Monsieur Thibaud Lhenry is the true evidence that if you want to you can. Is you get to Brooklyn, to one of the most demanding and competitive crits there is, plus the crazy meteorological conditions and you show up with a bike made out of bamboo, anybody would think that you don’t have many possibilities on wining, but if you name is Thibaud, you’ve got a bike that everybody underestimates and you like to ride under the rain, everything changes.
Let’s get to know a little more that French guy that conquered, a stormy night, New York City.
1. Who’s Thibaud Lhenry?
I’m 24, I come from a very small village in Burgundy, near the best vineyards in the world… but far away from a big city! Actually, I live in Dijon. I began riding when I was 5, in order to always make things more silly: I was jumping into the rivers with my bike, trying to climb an apple tree with it… I’m a hothead, I love testing new things and surpassing myself. My speciality is mountain biking, but I enjoy road biking and cyclo-cross… and more recently, fixie obviously!
2. When and how did you start racing Criteriums?!
I started racing criteriums at the Dijon Mustard Crit, on July 2013. My girlfriend’s sister worked in the organization and she asked me if I want to try it out… For sure! My girlfriend forbidden me to participate, too dangerous for her. So I really wanted to annoy her!! I tried it and I finished in second place, just behind the Italian Alessandro Bruzza.
3. IN‘BÔ. Can u tell us more about your bamboo bike?
It’s out of the ordinary, and I like it! I hate doing everything like everybody else does… So, the handmade frame is made with bamboo and flax fiber… Amazing!
4. The owner is friend of yours right?
The owners became friends… It’s a group of five young guys who created their company of sport equipment made by wood (skateboard, glasses, bike, etc.), when they finished school. Indeed, I didn’t have any fixie for the Dijon Mustard Crit. I met them in a moutain bike race, they were presenting their crazy bamboo bikes. I asked them if I can borrow one for the race, and they accepted! Since, they made three bikes, each time better, especially for me. I’m proud of them and appreciate what they did it for me.
5. Difference between aluminum and bamboo frame?
A bamboo bike has the same capacities of a carbon one, so equivalent to the aluminum. It’s rigid and it absorbs vibrations very well. It’s light (6,2 kilograms) but, maybe, we can do some progress about the weight again.
6. RHC. You won the race that we call “the perfect storm” can u tell us your feelings during the race..and when you won?
I really love riding when it’s raining. When you are a mountain biker, you are used to mud, water, skidding… So during the race, I felt ok, with no fears and a big big fighting spirit. I’ve done a long trip to come here. I wanted to have fun and, why not, make a display. When I crossed the line, I didn’t realize : « OMG, I’ve done it !! » I was really really really happy for my friends (the owners of my bike) who came with me in NYC, for my family who watch the race behind their screens, in the middle of the night in France! My weekend in NYC was really amazing but too short with the jet lag… I am a zinc roofer in France, and I just had 5 days off. So, I had to come back on France rapidly. Next year, I’ll spend some more time in NYC or so I hope.
7. You’re also a MTB rider… Are there some skills form MTB that you can optimize to ride in track criteriums?
In track criteriums, I feel comfortable with inclining my bike in the curves and with kidding sensations.
8. How do you train?
My priorities are mountain bike and fixie. I complete my training in road races. I try to train as often as possible on a fixie when a race comes.
9. Thibaud out of the bike world?
Except for riding and working, I haven’t got enough time for other hobbies… Each ,weekend, I am on the road for competitions, so it is hard to have passions. But, when I can, I love climbing, having fun with my friends and my girlfriend.
10. What can you suggest to people that want to start riding in urban track race like RHC?
Don’t hesitate! Unplug your brain! No fears! Buy bamboo! And especially, have a blast!
11. Small phrase of your passion for cycling…
What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger…
12. Thanks to…
The In’Bô team, EasyRiser, Corima, Sportunit, la Bambouseraie d’Anduse which rely on me. I really want to thank my family, my girlfriend and all of my friends for their big support.
