran after my first medal for a long time so now I enjoy the ones I get. Consistency is important for me as it shows all the regular work during all these years. It also shows that you can count on me during major events.

Finally what is your plan for the next few months?
QL: I’m going to take time off to rest. Then it will be time to gradually start again. With the French team, we’ll be training in Hyères to cycle in the sun during the second half of March. Then we look forward to the announcement of the Tokyo Olympic Games selection to get ready for the next step.