Rich in its associations and sports facilities, Grand Châtellerault is proud of the track record of its champions. On the occasion of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, we are highlighting the region's emblematic athletes.
And to fully understand the reasons for this vitality, the investigation inevitably involves the history of the destination... On your marks? Ready? Let's go !
In Châtellerault, under the leadership of La Manu...
Let's start with the town of Châtellerault, inseparable from its industrial heritage. Still standing today, the arms factory was founded by a royal order in 1819. Thousands of workers worked there until its closure in 1968.
Those we call Manuchards are invited to practice sporting activities from the end of the 19e century. Cycling is the queen discipline. Several employees change gear and enter the big leagues: Fernand Augereau (3e of the Tour de France in 1903), the Georget brothers, Léon (9 times winner of the Bol d'Or) and Émile (winner of 9 stages of the Tour between 1906 and 1911) then Pierre, Léon's son (speed silver medalist at the Berlin Olympics).
70 years later, Sylvain Chavanel becomes their worthy successor. The native of Châtellerault holds the record for participations in the Tour de France, with three stage victories and 2 yellow jerseys to his credit, but also seven French Champion titles.
In 1945, the director of La Manu initiated the construction of a stadium at Montée Rouge. Even today, it is the lair of SO Châtellerault, a football club launched by 13 Manuchards, which reached the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France in 1988. Mounir El Haimour (Swiss champion in D2) began his career there in 2000 and has been playing there again since 2021.
If child Mattéo Chatillon set foot on the pitch with SO Châtellerault, at 22 years old he shines today among the elite of world rallying. Back on home soil, the racing driver won the 2024 Vienne Rally.
But back to the arms factory... The colonel at its head created a sports club for the establishment in 1945. With around a hundred members for 3 activities at the time, the club became the CSAD-Châtellerault today has more than 1800 members for 13 different activities!
Unlike the CSAD, the Vienne Nautical Society finds its roots in the bourgeoisie of the right bank of the city. At 120 years old, it is the oldest sports association still active in Châtellerault and the only rowing club in the department. Adele Basket trained there and today boasts two French championship titles, two gold medals in the Junior European Cup with the French team and a French Cup won in barred eight.
Boxing is also well represented, thanks to CP Châtelleraudais and its iconic trainer, Gerard Multeau. Among his foals: Alban Mothie, Abdel and Ismaël Kerzazi, Samuel Lostis and even the world champion Mahyar Monshipour.
Athletics is not left out since Karine Morin of the EAPC club won in triple jump the title of champion of France master category F45 and that of vice-champion of Europe 2024. As for the parathlete Erwan Audiguet-Renault from the Courir en Châtellerault club, he holds the French and European 10 km road record.
In terms of sporting events, the city has hosted the International Handball Meetings every winter since 2019 thanks to the Handball Club Châtelleraudais and its president. Thierry Chedozeau.
And also in Grand Châtellerault...
In Les Ormes, the young generation thanks Clara Rouget, BMX champion. His exploits led to the creation of a pumptrack course open to all.
Originally from Bordeaux, Cécile Lafaurie chose the Archers du Val de Vienne company in Vouneuil to train in archery. The French champion has been collecting titles and medals for several years. On the club's vast riverside grounds, this enthusiast shares her experience with other shooters.
For the Pleumartois Ethan Bernard, it all started at Karting Loisir 86 in Usseau. The racing driver licensed at ASA du Poitou was French Champion in 2022 and participated in a European championship in 2023.
The town of Pleumartin also stands out thanks to the talents of the La Solidarité Pleumartinoise club: Eloise Ménage is French minimal sports shooting champion. As for the football club (D3), it can count on its coach Alain Audinet, former professional player.
