The Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale team, presented this Thursday to the media in Florence, two days before the Grand Départ of the Tour de France, is moving forward with a double sporting objective: a top 5 in the general classification with Felix Gall, and at least a stage victory. To achieve this, sprinter Sam Bennett will make his return to the Grande Boucle and will be accompanied by another fast runner who is in good shape this season, the recent French champion Paul Lapeira.
Paul Lapeira (French champion, he will race his first Tour de France): « (Since the title of champion of France), it’s been quite hectic to be honest. I didn’t have much time to rest. I was already super motivated for the Tour de France before becoming French champion. There, with the jersey, it’s going to be something else again. I just can’t wait to get to the start and get back to France (from Tuesday, during the 4th stage).
I don’t feel any pressure because everything that happens to me is just a bonus, it’s already quite exceptional this year, I just want it to continue. We arrive with quite a few objectives. I will have to surround Felix (Gall) for the general classification and Sam (Bennett) for the sprints, and there will be a few days where I will have my card to play.”
“The biggest challenge will be the heat, no one has really gotten used to it so far this season”
Felix Gall (8th in the Tour de France last year, he is aiming for a top 5 this year): “I arrive with a different approach from last year, we did less intensity to make sure that I arrive fresh. I feel really good. I spent another week at altitude after the Tour de Suisse (10th overall). I know what I’m capable of this year, I’m just excited to get started. We will have to be present and concentrated from the first day because it should be similar to the Grand Départ in the Basque Country last year, or perhaps even more difficult. The biggest challenge is going to be the heat, no one has really gotten used to it so far this season. »
Sam Bennett (back on the Tour de France for the first time since 2020): “I feel good, a little stressed because it’s been years since I’ve been to the Tour. I am very happy with the opportunity the team is giving me. There should be eight sprint opportunities but I’m going to take the days one after the other, get into the rhythm. »
 before the Tour de France: “Everything that happens to me is just a bonus”){kind=link}