Victor Lafay's cycling career hangs in the balance, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. After a rollercoaster journey, he's torn between calling it quits and chasing new dreams. But here's the twist: despite his recent struggles, he's now tantalizingly close to a major victory.
Lafay, riding for Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, is at a crossroads. He's had a challenging time since joining the team, battling injuries and illness. Yet, he's also shown glimpses of his top form, including a remarkable second-place finish on the Queen stage of the Tour of Guangxi, just 9 seconds behind Paul Double of Jayco-AlUla. This performance has put him within 15 seconds of a WorldTour stage race overall victory, a position he never imagined given his recent setbacks.
The 2023 Tour de France stage winner in San Sebastián, where he beat Wout van Aert and Tadej Pogačar, has been contemplating his future. In a September interview with Daniel Benson's Substack, Lafay hinted at retirement, stating, 'I'm not sure if I'll race again next year... I think I'm okay to stop now.' He wants to make the decision when he's in good shape, but recent illness has complicated matters.
Lafay's uncertainty continues, as he told reporters at stage 5, 'Maybe it's easier to stop when you're on top form than when you're struggling.' He considers ending his career on a high, focusing on other sports projects, but the timing is crucial. He wanted to decide earlier, but circumstances delayed it, leaving him truly undecided.
Adding to the intrigue, Lafay's comments at the Tour of Britain sparked curiosity. He suggested an unusual post-cycling career, selling cheese in Japan due to his love for the dairy delight. This statement caught the attention of the cycling world, leaving many wondering about his future plans.
And if that wasn't enough, a controversial 'what if' scenario looms over the recent race in Guangxi. Lafay believes he could have won if his teammate, Aurelien Paret-Peintre, hadn't crashed before the final ascent. Paret-Peintre's support might have helped catch Double, but UAE's aggressive tactics complicated matters. Lafay feels he had the legs to win, but the outcome remains a mystery.
The final stage in Nanning offers Lafay a chance to prove himself on a course he can excel at. However, it's a challenging task, and only a win might secure his future in cycling. This Sunday could be the pivotal moment that determines Lafay's fate.
James Moultrie, a renowned NCTJ journalist, brings this captivating story to life. Moultrie, who joined Cyclingnews in 2023, has interviewed cycling legends like Chloé Dygert, Lizzie Deignan, and Wout van Aert. His expertise adds depth to this intriguing narrative, leaving readers eager for Lafay's decision.
