At just 19 years old, Célia Gery has written a new chapter in French cycling history this Thursday, 25 September, in Kigali (Rwanda). The Ardéchoise won the world junior title after a perfectly controlled race, beating Slovakia’s Viktoria Chladonova in a sprint finish. Spain’s Paula Blasi completed the podium.
Working alongside Julie Bego and Marion Bunel, Célia benefited from outstanding teamwork. Julie managed the early stages of the race, then Marion launched a decisive attack on the final climb up the cobbled Kimihurura hill. This move eliminated several rivals and put France in an ideal position.
In the final, only Chladonova was able to keep up with Célia. Despite repeated attacks from the Slovakian, the Frenchwoman kept her cool, using her speed to win the world title. Marion Bunel finished in fifth place. An impressive first professional season.
This title confirms Célia’s rapid progress, having come from cyclo-cross where she has already collected several world titles in the junior categories. Having turned professional this season with FDJ-SUEZ, she had already made a name for herself in August by winning three stages of the Tour de l’Avenir, before achieving what is, to date, the greatest success of her young career.
‘I knew I could count on my speed. Marion did a great job before the finish line, and all I had to do was finish the job. It’s a dream come true to win this rainbow jersey,’ said the new world junior champion after her victory.
With only three riders competing, France defied the odds against nations vastly superior in numbers, such as Canada and Great Britain. This title is France’s first victory at the 2025 World Championships and confirms the emergence of a promising generation, embodied by Célia Gery from Talencieux in Ardèche.