Published on : 06/23/2026
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 to one side for a few minutes to listen and take our time. Today, let’s meet Hugo Page.
Could you tell us a bit about your background before you got into competitive cycling?
Before cycling, I played quite a few sports. At school, I mainly played football. Then I took up cycling quite naturally, inspired by my family history: my father, my uncle and my grandfather all cycled.
I started with one or two rides, then very quickly, competitions came along. I was hooked straight away. I was about ten years old when I started. That’s really when it all kicked off.
So your desire to become a cyclist stemmed from your family background?
Yes, definitely. And then there was the Tour de France, which I used to watch with my grandfather. The races, the atmosphere, the footage on the telly… the desire just came naturally.
At first, they’re just childhood dreams, and over time, those dreams turn into goals.
When did you realise that cycling would be more than just a passion?
I’d say in my second year of the cadets. That’s when I started to think about it seriously.
Then, at junior level, there are choices to be made: you’re right in the middle of your A-levels, with lots of lessons, and you have to decide where to focus your energy. That’s when I told myself that there might be something worth trying in cycling.
Joining the Groupama-FDJ Continental team was a turning point. From then on, I threw myself into it 100 per cent.
Do you have a particular source of inspiration in cycling?
Not really any one person in particular. I’m more inspired by people who fight tirelessly to achieve their goals those who work hard and never give up.
In sport in general, someone like Benoît Saint-Denis inspires me a great deal. His mindset is impressive.
Has anyone changed the way you see cycling?
I wouldn’t single out any one person in particular. I’ve mainly developed over time, as I’ve moved through different teams and age groups.
It’s all the people I’ve met along the way who have helped me grow, each in their own way.
Was there a key moment in your development as a runner?
Yes, even from a very young age. When I was the youngest in the team, I remember a race that was marked by a minute’s silence. A rider our age had died the previous weekend, after being hit by a car during a race.
That evening, I couldn’t sleep. I went to see my parents and told them I wanted to give up cycling and go back to football. At that age, you realise it’s a risky sport.
Looking back, you realise that lots of things involve risks, but that moment really made an impression on me.z
What was it that finally made you carry on cycling?
What my parents said. I’m very close to them.
They found just the right words: explaining to me that this sort of thing can happen, that danger exists elsewhere too, and above all that I shouldn’t make such an important decision in the heat of the moment.
Above all, they told me they would support me no matter what. And that’s still the case today. They’ve always been there for me.
Were there any other significant periods?
Yes, mononucleosis. It’s not a big deal in itself, but when you lose four months because of it, you inevitably start to question yourself.
You realise that a career isn’t that long and that time is precious.
In the end, my comeback went very well: I started winning again straight away. It just goes to show that you can come back stronger.
Looking back, every difficult period also brings a rebound and gives you a chance to step back and remember that there’s more to life than just cycling.
Do you have a pre-race ritual?
Yes. I always kiss the ring I wear round my neck. It’s my lucky charm.
I don’t necessarily need to wear it, but I like to think about it or touch it before I set off.
Do you have any hobbies apart from cycling?
I love cars.
I’m no Formula 1 expert, but I love beautiful cars, I enjoy learning about them and discovering them. It’s something I really enjoy.
What helps you switch off completely from competition?
It’s difficult to switch off completely, because cycling is an integral part of my life.
But I do simple things: eat at my parents’ house, see my friends, live like a ‘normal’ person.
It’s a lifestyle I enjoy; I’m not looking to escape it.
How do you manage the balance between your personal and professional life?
My parents have always been immersed in this world with me, so the balance just fell into place naturally.
They come to watch me at the races; all in all, it all works out quite well.