Failed again. As in Châtel, Thibaut Pinot (Groupama-FDJ), tried his luck again. He dreams so much of a stage victory on this Tour and no one can blame him for his fighting spirit. Still in the good breakaway between Saint-Étienne and Mende this Saturday, the 32-year-old Franc-Comtois missed another opportunity to raise his arms. Already 2nd in 2015 (behind Cummings and ahead of Bardet), he finished third on the Lozère plateau, 34 seconds behind Michael Matthews (BikeExchange).
Are you disappointed with the outcome of this step?
THIBAUT PINOT. It was really complicated. I was in the toughest breakaway since the start of the Tour. I knew it would be hard and that I would have to get to the bottom of the last climb with everyone. But they really burned me on the set fifty miles from the finish. It was difficult but I don’t have much to regret. I don’t have my big legs and I make do with the means I have. I missed a few things but all this is still positive.
Nevertheless, don’t you regret not having attacked a little earlier in the last climb?
No because at the foot, I was not at the top. I really made my effort a little later. Finally, let’s say the little I had left. I managed anyway because my paws were full of toxins. At the foot, I didn’t think I would do what I did. It is true that longer efforts suit me better. But the ones in front of me were really strong.
What are you still missing to finally win a stage?
A bit of everything, success and legs. Everything must come together. Today was hard to control. The Bora team controlled well. It was quite tactical. No team had any interest in taking me to the foot. This is understandable. That’s the game. But based on my power data, I know I’m not on top. I fight with my means. I also expect the Pyrenees. I think it might be even better there. We will try and try again.