If you haven’t raced since 14th Giro, what state of mind or shape were you in before the Mont Ventoux Denivele Challenges began?
“A little in the unknown” because I took a short break after the Giro in anticipation of the Tour. After arriving, I spent the week resting and doing very little outings. I then redid the week according to volume, not intensity. I will continue training in Premanon, Lautaret, in order to recognize the stages of the Tour. The heat parameter will also need to be managed. I am Normandy-born and was surprised to find myself here (laughs). It takes me a while to get used to the new environment. We’ll keep you posted on how it goes.
Do you approach this race for recovery with an end goal?
“Knowing me, it’s not my intention to start making up the numbers. Even if the legs have been in the game. After that, we have a solid card with Jesus Herrada (winner of 2019, editor’s notice), who is in great shape. The competition is strong with Chaves and Woods being great runners and climbers. It will be a fierce battle.
You like the climb of Ventoux. You were 3rd in 2020.
“Yes, I appreciate it. Last year, I was also a good performer on the Ventoux stage. I am well-suited for the length of the stage and the steep section via Bedoin. It’s different at the top. It depends on how much energy is left and whether the wind plays a part. It’s a pass that appears out of nowhere. This particular climb has worked well for me.
You had high expectations for the Giro. These three weeks were difficult to digest.
“I was disappointed and frustrated that I wasn’t able to get the results I wanted, even though I was in good form. Etna loses 1’31 in the other favorites editor’s notes. I believe it was dehydration. I had not managed my rest day properly the previous day and everything resulted from this stage. To make up lost time, I tried to get into breakaways or to gain energy for a few seconds but then I lost a lot. It could have been strategic mismanagement or impatience
Your preparation should not be in doubt.
“It’s difficult to say because there are so many variables that come into play… I was fine throughout the entire Giro. I finished strong. It’s not impossible to do everything.
It is not easy to take on Giro and Tour. How do you approach the Tour?
The first week of the Tour can be very difficult and special, so it would not be wise to place too much pressure on the general. We may be able consider another option if things go well and I pass the cobblestones. These stages are more for me to lose than gain. I may have more success staying in the peloton while taking advantage of the racing moves if I don’t take breakaways.
