He first reached the stars by becoming world judo champion in 1979. The following year, Thierry Rey struck even harder by winning Olympic gold at just 21 years old. This Wednesday October 18 in Troyes, the kimono was not out. It was in the role of special advisor for the Paris 2024 Games that he led, in the morning, the “Terre de Jeux 2024” webinar, aimed at all certified communities, from the Aube stadium.
“We didn’t come here by chance. Troyes is one of the cities very committed to the Paris 2024 Games and which did not hesitate to invest in equipment,” says the former judoka. His mission at the Aube stadium completed, he headed to the Henri-Terré complex to discover the city’s new sports facilities.
At the top of one of the launch ramps of the BMX track, Thierry Rey widens his eyes, impressed by the height from which the riders launch. In Troyes, the races start 5 or 8 meters from the ground. This equipment, work on which began at the end of 2021, came into operation a year ago. Its cost: 1.6 million euros, including 523,000 euros for the city of Troyes and the same for the departmental council. The rest was taken care of by the State via the National Sports Agency and the Grand Est region.
If the track is primarily intended for local athletes, the city has never hidden its desire to welcome foreign teams looking for a training ground for the Paris 2024 Games, close to the capital. . “This equipment is in the spirit of what we are advocating for Paris 2024,” says Thierry Rey. BMX is one of those urban sports that appeals to the new generation. This track allows open practice and will last over time. »
Two rounds of the Coupe de France this weekend
Approved to host national and European level events – a technical point of regulation currently prevents the holding of world competitions – the Trojan track will be the scene of two rounds of the Coupe de France this weekend of October 21 and 22. Nearly 1,200 pilots will be on deck with all the resulting economic benefits.
“This track will contribute to the city’s influence,” continues Thierry Rey. “The Olympic Games are ephemeral but we wanted to build facilities for the long term,” emphasizes Frédéric Serra, deputy mayor in charge of sports. Without the Paris Games, we would not have spent this public money in the same way. Since the 70s, there has never been so much money invested in sports infrastructure in Troyes. »
A few dozen meters further on stands the state-of-the-art gymnastics hall. Like the neighboring climbing gym, it came about thanks to the momentum generated by the Olympics. Here again, the city has positioned itself on sports which are popular among young people. Despite its current bad situation, the football club, resident of Ligue 2, is far from being Troyes’ only asset in the sporting field.
Practical. French BMX Cup, 9th and 10th rounds Saturday and Sunday in Troyes, from 8 a.m. at the Henri-Terré complex. Free admission.
2023-10-21 05:01:01
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