In 2004, the Tour de France cyclist discovered a young 25-year-old rider, Thomas Voeckler. This Martiniquan by adoption is rising in the eyes of the general public. He is wearing the Tour de France yellow jersey for the first time. The Overseas Archives look back on his rise since his beginnings in Martinique.
If Thomas Voeckler is known today to be a sports consultant for France televisions and coach of the French cycling team, he was first a professional cyclist between 2001 and 2017. Born in the Bas-Rhin department, the young Thomas was 7 years old when his parents decided to settle in Martinique, in Tartane. In the department, he practices several sports, but it is cycling that he will choose at the age of 10. He started at the Etoile Cycliste du Lamentin before joining the Trinité club, where he stood out for his tenacity and unfailing will. “Jojo”, his local club coach, remembers:
When his father brought him to us, he was a very small kid that I didn’t see on a bike, we were afraid for him. But as soon as we saw him pedaling, we were flabbergasted by his aggressiveness. Immediately, I found him a nickname: “Ti-Blanc”
Jojo, coach of a local club
Thomas begins a brilliant career on a bike lent by his trainer. A machine far too big for him. He remembers the time that made him who he is today:
In minimal, I rowed dry! Above all, there were two girls who always finished ahead of me. It was upsetting!
Thanks to a trip to France, her dad gave her a racing bike, a decisive gift….
It was a purple “Giant”. Immediately I was conquered. When I wasn’t on it pedaling with my friends, I tinkered with it, I took the derailleur apart, reassembled it, I spent hours on it. In addition, I started to hold on well in the races, and that’s how I caught the virus!
At 14, Thomas joined the Ferdinand Arcade club. A meeting that will profoundly change his career. With him, he learns the rigor, the requirement and the desire to surpass himself. He will be a key figure in his learning.
At 17, Thomas Voeckler joined France (Nantes) to continue his studies and become a professional. His rise is meteoric. Jean-René Bernaudeau, then sports director of the “Brioche, la Boulangère” team, recruited him into his team and continued his apprenticeship until taking him to participate in the 2003 Tour de France. This first participation was for him a real pride. He feels he carries the colors of Martinican cycling.
Watch this report from RFO Martinique, directed by Laurent Eugénie, and broadcast on July 5, 2003:
The year 2004 is, for Thomas Voeckler, the year of all records. Newly awarded the title of Champion of France, he is also part of the Tour de France peloton. Even though his previous performance has relegated him far in the rankings, the rider leaves in completely different conditions, he will be a major player in the race and no longer carrying cans for his teammates. During the 5th stage which leads the riders to Chartres, he escapes with 4 riders to count 12 minutes ahead of the peloton. A lead that allows him to put on his first yellow jersey. At La Trinité, Ferdinand Arcade, his spiritual father, and Hervé Arcade, his lifelong friend, missed nothing of this feat. It allows Martinique to climb to the top, among the elite of world cycling.
Watch the report by RFO Martinique, produced by Franck Zozor, and broadcast on July 8, 2004. Let’s also listen to Thomas Voeckler’s reaction from his hotel room in Chartres. Interview conducted by Alain Rosalie:
Combative, smiling, accessible… There is no doubt that Thomas Voeckler has just settled in the hearts of the French for a long time. A few weeks after his exploits in the 2004 Tour de France, and his 10 days wearing the yellow jersey, he returned to recharge his batteries at home in Martinique. He finds his friends, his family, and recounts his exploits on the “Grande Boucle”. It is also an opportunity to reminisce about childhood memories. He does not forget the road traveled to get there.
Watch the report by David M alarm broadcast in the Emission Stade 2, October 31, 2004:
The most popular cyclist of his generation, with a prestigious track record. An overview of his finest performances makes you dizzy: 10 days in yellow in 2004 and 2011, two French Champion titles and no less than four victories in stages of the Tour de France.
After 25 years of commitment to cycling, he puts on a new jersey, it’s time for retraining. Thomas Voecker has not left the world of cycling. In addition to his role as coach of the French road team, he is still at the heart of the peloton as a motorcycle consultant for France Télévisions.. His background as a former runner gives him a very personal analysis of the race.
In the peloton, things are happening that I have to grasp and explain. I distinguish two audiences. The one who loves cycling all year round and the one who loves the Tour de France who knows less about the details.
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