Marion Borras makes strong start to elite ranks but looking to turn podium finishes in to first
	June 9th 2016         Photo: Marion Borras (left) at the 2015 Junior Track World Championships. Photo: Kazakhstan Cycling Federation           Having been one of the top juniors on the track in 2015 winning silver medals at the Junior World and European Championships, Marion Borras has made a strong start to her elite career. In her first elite omnium, in May at the Coupe de France Fenioux Piste, Borras finished fifth in a field that included reigning World and Olympic Champion Laura Trott. Borras' pursuiting ability was on display where she finished third, with only Trott and European Champion Katie Archibald going quicker. Making her fifth place finish more impressive was the fact she finished ahead of former medallists at the Junior World Championships, Martina Alzini (2014 & 15) and Soline Lamboley (2013 & 14). Borras herself was fifth last year in the event at the Junior World Championships. Last weekend Borras' strength in the pursuit was again on display with a second place finish at the Troféu CAR Anadia. The result while satisfying for the 19 year old, leaves a sense of frustration behind it. In the past 12 months she has finished runner up in the event five times, something she is eager to rectify at the Under 23 European Championships next month. Coupe de France Fenioux Piste was your first UCI track event of the season and you had a very consistent omnium including third in the IP and finished fifth were you happy with your performance? Yeah I had two feelings at the end - happy and surprised. It was a high level and my first elite omnium. At the start I really didn't know what I could do. In the days before I was tired so I was a little bit stressed. I did my personal best in the IP and executed some good races! First year out of juniors the distances are longer and fields are stronger how important is it for your development to have the opportunity to race at this level? I think it's really important. To progress I have to do races like that with girls stronger than me. It pushes me on and gives me the motivation to always do better. What was it like racing against current World and Olympic Champion Laura Trott? Laura was impressive! She is not very tall but so powerful! She gave us a bike lesson. I gained lots of experience from racing against her. Stepping up from juniors to elite can be a challenge how have you found it? What has been the most difficult part? I was training harder than last year and my trainer knew how it is at the elite level so it was not so bad. I took new things on board quickly. I think the most difficult was the distances, which are longer, it took time but now it's ok. After strong performances in Paris what were your expectations heading in to Troféu CAR Anadia? I had a little break the week before so I was there without any pressure. I just wanted to do my best and continue to gain experience and progress. Fastest qualifier in the IP with 3:40.048 were you happy with the time? Yes I was it's my second best time so I can't be disappointed. The track was not very fast and I wasn't on my best condition so I think I can still do better. Pascale Jeuland proved slightly stronger in the final and you finished second in 3:43.849 what can you take away from the result? I don't have regrets because she was stronger. But that's the fifth time that I have come second in the individual pursuit since last year after Junior European and World Championship, Elite French Championship and in Gent so I'm frustrated too. Also finished second in the points race and fourth in the scratch race as well as riding the sprint and 500m TT overall are you happy with how you raced over the three days? Yes I'm happy, I did some paces test and I tried new gears. I learned a little bit more and my results were good. We had a great French team so it was fun to be there. Under 23 European Championships are your next major goal? What are your ambitions there? Yes they are. I don't know yet which races I will do but I'm hoping for a podium. I think it can be already good for my first year in elite.