Sheltered from the wind: Benjamin Thomas

I started very early at age four or five in a youth cycling program. I continued racing through the cadet and junior categories while attending high school. After graduating, I had to choose between joining the "Pôle Espoir" (elite training center) in Bordeaux or pursuing a vocational carpentry qualification with my father. I chose the vocational training and worked with him for a year before joining the Army. I wasn't yet performing at a high level on the road, as I didn't have much time to train. However, I had already become a European champion in the U23 category on the track. That success got me noticed and allowed me to turn professional as a track cyclist. From there, I steadily made my way up.

Very early on. Even as a kid, I didn’t necessarily think about turning pro, but I loved competing. When I was 8, 9, or 10, cycling was my way of blowing off steam. It was a game to me, and I’ve kept that same spirit of competition and enjoyment ever since even during training. Even on a long ride, if things get monotonous, I’ll always goad my buddies or dream up little races and games to keep it fun. The others say I’m always "hammering it," but really, I just like to play.

Yes, one year when I was with FDJ—during one of my first training camps Thibaut Pinot was there. We were racing up a climb, and the night before, we’d all watched the Miss France pageant together... So, during the ride, I managed to drop him. It was funny, and it really captured the spirit of those camps: competition, but always in good spirits.

Yes, I was a fan of David Moncoutié. He’s from my region, and we followed his career closely. Even though I wasn’t in his club, he had won races that my father organized for young riders. My brother and I rode together a lot, and he was the one who really passed on the cycling bug to us. My father was also a major influence: for 35 years, he was the president of the Lavaux club and organized races for youth cycling schools. I started very young at four or five selling programs in the parking lots and following the races. It’s truly a bug I caught right from birth.

Yes, the Tokyo Olympics were a turning point. I won my first Olympic medal, but I finished fourth in the omnium. That was a major hurdle to overcome, but it taught me to put things into perspective and better manage the mental demands of our sport.

I mix things up a lot: Eminem, French, American, or Italian rap, sometimes techno, and even classical music during flights. I listen to piano music or calm tracks to relax, because I never sleep sitting up neither on planes nor in cars.

Yes, lots of little rituals. On the track, I have more pronounced quirks: I always do a lap before lining up, and I tighten my shoes as hard as I can until the wood creaks and then I’m off.

Yes, rugby. I’m a fan of Stade Toulousain. I watch the matches whenever I can. I love the atmosphere, the derbies, and the game’s strategy; it’s my second passion after cycling.

Yes, on the track it’s Bentrack, but otherwise people call me Bento.