What motivated you to participate in the U23 event of these World Championships?
Initially, this was not at all intended. I’ve been in the WorldTour for two years, I did the Giro d’Italia this year, so I wasn’t even thinking about it. It was the coach Pierre-Yves Chatelon who came to me and asked me if I was motivated. Given that I had already missed the race last year (injured knee) and that this is my last opportunity to run a world championship among the hopefuls (he has already participated in 2022), I directly accepted.
You experienced a disrupted second part of the season after your accident (hit by a truck at the beginning of June). In what physical condition do you arrive?
I was on the Canadian classics last week and I felt that it was still difficult for me to weigh (84th and 58th). The level is so high… But I also feel that I am progressing with each race and that I am getting in shape.
Exactly, what race are you expecting?
There will be a crazy level! Today, a large part of the U23s are already professionals, some in the WorldTour. They are young, but they already have experience. The race promises to be very wild on a difficult course and that’s what scares me a little. In the WorldTour, everything is very structured and I’m not necessarily used to racing like that anymore. It will be like among amateurs, you will have to get used to it quickly even if, in the end, it will be in your leg.
You will be the most experienced within a French team titled in 2023 with Axel Laurance. What will your role be?
I don’t put pressure on myself compared to Axel. I am approaching this race in the role of free electron and road captain. We will have some great cards in the team, like Thibaud Gruel who is doing well. But above all, I’m not coming to say that I participated! Given my status, I must achieve results. A successful World Cup would mean getting the jersey.
