Olivier Le Gac: “I’ve been well supported”

# Olivier Le Gac: “I’ve Been Well Supported”

Olivier Le Gac’s start to the year was far from ideal. After sustaining a fractured femoral neck on January 2, the seasoned cyclist from Brittany found himself sidelined for the first four months of the racing season. However, after an intensive period of recovery, rehabilitation, and training, he is finally set to make his return this weekend at the Grand Prix du Morbihan.

**Olivier, how are you feeling just days before your return to racing?**

“Mentally, I feel good. I’m really happy to be able to pin on a race number again, to see where I stand and what I still need to do to get back to my level. I’m coming back with a shape that obviously isn’t great because I’m coming from quite far back, but I’ve worked hard. I hope my condition will allow me to finish races, which will also help me raise my level over the coming weeks.”

Reflecting on the severity of his injury, Le Gac recounted his initial reaction.

“It was a big blow to my morale,” he said. “I immediately understood that it was serious. I’m used to crashing on the bike, getting back up and going again, but I quickly realized I couldn’t move or walk. The X-ray revealed a displaced fracture of the femoral neck. At first, they told me I’d be out for a week, but after the operation, it became six. The surgeon looked quite serious and immediately warned me about the risk of necrosis and the possibility of needing a prosthesis if things didn’t evolve in the right direction. When I heard those words, it was a big blow to my morale.”

**The Impact of Recovery on Daily Life**

The injury not only affected Le Gac’s athletic career but also reshaped his daily life. With a young daughter at home and a wife balancing work, he needed to adapt significantly.

“We had to completely reorganize things at home. In January, my daughter was only 18 months old, and my wife works. I had to set up my bedroom downstairs so I could still manage on my own when she wasn’t there. Thankfully, she was there. Our parents and relatives also helped us, and fortunately so, because it would have been complicated without them,” he explained. “The first six weeks were very difficult.”

Le Gac’s recovery journey was challenging as he navigated six weeks of non-weight bearing followed by physiotherapy and strength training to rebuild his leg. “I’d like to thank my physio, with whom I spent many hours. It was also necessary to rebuild strength in my left leg,” he stated. Now, just weeks away from racing, he feels the progress he’s made.

“I can see from my power numbers that I’m improving. Now I hope that racing again will help me progress and that I’ll be almost back to my level within a month. That would be great.”

**Staying Motivated Through Recovery**

During his recovery, Le Gac found motivation in various forms. He attended physiotherapy sessions early on, remaining engaged in training despite not being able to ride.

“Starting physiotherapy quite early already helped me mentally, because I needed to work, to push myself,” he noted. “I stayed connected to cycling, to the team. I received calls and messages, and that did me good. Even riders I’m not in regular contact with sent messages to check in. It’s also in moments like these that you realize there are kind and caring people around you. That really helped me throughout my recovery.”

**Looking Ahead to Competition**

As he approaches his return to competitive racing, Le Gac remains optimistic yet realistic about the challenges ahead.

“I’d like to be able to finish my first races, but the main goal is to get back into the rhythm of competition,” he explained. He acknowledged the difference between training and racing, particularly against opponents who have been actively competing throughout the season.

“Coming back in Brittany is a big bonus. I won’t have to cross France, and I’m not far from home. Family and friends will come, especially my wife and daughter at the Tour du Finistère. Some of the people who supported me over the past few months will be there, and that really warms my heart.”

With a renewed spirit and the support of loved ones, Le Gac is ready to take his next steps toward reclaiming his place in the peloton.