For once only spectator Baby Baby break instead of Tour de France: Chabbey itches in the legs

Elise Chabbey, a 33-year-old professional cyclist from Geneva, has taken a rare break from competing in the Tour de France Femmes due to her pregnancy. Instead of riding her bike through the race, she watched the arrival of the second stage in Geneva on Sunday from the sidelines. Chabbey, who won the mountains classification last year, is expecting her first child at the end of January. Her decision to step back from competition marks a significant shift in her career, one she admits was difficult to accept. Chabbey announced her pregnancy earlier this July on social media, stating she had needed time to understand and accept that her life would change forever. A month later, she still finds it hard to fully grasp the reality of her situation. “It’s strange to tell myself I’m pregnant,” she admitted during an interview beside her team bus in Geneva. “I haven’t even gained weight yet,” she added with a laugh. For the first three and last three stages of the Tour de France Femmes, Chabbey will accompany her team FDJ United-Suez, led by Dutch rider Demi Vollering. “That’s not bad,” she explained. “I need to keep training.” Despite her pregnancy, she continues to ride her bike for 15 to 20 hours per week, though at reduced intensity. She experiences the race from a distance this time, acknowledging that mentally it is challenging. “I love racing, I love competition. My teammates miss me. But I try to remind myself there’s a good reason for this. The Tour will be a tough phase for me. At the same time, I know there will be many more opportunities ahead.” The decision to skip one of her most important goals of the season weighed heavily on Chabbey, especially since the pregnancy came unexpectedly and at an inconvenient time for the team. She was set to compete in her fifth Tour de France Femmes and support Vollering both at the Giro d’Italia and the mountainous edition of the French tour. Additionally, she was in excellent form, having recently won the Italian classic Strade Bianche in March. Her French team has shown unwavering support throughout her pregnancy. According to the UCI regulations, pregnant riders receive 100 percent pay for the first three months and 50 percent for the following five months. However, Chabbey will continue receiving her full salary over a total of 16 months. This financial stability helps her prepare for her return to cycling. “This helps my comeback,” she said. “My partner can maybe work less, spend more time at home, take care of the baby and everything else, so I can come back stronger.” Chabbey aims to compete in her third Olympic Games in 2028, having previously participated in the 2012 London Olympics as a canoeist. Her transition from canoeing to cycling has been marked by success, including her recent victory in the Strade Bianche. Now, she faces a new challenge as she balances motherhood with her athletic ambitions. Chabbey's absence from the Tour de France Femmes highlights the evolving role of female athletes in balancing personal and professional lives. While she acknowledges the difficulty of stepping away from competition, she remains optimistic about future opportunities. Her team’s commitment to supporting her financially underscores the growing recognition of the challenges faced by pregnant athletes in professional sports. As the Tour de France Femmes progresses, Chabbey watches from the sidelines, reflecting on her journey and the changes ahead. Her story illustrates the complex interplay between career, family, and personal aspirations for elite athletes. With her full salary secured and her partner’s support, she is preparing for a strong return to the sport she loves. Chabbey plans to resume training after giving birth, aiming to maintain her competitive edge while ensuring her health and the well-being of her child. Her experience during this period will likely shape her approach to future competitions and her long-term career goals.