The Bracos are France champions after letting their titles slip in 2023 to Clapiers Jacou. The Montpellier team set their sights on reclaiming it. In 2024, mission accomplished thanks to the championship and the final they won against Nice last weekend. Meet Clément le Pichon and Victor Guedez (ERA of 0.42), two key players in this victory.
BTVF: Clément, what’s the prevailing feeling after this season and this final victory?
We’ve reclaimed our champion title. You should know that the coaching changed at the start of the season, and some key players left or got injured. So, we had to build a new Bracos team.
We went through a rollercoaster of emotions this season, but the team stayed united with our main goal of reclaiming the France champion title, and we’ve done it!
BTVF: European Cup next?
Yes, we’ve secured our spot for the 2025 European Cup. But before that, there’s the 2024 European Cup where we’re clearly aiming to win, and we’re building a team for that, for example, with the return of Victor Guedez for the European Cup and another Venezuelan player. With Anthony Cros returning as coach for the European Cup, we’re setting our sights on winning this 2024 edition.
BTVF: How would you describe yourself, Victor Guedez?
A warrior with a noble heart.
BTVF: Can you tell us a bit about your career?
I started with my first sport, a sport of discipline and respect which is KARATE, then very quickly moved to baseball, but I found this unique sport.
BTVF: What does fastpitch softball mean to you?
I’ve discovered my love and passion for it, I’ve started to carve out this path step by step, on this road I’ve had the opportunity to represent my country for the first time in 2018 in Colombia, 2022 in Argentina, New Zealand, El Salvador up to today 2024 under Pan-American sub-championship, Central American Games, World Cup among other beautiful experiences inside and outside my country VENEZUELA.
BTVF: Why did you choose France and Montpellier?
This is my second opportunity in France. The first time with the team LES RABBITS DE CLAPIERS JACOU for the European Cup in the NETHERLANDS and this time with the BRACOS DE MONTPELLIER.
Of course, the sport is always evolving, especially when you have frequent matches inside and outside your country, the level difference can always exist in one or the other, in VENEZUELA softball is very popular in every corner and that helps and generates a lot of competitiveness and there is a lot of talent.
BTVF: What do you think of the level in France?
The French level is on the rise, thus creating its base for the evolution of this beautiful sport, the willingness to promote Softball in this country and the support of the clubs also adds and recognizes this excellent work, a pitcher is a key piece of a team
(BUT NO PLAYER IS AS GOOD AS ALL THE OTHER MEMBERS OF A TEAM COMBINED.)
