In rowing, the Nice Nautical Club (CNN) has some highly performing young rowers. Despite the good results the young rowers achieve, the training conditions are not optimal. The Nice rowers have to train at sea, while the competitions take place on a lake.
Patrick De Lafaye, one of the CNN coaches, laments the training conditions in Nice. “They come to train here (at sea, ed.) while their competitions are in calm waters. We do what we can. We try to supplement with weight training sessions, simulators or jogging,” he says with disappointment. “On weekends, we take them to Lake Saint-Cassien, where they can really practice rowing.”
For Élodie Ravera, Gaël Chocheyras, and Adrien Constantini, the great hopes of CNN, it is therefore very difficult. “We do what we can, but it’s true that at sea, it’s nothing like competition conditions,” says Gaël. The young man is aware that his sport is far from being highlighted. “We know that we will never be able to make a living from it. With all the time and energy we devote to this sport, it’s really a pity,” he explains, looking disappointed and resigned.
The young rowers are not supported
If CNN suffers from not having a training basin, rowing faces certain disadvantages at the national level. It is a sport — too — little publicized. In addition to that, the young rowers do not have adjusted schedules…
“Unlike sports like football, tennis, or basketball, the young rowers do not have adjusted schedules. They come after classes and for those preparing for the baccalaureate, it’s not easy,” remarks Patrick De Lafaye, undoubtedly irritated by this system.
But no matter. Through thick and thin, Élodie, Gaël, and Adrien will go to Bulgaria from August 12 with a common goal: to do their best at the World Championships. And who knows, perhaps the benefits of the Nice sea air will help them achieve great feats for these championships…
