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In the world of sport, it is rare to see former champions return to the spotlight after hanging up their cleats. Yet, that is exactly what Benoît Daeninck and his four companions, Damien Charlot, Thomas Bodo, Fabien Merciris, and Nicolas Labussière, have achieved. These five cycling enthusiasts, who could have been content with their well-deserved retirement from sport, made a sensational return to the track at the 2024 Masters World Championships in Roubaix. A collective feat that allowed them to win the gold medal in the team pursuit, but also much more. We caught up with Benoît Daeninck, and through him, relived this extraordinary adventure. This story is one of an improbable challenge, deep friendship, and a philosophy of life focused on self-transcendence, pleasure, and sharing.
By Jean-François Tatard – Photos: All rights reserved
An idea born from a meeting and a crazy bet
It all started with an impromptu visit. “I had opened my bike shop at the beginning of 2023, and sport had taken a bit of a backseat,” says Benoît. “Then Fabien Merciris came by one day in March and said, ‘I have something to propose to you.’ That same evening, I called Damien Charlot, and he said yes without hesitation.” This project was to form a team to participate in the Masters Track World Championships, which were held in Roubaix, only an hour’s drive from their homes. The idea immediately appealed to everyone, and within a few days, the team was in place.
The objective? Nothing less than to win the world title in Olympic pursuit. “We only spoke about it in hushed tones at first, but deep down, we wanted to do everything to be world champions,” admits Benoît.
Getting back in shape… and back into the groove
Getting back into training after several years off was no easy task. “Putting the bib shorts back on wasn’t easy,” Benoît confesses with a laugh. “We had to get rid of that little spare tire that had settled in!” Despite the years, the automatisms quickly returned. “What surprised me most was my ability to regain my sensations on the track in just a few pedal strokes,” adds the former French champion (11 track titles).
The group found its rhythm again, helped by the chemistry that has united them since their youth. “With Fabien, we already had a lot of international experience, and Damien has been riding velodromes for 30 years. As for Nicolas and Thomas, they showed us that they hadn’t lost any of their qualities, even if they hadn’t done team pursuit since their junior years.”
Group dynamics, key to success
This return to the forefront was based on exceptional group dynamics. “The chemistry between us immediately clicked,” Benoît recounts. “We’ve known each other for a long time. Damien and I were French champions together in 1998, our first title for both of us. Naturally, that creates bonds.”
The collective was the decisive element in this adventure. “Everyone knew what they had to do. Team pursuit isn’t just about having the four best, it’s about having the best team of four,” Benoît emphasizes. Camaraderie and complementarity allowed the team to get the best out of each member.
A feat etched forever
The moment they won the world title will remain etched in their memories. “That moment when we became world champions is timeless! Only sport can provide so many emotions,” Benoît recalls, his eyes shining. “Months of work, effort, sacrifice, and all for those few minutes. Seeing the pride in my daughters’ eyes was incredible.”
But their adventure didn’t stop there. Nicolas Labussière won silver in the scratch race, and Benoît won gold in the points race, after taking two laps on the peloton. “I hadn’t planned to do this race, but I couldn’t miss it,” he confides.
A new youth
Beyond the medals, this experience offered these forty-somethings a new youth. “Damien would say we found a new youth, and he wouldn’t be wrong,” Benoît jokes. Their exceptional performance reminded the world that age is just a number, and that with determination and team spirit, it is possible to continue to achieve great feats, even after retiring from sport.
The future: always further
And now? “My companions are moving into the 45-54 age category, and they fully intend to continue. As for me, the youngster of the team, I’m already forming a new team for 2025,” Benoît announces with a wink.
The only advice: have fun
In short, for older athletes who dream of taking on a new challenge, Benoît summarizes it in a simple but powerful sentence: “Have fun. That’s the key to everything. We lived this adventure with a smile, and that’s what changed everything.”
This story goes beyond a simple return to competition. It embodies deep values: friendship, cemented by years of complicity; passion, which never truly fades; and above all, this ability to draw on oneself to reinvent oneself, even when the days of glory seem behind us. More than a sporting victory, it is a human victory. It shows that true accomplishment lies not only in medals, but in the journey taken together, the challenges overcome as a team, and the pleasure of experiencing intense moments that defy time. In short, these champions remind us that we can always write new pages, no matter the age, as long as the desire and joy of sharing the effort remain.
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