How do you judge this French team, attractive on paper?
“The context is different from certain years when we had the favorite in the race. But we have a core game that is super dense. The eight runners have a super high overall level and can all have a role in the race. We don’t have the ultimate favorite, but we have what it takes to create situations to have strength in numbers.”
What role do you plan to play in this?
“I really fit into this collective, in the sense that I think I facilitate situations that can benefit us. I don’t see myself as the main card in the finale but I hope to play a role and have an impact. I know that, if I am at my level, the distance and the difficulties are to my advantage. I can be someone who plays a role early enough in the race to make it difficult.”
“There will be a big tactical part”
What do you think of the course?
“It is very finely plotted to accommodate as many scenarios as possible. It’s not easy, but I didn’t find anything prohibitive either, given the overall level of the peloton, to make a huge selection. The last part of the circuit favors regrouping, but the first 15 kilometers are really hard and conducive to movement. There will be a big tactical part. By getting a head start on a circuit like that in a good group, you can go far.”
Your career is associated with the Tour de France but you have also had good results in the selection, like when you became vice-world champion in 2018?
“Running for the French team is a special event. Finding special affinities with the French runners against whom we race throughout the year and who we meet for a greater cause is special. Even if we are all passionate, we still do a job every day. There is more, I wouldn’t say fantasy, but a pleasure side. It’s truly a unique experience.”
“I really wanted to stop when I was in the middle of the means. This is the case »
It’s also your last selection, does that give you a pang in your heart?
” No not at all. I could have extended it. But I wanted to finish in excellent physical condition. And I’m happy with my season. I really wanted to stop when I was in full means position. It is. With the same desire, without weariness. This is also the case. You have to know how to stop at the right moment.”
Having won a stage in the last Tour de France means that you have already succeeded in your exit?
” Yes. And then, there is Liège too (Liège-Bastogne-Liège where he finished second behind Tadej Pogacar in April, Editor’s note). For me, it’s as strong a moment as the Tour de France. I didn’t win but I managed to use 100% of my physical capabilities on the big day. This is what has driven me throughout my career. On the Tour, it was, of course, super special because I had been chasing this last stage victory since 2017. I am also proud of the way, with my young teammate (Frank van den Broek of the DSM team) , I think it’s unique in sport.”
“To get one last medal would be exceptional”
Is finishing at these Worlds a great way to come full circle?
“It proves that I’m still here.” It’s one last opportunity to shine with the France team. I’m pretty confident. There’s a special excitement and motivation that I don’t often feel in the season. This is what can allow, as in the Liège finale, to no longer feel the pedals. I have nothing to lose, nothing left to prove. Of course, getting one last medal would be exceptional. But, honestly, doing between 4 and 10 Worlds, I don’t care. I want to finish well.”
