Simon Carr

The dual-nationality rider on blending the best bits of British and French cycling cultures

- David Bradford

PROFILE

Age: 23

Height: 6ft

FTP: 390W / 6.1W/kg

Lives: Carcassonne, France

Rides for: EF Education-EasyPost

Best results: 9th GC – Route d’Occitanie, 2021 11th – Strade Bianche, 2021 1st – Villafranca de Ordizia, 2020 @scarr_98 scarr.98

You grew up in the south of France – did that environment help you develop as a cyclist?

Yes, I think it really did because I got to race on normal roads with proper climbs even as an under-15, which is very different to the UK. Going through the French system with Division National teams, I did lots of racing at a high level. Meanwhile, as an English speaker, I was able to get loads of information from the internet about coaching and training – I mixed the two elements together.

Are there major differences between English and French cycling cultures?

Yeah, I’d say the main difference is that in France it’s a lot more based around clubs – you learn directly from more experienced riders. The impression I get of cycling in the UK and North America is that it’s more solitary, learning from the internet or remote coaching.