My Olympic Experience: 2016 UCI World Champion Joris Daudet (France)

Nov 18, 2016

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 9972 times

Name: Joris Daudet
Number in Rio: 33
Country: France
Result: Quarter final

How big was your struggle even making it to the Olympics?
Joris Daudet: It was not a big struggle for me, I had a good season with no injuries, so I knew a little bit before that I would be in the team.

What were your personal goals two weeks before the Olympic race?
Joris Daudet: It was all about winning, this is why I trained hard everyday. But obviously it didn't go my way.

How much different did the track look when you saw it for the first time?
Joris Daudet: The track looked very good on TV and Photos, but it was completely different when we rode it. The green paint on the turn / track made it hard to see the jump. But after that, it was in a perfect condition and fast.

How big was your team arond you in Rio?
Joris Daudet: It was pretty big, I had the French team and my Coach. But I did not have my family and friends this time. I felt it was not safe for them and I did not want to worry about them, but at the end I really regretted not having them there, you need all the support you can get!

Were you in the best shape you've ever been in when it was time to race on the Olympic track?
Joris Daudet: I was feeling very strong, I can't tell you if it was the best shape of my life but felt very good out there. All my training prior to the event was good and I had the confidence high after the UCI World Championship title.

How was staying in the Olympic village?
Joris Daudet: It wasn't my first time, so I knew what to expect. It's just a big city with a lot of athletes. Nothing amazing.

Did you live by the rules during your stay?
Joris Daudet: Before the race I did, but after the race I went to a few parties in the city.

Did you get to hang out with other athletes from different countries and different sports?
Joris Daudet: Dinner with Usain Bolt! Haha, no I just stayed with the French team and friends from bmx.

Did you participate in the opening/closing ceremonies and how was that experience?
Joris Daudet: I went to the closing ceremony, it was raining but made the most of it and really enjoyed it.

Did you ride a special bike in Brasil?
Joris Daudet: Yes Chase Bicycles made a custom Frame for me with all the French colors! It was really cool from them and it's something you don't get very often.

Were you proud riding in the National Team colours?
Joris Daudet: Very proud, it is something you have worked so hard for and all I wanted to do was make my country proud of me, I gave my all for them and I was in shock with all the support I received after I crashed out. It really showed me I have the best support from my country.

Did you get to watch any other sports during your stay?
Joris Daudet: Yes I got to watch track cycling.

Was it worth it spending four years of hard training to do this one Olympic race?
Joris Daudet: No. I think you cannot train 4 years just for this event. I guess if I would have won I would have said yes.

2020 Tokyo. What are your plans?
Joris Daudet: I will be in Tokyo. But there are a lot more championships to win in 4 years. I want to win more USABMX pro titles and UCI World championships. So my goal is to stay in the US and keep living the dream.

Thanks to: Thanks to everyone that was on my side! Especially my wife Teagan, she was amazing, did not stop supporting me and helping me with everything, we both put our dreams together and I won't stop until I reach that dream for her! Also big thanks to my sponsors. On to the next one!

Pics by a.o. by Chase Bicycles