Bytagand the publication "Julian Lino: a name, a story, a destiny, or when the past illuminates the present"
Julian Lino opened his door to us fortager with us his career, his choices and his vision of today's cycling. Son of Pascal Lino, yellow jersey of the Tour de France for eleven days and winner of the Tour de l'Avenir, he grew up in the shadow of a father with an impressive list of achievements. A source of pride, certainly, but also a lot of pressure.
By Jean-François Tatard – Photos: DR
« Honestly, I am proud to bear the name Lino. It is not always easy when, on a podium, you are introduced as 'the son of'. But it pushed me to try to make a name for myself. My father gave me a lot of advice, and bytagand this passion remains a pleasure! »
From a young age, Julian was immersed in the world of cycling.. He competed with Valentin Madouas, today Olympic vice-champion, and measured himself against the best. It was hard to compete with Valentin, he always won everything! But he was also the one who pulled us all up. He remains a model of humility and success today. »
He recounts his first strong racing memories with emotion. : " I would say my first track race that I won, the 100 Tours of Vannes. I told myself that after all, I wasn't bad! »
Another key moment in his youth was his eighth place in the French junior time trial championships, on a bike far from the standards of the time. I was on a 2001 MBK from David Millar at Cofidis! It wasn't the best bike, but I thought I could still ride fast! »
A career of ups and downs
From VC Loudéac to Bike Aid via UC Nantes and Nice Métropole, Julian has worked in a variety of structures, each bringing him its share of experiences.. " Without a doubt, my time at Bike Aid was the most memorable. After finishing seven seconds short of second place in the French CLM championships, I was offered this opportunity at the next level. It was quite a human experience. »
But top-level cycling is unforgiving.. Did he exploit his full potential? Looking back, Julian points out a key element that he may have missed: " I wish I could have been oldertage accompanied for the CLM and aero part, but in Continental, the means are weak. I kept the same bike from 2014 to 2023… I think I lost a lot because of that. »
Another obstacle stood in his way : Graves' disease, a thyroid dysfunction. It wasn't easy to manage at a high level. I had a lot of ups and downs, but I'm proud to have been a runner with a gland that is still difficult to control today. »
And regrets? « Apart from the CLM part where I would have liked a top 10 in the French pro championship, I have no regrets. If I had to change one thing, it would perhaps be to have done cyclo-cross when I was young, for the agility and the squirt! »
The most difficult moment of his career? « That's a big question... There have been quite a few! But I would say my 2017 season at VCP Loudéac. Nothing went well, apart from one or two victories in the CLM. »
Making a name for yourself after a legendary father
To have a name reconnaked is a privilege as much as a challenge. « It's a mix of both! It's not easy to wear, but it allowed me to get advice from other big names in cycling. "And the constant comparison with his father?" Let's say that few people can finish fifth in the Tour de France... so we almost always do less well!”
The gravel turn: a new freedom
Today, Julian has swapped the tarmac for the trails, finding a new lease of life in gravel. « The atmosphere and the gravel spirit, clearly. We don't get carried away, but we race hard. We cross the line, eat a cake and drink a beer! It breaks the codes of cycling a bit. route. »
Gravel competitions also allowed him to travel and discover other horizons. « I've been to the USA, Denmark, Scotland, Belgium, Italy, Spain... It allows you to discover nice places and open your mind. »
At the same time, he found a key role at DAGG Distribution, where he is a network facilitator and responsible for ambassadors and partners. I love what I do and I was quickly given trust. »
A lucid vision of current cycling
Has cycling evolved in the right direction? Julian is mixed: “ It is more elitist, it is no longer just a popular sport. The price of equipment, everything is more expensive today and this creates a barrier to entry. Saying that it is a positive or negative evolution remains complex. Let's say that everything is more professional: you have to calculate everything, the watts, the food, the sleep... »
His advice to young people who dream of going pro? « Develop technical and physical qualities at a young age, by doing cyclo-cross for example, and gradually increase the volume. But above all, have fun without taking too much of yourself too seriously in the young categories. Make efforts in the form of a challenge so as not to get fed up and avoid burnout later. »
The future: more pro than bike
Julian has found a balance between his professional life and his passion for cycling. Based in Nice, he works from home and travels a lot for events. I try to keep a good sporting rhythm for my figure! I am lucky to ride a Factor, so I go in the morning or during my lunch break. But we don't really talk about training anymore, I don't have a program. I just try to let off steam and have fun. »
His future ? « A big position at DAGG Distribution! » he said, laughing. “ My plans are furthertagand on the professional and family side. Cycling will remain my way of having clear ideas and staying in shape. It's part of my balance. »
Julian Lino may not have had his father's career, but he has carved out his own path, with humility and determination. A journey rich in lessons, marked by strong choices and an intact passion for cycling, in all its forms.
And if there is a lesson to be learned from his story, it is this: the name we bear does not define our destiny, it is what we do with it that counts.
