July Blog - speechless

July kicked off with my return to France, back racing in my new old colours — and for the first time in a while, I was lining up as an independent rider again. It was incredibly liberating, especially after being (for lack of a better word) shafted by my previous team. Coming back on my own terms was a big step: it meant showing up to races with no direct support and figuring it all out myself.

Thankfully, after seeing how I’d been treated, a few local teams stepped in and offered help while I’m back in France. For that, I’m unbelievably grateful — I won’t forget it.

I jumped straight back in at the Grand Prix de la Ville in Vannes, taking the race head-on with a new sense of freedom and fight. I raced aggressively throughout and, although I got muscled out in the sprint, I was genuinely happy with my ride — especially after nearly a month away from road racing.

After that, I made the call to take a solid training block ahead of my August goals, starting with the Grand Prix Lorient — my second and main target event of the year. Midway through the block, we slotted in the GP Inguiniel to see how my legs would respond under fatigue. I got into a 16-man break and rode as conservatively as I could with cracked legs.

With 5.5 km to go on the final lap and the weather worsening, I just decided to send it and see what I could do. I managed to hold an 8-second solo gap all the way to the finish, taking my first road win in France. What an incredible feeling — made even sweeter by beating my old teammates with legs that were far from fresh.

To top off the month, just as I wrapped up my training block, I ticked off a huge bucket-list moment: the Tour de France. I was incredibly lucky to join the ITV4 crew (including my dad) on the Mur de Bretagne to watch the race — an unreal experience. Later that month, I travelled to Paris for the finale of both the Tour and ITV’s coverage. This year marked the final ITV4 broadcast of the Tour — surreal to be there in person. I met heroes like Marcel Kittel, Tom Dumoulin, and Alberto Contador, and watched one of the most exciting Paris stages ever, front row for the show that first got me hooked on cycling. I can’t name everyone, but to the crew who made that show what it was — thank you. Without it, I don’t think I’d be pursuing this dream.

I also got to catch the Tour de France Femmes in Plumelec, cheering on Majo. The atmosphere was electric and it was amazing to support a friend out there giving it everything. My Landlord Philippe (an artist) also helped me painting the sign which was brilliant.

Now, eyes forward to August. Big races are coming, my form is feeling fantastic thanks to my coach Alex, and I’m ready to smash everything I can. Let’s go.