Sénéchal "hit rock bottom" after terrible year: "I didn't know how to race anymore"
CyclingWednesday, 23 October 2024 at 16:14
Florian Sénéchal switched to a French team last winter. With Arkéa-B&B Hotels, he was supposed to become the leader in the cobbles classics and, as lead-out, help Arnaud Démare to victories. Neither goal was achieved. In the spring, Sénéchal came no further than 62nd place in the Tour of Flanders. He also failed to help Démare achieve many victories. In an interview with Le Télégramme, the northern Frenchman recalls his difficult season: "I was close to burnout."
To say that his first season at Arkéa-B&B Hotels did not unfold as he had hoped is an understatement. He even felt the urge to "give up everything." The problems began at the end of February with a crash in the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. "I broke my collarbone. Three weeks later, I resumed competition and crashed again on the same collarbone. From that moment, I completely lost my confidence," he explained.
The former Quick Step rider became afraid to fight for his place in the peloton, but it didn't stop there. "I didn't know how to race anymore or cycle." To make matters worse, he also lost his grandfather. He admits he didn't visit him often enough. And so the former French champion ended up in a downward spiral.
Text continues below photo
Florian Sénéchal in the colors of Arkéa-B&B Hotels
Sénéchal in downward spiral: "I hit rock bottom"
"Mentally, it was no longer sustainable; I hit rock bottom," Sénéchal begins his sad story. "I would have collapsed without my loved ones and the team's support. I thought about ending my career, thinking it was over, and my body shut down. I was close to burnout and sensitive to everything. I wanted to give up everything but had lost my grip."
Meanwhile, everything is back under control. Sénéchal has recovered and is willing to train again. "I never lost my motivation. In 2025 I am out for revenge, I have no other choice. The counter is back on zero."
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Latest Comments
- Van Aert is really handsome. He can influence me all day! Ditto for Philipsen. Why do you think many of us love cycling?: to see heroic attempts at climbing mountains at high altitudes or to watch speedsters sprint for the finish line or to watch a human being ride at break neck speed down a tricky descent? No, it's all about their lean physiques and muscular legs. (apologies for objectifying these dedicated and amazing athletes).BarwonHeadsUp25-10-2024
- It is unfortunate that the author can't feel the joy that Pogacar brings to the sport and his fans who are legion and I for one feel lucky to have watched such a memorable performance and historic season From the Strada until yesterday with multiple wins in stages in both tours and beyond dominance in the World's. He is proud to wear the Rainbow stripes, shows his leadership to protect his fellows and is as courteous and sportsman-like as the sport allows. He goes early to not have to respond to each attack as all the rest would make him do it. Any racer who could would do the same. Don't "grow tired" of greatness as it is always fleeting.ccrider13-10-2024
- What load of rubbish. Pog is likely a once in a generation cyclist, the like of which hasn't been seen since 'the Cannibal '. How many people were complaining that Merckx was making racing predictable? I remember this year's World RR as one of the most exciting I've watched. Mainly BECAUSE Pog was the favourite and launched what everyone thought (Pog included) was a suicidal attack with 80km to go. For the next 2 hours, I was on the edge of my seat thinking "this is too much, even for Pog". Maybe Zonnefeld prefers the snooze-fest that is a bunch sprint? Like most people I know, I can't watch two hours of the bunch riding very fast... I wait for the final 5km and watch just the sprint. In any event, most races are won from a sprint or lone break. What difference does it make who makes the lone break? Ultimately, the other contenders will have to figure out a way to beat Pog. Even if that means collaboration between teams. It's going to be an exciting few seasons, until the next Pog arrives on the scene. If this is boring, heaven knows what exciting looks like!Michael513-10-2024
- This is not a gravel race. UCI fail, from the surface they are on to team tactics. In what country was the first "gravel race" in what country is the most popular gravel race? Go with the race model that created the discipline.
Barnes127411-10-2024 - And don't forget he has now won 4 of the big 10 races (Grand tours, Monuments and WC/OG) in one year with a chance to make that 5. (5 has only been done once before)Joostmehrtens05-10-2024