Noah Knecht

– 23 years old
– Lives in Saint-Nazaire
– Born in Monaco
– Started mountain biking in Tourette–Levens in the Nice backcountry
– Professional cyclist
– Best results: some fourth places in UCI 2.2 races

What are your thoughts on the Café du Cycliste Gravel Team?

It’s cool, because even though I’ve been riding gravel for four or five years, I was wanting to do more this year. It’s developing and expanding quickly, and with the world cups it’s super interesting. It’s great to be able to be a part of something like that with Café du Cycliste.

What’s your best racing memory?

When I won the regional championships as a junior. I’d promised a friend who died the year before I’d do it. That was in 2018.

Road goals in 2024:

It’s my first year racing pro, I’d like to get some results in the sprints.

How do road and gravel combine?

There’ll be a bit of downtime in the road calendar, and we won’t all be on the same programme… plus I love racing, so it’ll all be a pleasure.

How is gravel evolving?

I love gravel when I’m bikepacking, but I’ve never experienced it competitively. I don’t know how I’ll measure up, but I know I’m going to love it. What’s great about gravel is not being bothered by cars and being in the middle of nature.

What is gravel to you?

Gravel is spontaneous, full-on pleasure – leave the pressures of road cycling behind, get on the trails and have fun!

Favourite meal the night before a race?

Lasagna