Published on : 06/02/2026
At lunchtime, the Cofidis team takes a moment to chat with the people who make up the team. With ‘A l'abri du vent’, we put the race aside for a few minutes to listen and take our time. Today, let’s meet Louis Rouland.
Tell us about your career path before you turned professional.
As for my education, I took the scientific baccalaureate and then started a degree in geography. I didn’t finish the course: I dropped out during my third year.
As for cycling, I spent all my junior years at the Le Mans club. I then spent a year with Arkéa as part of their development team.
How did your passion for cycling begin? How old were you when you started?
I’ve always wanted to cycle. My family were quite into cycling, so I’ve always been immersed in it to some extent. I started when I was about 13.
Before that, I tried my hand at quite a few sports: swimming, running, handball… Cycling came along after that, quite naturally.
What made you want to get really into cycling?
There was the family background, but also the Tour de France. Watching the races and following the big events really makes you want to do it.
When you’re young, turning professional is always just a dream. Then, as you grow up and start competing in amateur races, particularly at U23 level, depending on your results, that dream starts to turn into a goal. It happens gradually.
Have there been any standout moments in your career?
Fortunately, I’ve always been surrounded by supportive people, whether in amateur clubs or professional teams. Those moments give you the chance to reflect on yourself, take a step back and move forward. It’s often those moments that help you grow.
Do you have any hobbies apart from cycling?
It’s not really a passion in the strictest sense of the word. I don’t have any ‘crazy hobbies’.
I’ve never been much of a video game person, for example. In the summer, when the weather’s nice, I live in Aix-les-Bains, so we often go to the lake with friends, spend time outdoors, sometimes in a boat. They’re mostly simple moments, but I wouldn’t say it’s a particular passion.
Do you have a ritual or a habit before a race?
Yes, I like everything to be clean. I always clean my shoes, my glasses and my helmet before the race.
I’m a bit of a stickler about that. I like to be clean and well prepared.
How do you prepare mentally before a race?
In the days leading up to the race, I try not to think about it too much. I like to stay relaxed.
On the day itself, I gradually get into the swing of things. From the briefing onwards, I really focus, determined to do well and be ready when the race starts.
How do you manage to strike a balance between your work and personal life?
I think the key is finding the right balance so that you’re in the right frame of mind and performing well on the bike.
At the moment, I live on my own, so there are fewer daily commitments to juggle. That makes things a bit simpler. But even so, it’s a balance you have to keep striking all the time.
Where’s your favourite place to train?
Where I live, in Aix-les-Bains. I really like the area, especially the Bauges mountains. It’s a really lovely spot for cycling.
Do you have a nickname?
In my family, they call me Loulou. It’s a fairly common name.