He will undoubtedly be the attraction of Paris-Tours on Sunday. With his silver medal at the Olympic Games, Valentin Madouas, 28, took on another dimension, while retaining his simplicity and sympathy. Interview with the all-terrain Breton from Groupama-FDJ who will conclude his season on the Tour of Lombardy.
What are your ambitions for Paris-Tours?
“We want to do the best possible performance with the team. Last year we came second (with Lewis Askey). We hope to do better, that would be great. Personally, everything will depend on the race circumstances but I hope to be at the front. »
Can you look back on this rich season marked by this second place at the Olympics?
“In a career, a medal at the Games is necessarily fabulous. I was hoping to have better results in the rest of the races (no wins, 6e on the Amstel Gold Race and at the French championships). I was present almost everywhere but I was always missing a little something, that detail that makes the difference. »
Looking back, how do you judge this Olympic performance?
“It was something fantastic. Apart from the event, I had a superb week with the French team. Everything was done to perform. The performance came from there (with Laporte also in bronze). I was hoping for a big result. It was a real goal and a real surprise too. »
Since then, has your daily life changed?
“The medal changed a lot of things. The requests are more numerous but it’s always a pleasure (laughs). »
How to succeed in beating Evenepoel, Pogacar, Van der Poel…?
“It’s obviously difficult but it’s still doable maybe once a year. I have a somewhat similar profile in terms of classics. Obviously, I hope to beat them as my career progresses. I want to get closer to them. »
For several years, you have had the trust of your coach Thomas Voeckler. How do you explain it?
“He knows the profiles of the races and our qualities. We have a very good generation in France, with approximately the same level. I was present for Julian’s two world titles, Christophe Laporte’s second place. I was there for the big performances. I think he is happy with the work I can do in the France team. »
You have spent your entire career at Groupama-FDJ. Is this a desire on your part?
“I feel very good in the team at the moment. I don’t see any reason to leave. This is why I signed a new contract last year (until 2026) at their home. I had the desire to continue and their confidence. The team wants to constantly progress, evolve and do things well. Seeing all these young people signing is very motivating. The DNA of the team remains to train young people, it’s interesting. Afterwards, we don’t know what the future will hold. »
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