The 18-year-old Breton rider claimed her first national title in the under-19 individual pursuit at the French Future Championships.
On Thursday 29 October 2026, the opening day of the French Future track cycling championships in Loudéac (Côtes-d'Armor), Zoé Bihan won gold in the under-19 women's individual pursuit. The 18-year-old Breton, who holds the world record in the discipline, did not beat her own best time but still took her first national title.
Bihan’s win was built on a strong qualifying ride and a solid final, confirming her status as one of the leading young endurance riders in the country. The championships, which run for five days on the covered track in Loudéac, bring together the best French riders in the age categories, and the pursuit was among the first events decided.
The Breton rider arrived with high expectations after setting her world record earlier in the season. Although her record still stands, her performance was close to that world standard, suggesting she is in excellent form. As a time trial against the clock, the pursuit is a demanding event, and Bihan managed the effort well to take the title.
This is her first French title of the week, which will boost the young athlete’s confidence as she targets other events on the programme. The championships offer numerous opportunities for riders to compete in both sprint and endurance disciplines, and Bihan’s versatility could see her contest again before the meeting ends.
For the local public, it is a real draw to see a rider from the region succeed on the Loudéac track. Bihan’s progression will be closely followed as the season continues, with the world record still in her hands and the prospect of further competition on the horizon.
Bihan’s win was built on a strong qualifying ride and a solid final, confirming her status as one of the leading young endurance riders in the country. The championships, which run for five days on the covered track in Loudéac, bring together the best French riders in the age categories, and the pursuit was among the first events decided.
The Breton rider arrived with high expectations after setting her world record earlier in the season. Although her record still stands, her performance was close to that world standard, suggesting she is in excellent form. As a time trial against the clock, the pursuit is a demanding event, and Bihan managed the effort well to take the title.
This is her first French title of the week, which will boost the young athlete’s confidence as she targets other events on the programme. The championships offer numerous opportunities for riders to compete in both sprint and endurance disciplines, and Bihan’s versatility could see her contest again before the meeting ends.
For the local public, it is a real draw to see a rider from the region succeed on the Loudéac track. Bihan’s progression will be closely followed as the season continues, with the world record still in her hands and the prospect of further competition on the horizon.
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Source: Ouest-France