The road to success is paved with self-doubt, and for promising French cyclist Paul Penhoët, this journey is far from over. After an impressive debut at the Tour de France in 2025, Penhoët is embracing a new mindset, one that questions and challenges him to reach new heights.
In an exclusive interview with Direct Velo, Penhoët opens up about his transformative season, which saw him finish in the top five eleven times without claiming a single victory. Instead of succumbing to frustration, he views this introspection as a catalyst for growth, pushing him to "work even harder and find the finer details" that will elevate his performance.
The 2024 season, however, was not without its challenges. A knee injury disrupted his training, forcing him to delay his season start until May and limiting his sprint and gym work. Penhoët acknowledges that 2024 was a "rebuilding year," a necessary step towards long-term health and success. With this behind him, he approaches the upcoming season with renewed determination, ready to build upon the progress made.
The turning point came in July during his Tour de France debut. Penhoët's performance was nothing short of remarkable, securing 7th place in Lille, 5th in Chateauroux, and 7th in Valence. This experience not only solidified his place at the WorldTour level but also instilled a sense of confidence that he could excel in the future.
Penhoët's preparation played a pivotal role in his success. Arriving at the French National Championships in peak form, he seamlessly transitioned into the Tour de France, showcasing his commitment to helping Romain Gregoire. This dedication, he believes, was instrumental in maintaining his form throughout the race.
Looking ahead to 2026, Penhoët is strategically planning a balanced approach, combining WorldTour fixtures with targeted Europe Tour races. He understands the challenges of the points system and the competitive landscape, and he's not shying away from the truth. Penhoët acknowledges the need to "juggle things well" and take points, while also racing with the best.
The end of the 2025 season marked a significant milestone. His third and fourth-place finishes at the Tour of Guangxi demonstrated that his form was returning at the perfect moment. With a winning instinct still burning within him, Penhoët embarks on his holiday with a relentless drive to achieve his next breakthrough.
