A Taurus who looks like a physicist
When he descended from the top step of the podium on Tuesday in Binche, Arnaud De Lie said he would not approach the French classic with any form of pressure on his shoulders. “I know that it now takes a certain amount of luck to pinpoint a result, commented the leader of the Lotto Dstny team. On each of my previous participations, I experienced glitches (Editor’s note: 2 retirements among the pros). If I achieve a result so much the better, if not too bad.”
The Belgian champion, however, remains convinced that the new nature of Paris-Tours, with these vineyard paths (10 km over a total distance of 213.8 km) can suit him. “The efforts required, around one minute and a half, are quite comparable to those required on the Tro Bro Leon which I won at the beginning of May. Sunday’s finale, however, is a little more explosive and less disjointed than in Brittany. The edge risks will also be quite significant and I hope there will be a bit of wind so that we can play with the laws of physics.”
guillementIf the weather is difficult, it may be in my favor.”
On Sunday, it is especially the rain forecast which could prove to be the meteorological parameter with the most impact on the progress of the event. “I have never participated in a Paris-Tours in the showers, pursues the bull of Lescheret. If the conditions are truly autumnal, this could lead to a race of attrition, man against man, which could be in my favor. This could do a lot of damage, but I like this context. It would therefore be especially important to avoid punctures. Last year I think I broke through three or four times. I found myself too far away to be able to play for a good result and we then decided that there was no point in insisting on reaching the finish line at all costs. But I remain convinced that this ordeal can smile on me and I approach it with great enthusiasm!”
Philipsen: “Paris-Tours remains prestigious in a list of winners”
A determination that also drives Jasper Philipsen. Winner on Thursday in Germany of the Münsterland Giro, the rider from Alpecin-Deceuninck has returned to success after an impressive collection of places of honor (4th in Binche, 3rd in Koolskamp, 4th in the Euro, etc.).
“I experienced a period without my best feelings and I am happy to find my condition to end the season. It is always more pleasant to negotiate the winter break with a good feeling rather than having your head filled with doubts… I remained motivated for my final deadlines since last week, I went to train in Spain with Jordi Meeus, Paris-Tours will be my last race this year and I approach it with the desire to win. prestigious event which counts in a prize list even if the Gravel World Cup held in Belgium at the same time risks this year overshadowing us a little (laughs)… I am in good shape, but I know that this no longer necessarily constitutes a guarantee of success during an event in which you have to count on a little helping hand from fate.”
Third part of a triptych opened in Binche and continued in Münster, the De Lie-Philipsen distance match could end with a royal sprint on the legendary Avenue de Grammont. “The situation has changed compared to last year when I was almost certain of its superiority, judges the Walloon. I beat him in the Belgian championship and in Binche and I therefore know that I have the weapons to beat him, especially after a demanding race…”
Death of Muriel Furrer – two runners were present when she fell: “In the event of an official investigation, we will be happy to help”
