Fourth in the Tour last summer and first Frenchman, David Gaudu (26) will be one of the riders to follow next summer. The leader of Groupama FDJ discovered this Thursday the route favorable to climbers and, inevitably, he likes it.
How do you find the course of the next Tour?
David Gaudu. This is the closest thing, in my opinion, to a Tour for climbers. We are only promised a 22 km time trial (between Passy and Combloux) with more beautiful bumps on the program that day (especially the coast of Domancy). It’s okay with me. It is a very, very beautiful course, even if there are only four arrivals at the top. Yes, it may be an accessible Tour for pure climbers.
Before arriving in Paris, what do you think of the last stages in the Vosges, which will perhaps be decisive?
The Saturday before the finish, there will indeed be passes and climbs, such as the Ballon d’Alsace, which I know well for having already climbed them in training or in training. This last stage will be short and, I am sure, explosive. It’s going to be a great battle.
Is it a course that matches your qualities?
There are very few lap times, only one, and I really don’t mind. There are arrivals at the top, a lot of altitude: yes, it’s a route, at least on paper, which may suit me. It’s a Tour that is damn beautiful, punchy from the start in Spain with beautiful mountains.
Do you think you can win it?
What is certain is that I will return to the Tour with the same arrangements as this year. You will have to seize your chance when it presents itself. I haven’t gone on vacation yet. We are going to put all this flat and prepare for the recovery as well as possible.
Can we at least think that you will have podium ambitions in Paris in 2023?
If I go back to the Tour next year, it will be to try to do better than this year, that’s for sure, otherwise it’s not worth going. I finished fourth, so yes, the podium will be the goal. But we will see under what conditions we will present ourselves at the start with the team. I hope it will be in the same arrangements as last summer.
What did you learn about the 2022 Tour that will serve you next year?
I learned that I was mentally strong. It’s already very good.