Born: 1971 (La Roche-sur-Yon, Vendée)
Biography:
Félicia Ballanger, born on June 12, 1971, in La Roche-sur-Yon, Vendée, is a retired French racing cyclist who has left an indelible mark on the world of track cycling. With an impressive career spanning from the early 1990s to the early 2000s, Ballanger distinguished herself as one of the most accomplished and dominant cyclists of her time.
Growing up with a passion for sports, Ballanger initially pursued both cycling and handball. As a cyclist, she became a member of Vendée la Roche Cycliste and quickly made her mark on the international stage. Her early success included a fourth-place finish in her first world championship and a similar result at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. However, just as her career was taking off, tragedy struck when she crashed the following year, suffering a broken collarbone and a pierced thigh due to a splinter from the velodrome.
Despite the setback, Ballanger demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. Under the guidance of Daniel Morelon, the former world sprint champion, she returned stronger than ever. In 1995, Ballanger secured her first world championships, winning both the 500m time trial and the sprint events. This marked the beginning of a remarkable streak of success, as she went on to win gold in both events for the next four consecutive years.
Ballanger’s prowess extended beyond the world championships. At the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, she clinched the gold medal in the sprint event, further solidifying her status as a dominant force in the sport. She continued her Olympic success in 2000, winning the gold medals in both the sprint and the 500m time trial events.
In addition to her Olympic and world championship triumphs, Ballanger set multiple world records during her career. Notably, she broke the 500m world record six times, with her fastest time standing at 34.010 seconds, achieved on August 29, 1998, in Bordeaux.
Ballanger’s exceptional achievements did not go unnoticed in her home country. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to French cycling, she was awarded the prestigious Vélo d’Or français in 2000. Remarkably, she remained the only female awardee until 2022, underscoring the magnitude of her impact on the sport.
Beyond her athletic career, Ballanger has also been active in the realm of cycling administration. In 2001, she assumed the role of vice-president of the Fédération Française de Cyclisme, further contributing to the development and promotion of the sport in France.
Outside of cycling, Ballanger is a devoted family woman. She is married and has two children. Since 1998, she has been residing in Nouméa, where she has been actively engaged in local politics. Her dedication to her community is reflective of her commitment to making a positive impact, both on and off the bike.
A true trailblazer in women’s cycling, Félicia Ballanger’s legacy as an accomplished athlete, role model, and influencer in the world of track cycling is unassailable. With her remarkable achievements and unwavering determination, she continues to inspire future generations of athletes, particularly women, to push their boundaries and reach for greatness.
Awards:
– Olympic Games:
– Gold medal in the sprint event (1996)
– Gold medal in the sprint event (2000)
– Gold medal in the 500m time trial event (2000)
– World Championships:
– Gold medal in the sprint event (1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999)
– Gold medal in the 500m time trial event (1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999)
– Silver medal in the sprint event (1994)
– National Championships:
– Gold medal in the sprint event (1992, 1994)
– Gold medal in the youth sprint event (1986)
– World Records:
– 500m: 35.811 seconds (July 3, 1993, Hyères)
– 500m: 35.190 seconds (July 28, 1993, Bordeaux)
– 500m: 34.604 seconds (July 3, 1994, Hyères)
– 500m: 34.474 seconds (July 22, 1994, Colorado Springs)
– 500m: 34.017 seconds (September 29, Bogota)
– 500m: 34.010 seconds (August 29, 1998, Bordeaux)