Director of the Department for Sports of the International Cycling Union (UCI) Frédéric Magné, who was arrived in Ashgabat on a short-term visit, gave a short interview to Turkmenportal. The conversation took place after the master class, which was conducted by a well-known specialist for cyclists of the Turkmenistan national team. Frederic Magne is a former French cyclist. In his career, he won seven world titles. Magné was the world champion in keirin in 1995, 1997 and 2000 and in tandem in 1987, 1988, 1989 and 1994, each time with compatriot Fabrice Colas. He is a participant in four Olympic Games.
– What are the goals and objectives of the visit to Turkmenistan?
– My visit to develop of cycling in Turkmenistan and, in particular, the preparation of the national team of Turkmenistan for the world championship to be held in Ashgabat in 2021.
– Today you met with Turkmen athletes and coaches. What did you want to convey to them? What was the purpose of this meeting?
– I have been invited by the national Olympic committee of Turkmenistan. I will see the athletes and we will make a plan for the UCI Track Cycling World Championship.
– We heard that during your stay in other countries you conducted a selection of athletes for advanced training at the World Cycling Center in Switzerland headed by you. Do Turkmen cyclists have a chance to get to your center and train there under the guidance of experienced mentors?
– I am going to send a coach. He is going to select. I am looking more strategy for cycling preparation.
– How many cyclists from Turkmenistan are you ready to select to study at the cycling center in Switzerland?
– We need to discuss. Because the most important will be to have children compare in Turkmenistan and the best one can go to the World Cycling Center.
– What issues will you discuss with the leadership of the Cycling Federation and the National Olympic Committee of Turkmenistan?
– I think we will discuss the strategy that we put together. How will be the implementation of that strategy?
– What impression did the Olympic town of Ashgabat make on you? Did you see something like this?
– Fantastic! I arrived yesterday by night and I could see all of the lights fantastic.
– Classes in cycling in Turkmenistan have become widespread. At the initiative of the President of our country, who is the head of the National Olympic Committee, the UN General Assembly established World Cycling Day, which is now celebrated on June 3 around the world. How do you assess the steps taken by Turkmenistan in the development and popularization of cycling?
– I think it is very important, Turkmenistan initiative the world bicycle day shows to the world very dedicated to sports and especially to cycling. I think with this kind initiatives we can develop cycling.
