Mid Season Review – French Racing Update By Jack Rebours
Before anything else, I want to say how grateful I am to Caesarean Cycling Club, CC Plancoët, Jersey Cycling and Jersey Sport for their support which has made getting across the water to France so frequently possible. The link between CCC and CCP has opened doors I never expected, especially the chance to race stage races with Plancoët, something I’ve absolutely loved. The riders and coaches at CCP have been incredibly welcoming, and their support is something I don’t take for granted.
Setting the Scene
My goal this year was simple - get back to my best. After spending the winter sorting a few niggles that held me back at times last season, with a bike fit and targeted strength work, I was determined to arrive in spring ready to compete. I’ve always loved bike racing, but it’s a lot more fun when you’re consistently in the mix. Over winter I put the work in, hoping it would pay off when the flag dropped.
The Good Stuff
The encouraging part is that the work has shown. I’ve been consistently competitive in Cat 2/3 races and able to hold my own in Cat 1/2/3 fields. Starting the season with a podium at Dolo was a confidence boost and a nice early sign that the winter miles weren’t just character building.
Sévignac was another highlight. Sixteen laps, each with a two‑minute climb at 7%. It was very selective, with riders disappearing in the rear view every lap and exactly my type of race. Coming away with 6th was a ride I was pleased with.
Moving up to Cat 1/2/3 races with Plancoët, after the early season 2/3s was a planned pivot. The Coupe de Bretagne rounds at Plouay and Saint Potan were fast, unforgiving, and full of quality riders. In Saint Potan, half the field were 1st Cats, and finishing 20th there on stage 2 is, in my view, my best ride of the year so far.
Highlights so Far
- Dolo (Road Race) – March – Cat 2/3 – 3rd
- La Tour des Granitiers Le Ferré (Time Trail Stage 2) – April – Cat 2/3 – 5th
- Sévignac (Road Race) – May – Cat 2/3 – 6th
- Plouay (Road Race) – May – Cat 1/2/3 – 27th
- Saint Potan Stage 1 (Road Race) – June – Cat 1/2/3 – 26th
- Saint Potan Stage 2 (Road Race) – June – Cat 1/2/3 – 20th (23rd on Final General Classification)
The Not So Good
No season is perfect, and mine hasn’t been either but thankfully the setbacks have been small. A few races where I was caught out of position, or where crashes blocked the road, and the occasional day where the legs weren’t as I’d hoped.
Being based in Jersey adds its own challenges: travel, late arrivals, busy weeks leading into race weekends. In the past I’d beat myself up over anything that wasn’t a top ride, but I’ve learned to accept the realities of amateur racing. Take the lessons as they come, move on, and keep enjoying the sport.
Looking Ahead
Plans for the rest of the season are still being pieced together. My main aim remains the same: get back to my best. That means trying to match or beat my best French results: a Cat 2/3 win and 11th in a Cat 1/2/3.
I’m also tempted to dip back into the UK TT scene if I can make the logistics work.
Whatever the results end up being, I couldn’t be happier with the racing I’ve done so far with CCP and the people I’ve met along the way. It’s been a brilliant experience, and I’m excited for what’s still to come.
Other Race Results
- Mégrit (Road Race) – March – Cat 2/3 – 41st
- Merdrignac (Road Race – May – Cat 2/3 – 26th
- La Tour des Granitiers Le Ferré – General Classification – 41st
Thanks to the CCC Race Team Sponsors
Ronez
Dunells
Co-op Bikes
Evolution Cycles Jersey
The Cycle Centre
B G Reed