2023-06-30 00:40:04
“I don’t realize yet that this is my last Grand Tour. Even when I packed my suitcase, I didn’t think it was the last big suitcase of my career. The least we can write is that Thibaut Pinot approaches his final Tour de France under pressure. This Wednesday, live from his hotel, one of the two most popular French people on the Tour, with Julian Alaphilippe, showed great relaxation.
Regarding the objectives of his Groupama-FDJ team, Pinot gave his usual speech: “I am here to help and accompany David Gaudu as far as possible. Then, if there are openings, I will try to seize them. But there will be a Tours de France for everyone. What is certain is that I will not try to waste time on purpose in the general classification. »
Pinot also agreed to return, after the tragedy which cost the life of the Swiss Gino Mader during the last Tour de Suisse, to the dangers of the descents. “The goal of racing is to take as much risk as possible. It’s not a rider attitude problem. I think the debate is more about how to protect ourselves on some very fast descents. Say to yourself: on this bend, if I miss it, it’s over, it’s no longer possible”
At his side, Marc Madiot, his manager, smiled. If he hesitated for a long time to select Pinot for the Grande Boucle, fearing him too tired after his Tour of Italy, he is delighted to see him at the start. “As I said to him” until the end, you will have pissed me off (smile). “Just before closing the press conference, Madiot had this cry from the heart. “I say it in front of him but I feel that he is going to achieve the best Tour de France of his career. I have confidence in its possibilities. »
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