Plagued by financial difficulties, Arkea-B&B Hotels was forced to release important riders like Vincenzo Albanese and Clément Champoussin in the off-season. If the transalpine runner joined the EF Education-Easy Post training, the French puncher signed up for two seasons with the team XDS-Astana by Alexander Vinokourov. We checked in with him before the season kicked off.
After two seasons at Arkea you joined XDS-Astana in the off-season. When did the contacts begin?
This was done late, towards the end of September. We started talking at this time, after which it happened quite quickly.
Why this choice?
It was an idea that I had in the back of my head to join a foreign team. A career is relatively short, the opportunity presented itself and I took it. Then the big advantage compared to XDS-Astana is that the “race service” is based in Nice. Many mechanics and assistants also live there. For me who lives here, it's really practical.
What do you remember from these two years spent at Arkea?
It was a good experience and I want to remember the positive. I didn't particularly get the results I was hoping for, but I still had some performances.
You indicate that you want to retain the positive. What is the negative?
When I changed teams, it took me quite a while to integrate. Then, I had some small physical problems at the start of my two seasons. It was a bit problematic. But hey, this winter I was able to prepare quietly. I didn't have any problems. I hope I can have a good start to the season.
How did his first months in the XDS-Astana training go?
We first had a mini-internship in October to get to know each other and to take care of the administrative part. We continued in December with a longer internship, I also went to China for the team presentation. Then there was the last pre-season training camp which has just concluded and which was more intense. Everything went well. So it's true that there aren't many people who speak French apart from one or two runners and a few people from the staff. I will have to improve my English to be able to really understand everything on a daily basis, but it is an enriching experience.
Did you already know any runners or staff members?
Some staff members, yes. Afterwards, in terms of runners, apart from Nicolas Vinokurov no. So I of course knew them by sight, but not personally.
You also discovered a new bike: the X-Lab. What is your first feeling?
I rode the last two years on Bianchi. The transition went well. I got the bike pretty quickly, I was able to do a postural study and I started riding it straight away. I have adapted well to the new material which I find very good.
-What will your racing program be?
I could start this weekend at the Valencia Classic. Afterwards, I'm going to do some events in the Mallorca Challenge. I will continue in Spain with the Tour de Murcia before returning to France to do the Classique Var and the Tour des Alpes Maritimes. I will then do the Faun-Ardèche Classic, the Faun-Drôme Classic, the Laigueglia Trophy before going to Paris-Nice. In short, a lot of one-day races.
What about the Tour de France?
I'm in the pre-selection, we'll see what happens. For now, I'm focusing on the start of the season. I want to walk well to deserve my selection.
What goal do you set for yourself?
Personally, it would be to be consistent throughout the season, not to have any major problems. That would already be a good thing.
With the objective, we imagine, of scoring a maximum of points with a view to maintaining?
We didn't just talk about that during the pre-season training courses, but all the riders are aware that the objective is to stay in the World Tour. There is a delay in points, the team has therefore put more one-day races in the calendar to be efficient. The start of the season is going to be very important. To believe it, you will have to be in the match in May. It's a big challenge.
You mentioned the desire to be consistent throughout the season. Is there a race, however, that is more dear to your heart?
Not especially. I want to have a good start to the season. Afterwards, there is a good program. If I'm in good shape, I should have opportunities to perform.
What would a successful season be for you?
This would help score points for the team. Then the last two years I managed to get a victory each time. I would love to achieve it once again this season.
Comments collected by Alexandre Paillou
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