Milette was one of the 109 participants to take the start, Monday noon, of the first edition of the female version of the Tour de l’Avenir. She posted the 71st fastest time on the first stage, a 14.8 kilometer time trial.
It was the German Antonia Niedermaier who got her hands on the yellow jersey.
“It was a tough race for me today. I expected a little better,” said Milette, who finished three minutes and seven seconds behind the leader.
“But I’m happy to have the chance to rub shoulders with the best in the world. There are big names here.”
The Tour de l’Avenir presented the 59th edition of its men’s section last week. The event has hosted youngsters Greg LeMond, Miguel Indurain and Tadej Pogacar over the decades before their rise to cycling glory.
The decision to launch a women’s version was taken last year following the successful return of the Women’s Tour de France.
“The walk is huge to take”
Milette, who will turn 21 next November, is delighted to see this another step in the right direction to ensure parity in her sport.
“It’s a huge step to take when you go from the junior ranks to the elite ranks. It’s cool to have such a project for women under 23, “explains the young woman from Outaouais, who is part of the Canadian team during this round.
“It was one of my goals this season to be selected for this event. The name of the race says it well. This is the future of our sport. It is the next generation of cyclists who are developing.”
—Laury Milette
Above all, it is a great showcase for these hopefuls looking for a new contract next year in Europe.
Milette ended her season with the French team Team Grand Est – Komugi – La Fabrique. She has contested 26 UCI-sanctioned races in 2023.
“It was my first real season in Europe. Before, I was doing maybe six or seven UCI races in Europe. There, I came home only for the Canadian championships in the middle of the summer.
Best results
Among her best results were an eighth place at a Tour de Feminin stage in the Czech Republic and a 10th place at the Trofeo Ponente in Rosa, Italy.
“I had ups and downs. It was to be expected a bit. It was a lot of learning on the bike, but also in relation to myself. I found it hard mentally at times. I regret nothing. It takes years to gain experience. I still have a lot of work to do.”
In particular, Milette wants to regain some confidence by the end of the season, which includes the Tour de l’Avenir, but also the Tour de Gatineau, which will take place from September 15 to 17 in Aylmer.
“I know it will be difficult this week at the Tour de l’Avenir, but I would like to get a good personal result. In Gatineau, I would like to do at home. It will be noted as a race. But being at home, it should give me a little boost.
A first
This is the first time that Laury Milette has put on the Canadian jersey at an international meeting since 2019. The word COVID-19 was not yet part of the vocabulary of the planet.
At that time, the athlete was participating in the world junior championships.
“It was my first race in Europe. It’s special for me to wear this jersey again this week. Above all, I have a little more racing experience than four years ago.
The Tour de l’Avenir continues until Friday in France.
2023-08-28 19:45:31
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