Marie-Soleil Blais l'emporte le 21 août 2021
photo affichée sur Instagram par Marie-Soleil Blais

by Marie-Soleil Blais

Coming home from Quebec Provincials with 2 new Quebec Champion titles, my 10th and 11th in career. I’m particularly proud of this one.

Pride and satisfaction often emerge from struggles, from overcoming challenges. That’s exactly what summarize this race but also my season, and maybe my career.

It might look like another win for newcomers, but I can tell you that I haven’t always win, it was a pretty long path. A path that can only be pursued by passion - no amount of determination alone could do that I think. That’s why I’m still here today, because I love it!

Here’s my race recap. 3km from the start, I stumbled after the rider in front of me clipped a wheel. By the time I got back on the bike, I must have been a minute behind the peloton, it was gone. My left pedal broken, I had to ride unclipped.

No caravans, no temporization, I chased for a while but it was over I eventually thought. At that moment someone yelled « It’s feasible » THANK YOU! I decided I’m not ever quitting this race!

I got back on, sat to recover, forced to be patient and observe the race from behind.

Some time later, as we approach a small hill with speed, I remember seeing the girls at the front shifting on their small chainring, I saw them sitting, I just sensed it was the right time. I attacked on the big ring, the timing was just too good. I couldn’t plan this, that was just pure instinct, reading the race, experience.

So there I went with 25km to go! The peloton on my heels until they disappeared, behind me this time.

I love how this raced involved every aspect of an amazing race. The heart and courage to fight when it seemed impossible, being able to tactically see and seize the opportunity, and the legs to finish it off.

It’s funny because somebody told me before the race that it was too windy for anyone to escape, you can’t win solo here! Never listen to what people say. Unless they tell you that you can do it!!

And especially after this year, finding myself with no contract during a pandemic with travel restrictions, with my road bike stolen in the spring, the difficulty to replace parts I needed for racing until July.

Now I’m here, and the fire is burning.

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