Pierre Latour will launch this Friday, at the Classica Camp de Morvedre (1.2), his eleventh professional season. Perhaps the last after a particularly complicated 2024 financial year. “If I don't manage to have more fun than in recent years, it's quite possible that this will be the last. If I “get” on all the descents and I don't achieve anything in the races, it will not be possible to continue, it would be useless. So far, so good. But if I still find myself in situations where I am very strong but I get taken out on a descent… That’s what pisses me off the most”he admitted on the microphone of DirectVelo during the TotalEnergies pre-season training course.
For several years, he has had ups and downs (see its DirectVelo file). “In 2023, things were going well, said the 2nd of the Tour de France stage which ended at the top of Puy-de-Dôme. The 2024 season was really difficult even if things were going well at the start of the year”. A fall at the Roue Tourangelle, where he was hit in the ribs, turned his season on the wrong side. “I dragged my misery around, it was hellish. I couldn't wait for the season to end.
“SOMETIMES IT WORKS”
His winter preparation went off without a hitch, unlike last year when he already broke a rib and his wrist. With a few teammates, including Sandy Dujardin, Pierre Latour extended his training course by several days in Calpe. “Even if it has to end this year, I will do everything to make sure it goes well.”
Pierre Latour gives himself the means to perform. He still works “by any means possible” to try to solve his problems on the descents. “Sometimes it works, but it comes back. I saw a psychologist, a hypnotist, EMDR therapy, mental preparation, motorcycle racing… That was good! The guy I'm seeing at the moment, often on video, has several hats, that's good too”.
-“ALWAYS WANT TO WIN RACES”
The subject of descents often comes up during interviews. “Sometimes I break down”he admits. Pierre Latour assures that what he can read on this subject goes beyond his control. “The things that are said about me, I don't care. I sometimes read what is said about me on social networks, I come across it, but it makes me laugh. Obviously, when there's the same thing 18 times in a row, it's a bit annoying but hey… They just have to take my place. If these people had the same number of falls and fractures as me, they would see what it feels like”.
His racing program is not adapted to his difficulties on the descents. “There will be a little bit of everything”he reports. The Drômois will therefore race this weekend in Spain then will undoubtedly continue with the Grand Prix La Marseillaise, the Etoile de Bessèges, the Tour d'Andalusie and the Boucles Drôme/Ardèche, at home. The ambition is still there for the former best young rider of the Tour de France. “I always want to win races, I remain ambitious. When this is not possible, I will try to help the other riders on the team as best I can”.
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