Perpignan, France – Cécile Hernandez, a decorated Paralympic athlete, is embarking on a new challenge, setting her sights on competing in cycling at the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The 51-year-old French athlete, fresh off a gold medal performance in snowboard cross at the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan-Cortina, is transitioning to a completely different discipline: track cycling.
Hernandez, who also served as the flag bearer for the French Paralympic team at the recent Winter Games, announced her ambition to qualify for the Los Angeles Games in an interview with Ici Roussillon radio, as reported by multiple sources. This move represents a significant shift for the athlete, who has spent over a decade dominating para-snowboarding.
From Snowboard to Saddle: A New Chapter
The transition won’t be without its hurdles. Hernandez acknowledges she’s starting from scratch in cycling, but is approaching the challenge with characteristic determination. “I start training at the end of April. I’m used to riding for my winter preparation. I will perform under the guidance of Grégory Baugé’s coach, a great champion,” Hernandez explained, according to Le Parisien. She plans to train extensively, utilizing velodromes in Barcelona, Bordeaux, and Paris.
This isn’t a retirement announcement, while. Hernandez remains committed to snowboarding and has her sights set on the 2030 Winter Paralympics in France. “I really want to win the gold medal in slalom and in France in 2030. I feel like I still have something left in the tank and I always have the desire to win,” she stated. The athlete’s dedication is fueled by the pride she feels, not only from her recent gold medal in Cortina, Italy, but also from the honor of carrying her nation’s flag.
A Proven Champion Adapts
Hernandez’s athletic journey has been remarkable. She has accumulated four Paralympic medals – gold medals from Beijing 2022 and Milan-Cortina 2026, a silver from Sochi 2014, and both a silver and a bronze from PyeongChang 2018 – establishing herself as a dominant force in para-snowboarding. Her success has been built on a foundation of rigorous training at the Angles station in the Pyrenees-Orientales region of France, where she has honed her skills for the past twelve years.
The station of Angles has been instrumental in Hernandez’s success, providing a supportive training environment. “It’s here that my medals were forged, including the gold one from Cortina,” Hernandez said. The team at Angles prepared an incredible snowboard track for her training in February.
Collaboration with a Cycling Legend
To facilitate her transition to cycling, Hernandez has joined a Parisian club and will be coached by Grégory Baugé, a four-time Olympic medalist in cycling. This partnership brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Hernandez’s preparation. Baugé’s guidance will be crucial as she navigates the technical aspects of track cycling and builds the necessary endurance and strength.
While cycling is the current focus, Hernandez remains open to exploring other possibilities. She has also expressed interest in rock climbing, having begun training at a facility in Saint-Estève. This willingness to embrace new challenges underscores her versatility and unwavering spirit.
Looking Ahead to Los Angeles
The decision to pursue a spot in the Los Angeles Games highlights Hernandez’s ambition and her belief in her ability to excel in multiple sports. The Paralympic Summer Games in Los Angeles are scheduled to take place in 2028, providing Hernandez with a clear target as she embarks on this new chapter in her athletic career.
Hernandez’s story is an inspiring example of perseverance, adaptability, and the pursuit of excellence. Her transition from para-snowboarding to para-cycling is a testament to her unwavering dedication and her refusal to be limited by boundaries. As she begins her training regimen, the sporting world will be watching to see if this remarkable athlete can add another medal to her impressive collection on a new stage.
The next step for Hernandez is the start of her intensive training program at the end of April, as she begins to build the foundation for her bid to compete in Los Angeles. Fans can follow her progress through updates from her team and official Paralympic channels.
