Cycling-Miguel Mathieu follows in father’s footsteps |22 June 2016

Mention the surname Mathieu and cycling, many Seychellois and people for the Indian Ocean region will immediately thing of Hedson. Although Hedson Mathieu has dominated Seychellois cycling for almost 15 years and has twice been the Indian Ocean Island Games individual time trial gold medallist, it is his son, Miguel, who is tipped for greatness.

The 13-year-old cadet rider of the Adams cycling club registered good results in last weekend’s Independence Day tour sponsored by Chez Deenu and is set to leave his mark on the sport.

He finished 7 minutes 16 seconds (7:16) behind tour winner Fadi Confiance who clocked a cumulative time of 5h10:05 over the 209.6km tour which comprised three stages -- 24.2km individual time trial, 71km circuit race and 114.4km road race.

Miguel Mathieu was ranked 10th overall out of 19 cyclists with a cumulative time of 5h17:21 and finished in front some senior favourites like Dominic Arrisol (13th with a time of5h20:45) and Mervyn Esparon (14th with a time of 5h22:09).

Making his debut in racing this year, he is the youngest athlete registered with the Seychelles Cycling Association. The Plaisance secondary student is ready to follow in the footsteps of his father and former top Seychelles cyclist Hedson Mathieu.

Renowned to be a time trial specialist, Hedson seems to have passed on to his son the qualities of riding solo and Miguel registered his best result over the tour in the 24.2km individual time trial, where he clocked 32:28.46 to finish sixth behind race winner Dominic Arrisol who finished in 30:44:03.

“My dad was a champion in the time trial and I want to follow in his footsteps. In fact, I want to do better than him in the future. He is always at my side, giving me his full support. He wants me to break his championship record,” Miguel told Sports Nation in an interview as he took some minutes off during a training session with his dad.

In the 71km circuit race, Mathieu was 13th clocking 1h51:30 and in Sunday’s 114.4km road race he clocked 2h53:23 along with four senior riders -- Ricky Rosalie, Dominic Arrisol, Mario Ernesta and Ahmad Arissol.

Miguel Mathieu said he was very happy with his performance and the overall 10th position.

“I could have done much better. I missed the échapée at Cascade in the 71km circuit race. I was at the back of the peloton taking water and when I realised what was happening it was too late,” said Miguel.

For the time being, Miguel is under the guidance of coach Joseph Clothilde who is being helped by his father Hedson.

“I got my first bike, a mountain bike, when I was six years old. Before that I was not so interested with bicycles even if I travelled with my dad and watched him cycle. I started with the mountain bike and then grew in me the interest to switch to the sport bike. With the support of my mum and dad here is what I have been able to do now. I would like to thank them and also my team colleagues for helping me to achieve these results,” added Miguel.

Asked if he is not afraid of being involved in accidents during races, Miguel replied: “When I first started racing I was a bit frightened. I have seen accidents in cycling races. Now, I enter a race just like that. I do not fear or worry about anything”.

Inspired by his father, Miguel said he will continue cycling. He hopes to be a champion one day.

He added that his idol is two-time Tour de France winner (2013 and 2015) and British cyclist Chris Froome whom his father has raced against.  

As for Hedson Mathieu he had this to say: “I am very satisfied with his performance and I hope he continues so that he can erase all my championship records if possible. I will be there to encourage him”.

P.J