Legeay launches cycling 24 hours of Le Mans

By Jean-François Quénet in Le Mans

After the fall out of his Crédit Agricole team, Roger Legeay will remain in the world of cycling. He will notably be involved in a new kind of bicycle race organisation: the cycling 24 hours of Le Mans that will take place on August 22 and 23, 2009, on the famous Bugatti circuit.

"The cyclists who have made a trial recently said the surface is fabulous for riding a bike," noted race promoter Claude Gasnal, who is a former international basket-ball player as well as a true fan of cycling.

"During my trips all over the world for cycling purposes, I've realised the notoriety of Le Mans is enormous due to the 24 hours," Legeay explained at the launch on Thursday. "It was logical to have a cycling 24 hours as well one day." Le Mans is known for the 24 hours for car racing, motorbikes, trucks and roller-skating.

The cycling 24 hours will be open to all public with the possibility for some professionals to participate. Teams of 8, 6, 4, 2 or even 1 rider will line up with the goal of covering as many laps of 4185 meters each as possible. Race entries will begin on the website www.24heuresvelo.fr on November 1.

"Considering the huge success of fun rides all over the world, I'm convinced the 24 hours will attract a large number of cyclists as well as some very good ones," said Legeay.