FDJ Nouvelle-Aquitaine: Instinct makes Grace Brown one of best in the world

FDJ Nouvelle-Aquitaine Futuroscope team manager Stephen Delcourt praised his new rider Grace Brown for her ‘instinct’ and ‘spirit’ while racing the biggest races on the Women’s WorldTour. In an interview with the cycling press on Tuesday, Delcourt said he has high hopes for the Australian in the Spring Classics and the Tour de France Femmes.

“Grace is one of the best riders in the world. In every race last year, our sports director would say to Cecilie [Uttrup Ludwig] and Marta [Cavalli], ‘If Grace attacks, please, follow her, and if Grace has 10 metres, it’s finished, so please follow Grace’.

“Now, we want Grace to continue to attack, and then we can attack also. We are happy to have a rider like Grace, who rides with instincts and we really love her spirit.”

Brown kicked off this season with a victory in the time trial and second place in the road race at the Australian Championships. Although she wasn’t able to join her new teammates at a recent team camp in Altea, Spain, she spoke to the press in a video call from her home in Australia.

“I’m a bit sad that I’m not at camp with the rest of the team. I would really love to be there and I’m really eager to join the team and get started working together for this year,” Brown said.

“I’ve had a few races already and I feel ready to start the season and proud to have won the time trial at the national championships and get the first victory out of the way this year. 

“I think this year is going to be exciting. I’m looking forward to having a strong team with multiple leaders to work with in the key races.”

Delcourt explained that Brown will join the team’s existing three leaders; Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig, Marta Cavalli and French Champion Evita Muzic. All four will focus on