A 50-50 chance: Victor Lafay's uncertain future in cycling
In a recent interview, Victor Lafay, a rider for Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, revealed that he's torn between continuing his cycling career or calling it quits. With a string of injuries and illnesses, Lafay's journey has been far from smooth, but he's also experienced a recent resurgence in form.
Lafay's performance in the Tour of Guangxi's Queen stage was a testament to his potential. He finished a close second, just inches behind Paul Double of Jayco-AlUla. As the race heads into its final day in Nanings, Lafay is only 15 seconds away from an overall victory in a WorldTour stage race, a position he never imagined himself in.
"I'm not sure if I'll race again next year. I haven't decided yet, but these past two years have given me time to consider my post-cycling plans. I think I'm ready to stop now, and I'm content with that decision," Lafay shared with Daniel Benson's Substack in September.
However, Lafay's decision is not solely based on his physical condition. "I want to decide when I'm in good shape. Right now, I'm not because I'm sick. After a good race, I'll make up my mind," he added.
But here's where it gets controversial: Lafay's future is not the only question hanging over the race. What if his teammate, Aurelien Paret-Peintre, hadn't been involved in a crash before the final ascent? Paret-Peintre could have been Lafay's last support, potentially catching up with Double, who finished nine seconds ahead.
"It was a challenging situation. We wanted to play our cards right, but losing Aurelien just before the climb was a setback. He was our ace, along with me," Lafay explained.
The terrain in Nanning for Stage 6 is perfect for a rider of Lafay's caliber, but he needs to be at his absolute best to take the GC crown from the British rider. Only then will Lafay's future be decided, making Sunday's race a pivotal moment in his career.
And this is the part most people miss: Lafay's decision is not just about his performance. It's about finding a balance between his love for the sport and exploring other passions. He hinted at pursuing other sports or even selling cheese in Japan, a country known for its cheese connoisseurs.
So, what do you think? Should Lafay continue racing, or is it time for him to explore new horizons? The cycling world awaits his decision, but for now, we can only speculate and appreciate the talent he brings to the sport.
