Thibaut Pinot (31 years old) has been a class runner since his beginnings. Apart. His way of running, of cycling, of sharing his sensations and his emotions has made him a central figure in French cycling since his professional beginnings in 2009. Suffering for long months last year, the Franc-Comtois was radiant, this Tuesday at the time of the presentation of the ambitions of the Groupama-FDJ team. "
We are among those who will fight for the podium of the Tour de France
", planted Marc Madiot, listing his leaders: the Breton David Gaudu and the Australian Michael Storer to accompany Thibaut Pinot on the Grande Boucle.
“
We are all concerned by the goal that was posted by the team. We have the ambition with the composed team, solid in the mountains, to play for the podium. We remain on the idea of aiming as high as possible. Without ulterior motive and then we will advise. We are lucky to have three big cards for the general, we have to use them. It's a freedom, it puts a lot less pressure to share that role. It's easier to have multiple leaders. If we are all at our level, there is no reason that we cannot but there is a race, we know how the Tour is. But we will have a strength in the mountains that we have rarely had in the team
, ”says Thibaut Pinot.
“I'm starting the new season with a lot of desire.
The sensations returned.
I'm really motivated.
"
Thibaut Pinot
Ideal for turning the page on a nightmarish 2021: “
It has been a difficult time. I had never had such a long injury in my career, I always had small health problems but injured for so long, without seeing the end of the tunnel, it was morally hard enough, especially there were a lot of races at that time it was not easy. I always hung on to get back to my best level and that's what allowed me to come back to a very good level at the end of the season, even if it was not yet 100% I was getting closer, c tis why I have motivation this year. I really want to forget 2021 which was my worst year.
"
Thibaut Pinot does not want to waste time: “
It's an important year. I start the new season with a lot of desire. I'm just going out for a week in Gran Canaria where I had the sun, I was able to do the workouts I wanted, quietly, I'm really motivated. The sensations returned. I will soon be returning to Tenerife. I hope to be operational by February.
"Marc Madiot assures us:"
Thibaut is a boy who likes to win and who, when everything is going well, never makes the trip empty. He is meticulous, ambitious, determined. For him, starting a race without ambition is difficult. He likes to target very quickly the races where he will seek a result.
"
Arnaud Démare confirms: ““
He will come back, find his best level.
He asks himself a lot of questions about how he will be able to regain his fiery legs, be able to achieve great feats.
He needs to reassure himself, to raise his arms on recovery races.
If he ever gains confidence, it can quickly boost him.
We can see he is doing well.
It's up to him to see it with his own eyes.
"
The precious reinforcement of young Australian climber Michael Storer
Thibaut Pinot will be able to rely on the young Australian climber Storer (24 years old), a newcomer: “
It's a very good pick, one of the best recruits in the mountains that we have been able to do in recent years. He was very much in demand after the Vuelta on which he was impressive
(2 stage victories for the young Australian climber).
I can't wait to run with him. In the high mountains with David, we can form a very good trio, our group can be a very nice surprise.
"
In the meantime, between two courses, two training sessions or between two races, he will revitalize himself with his animals: “
They bring me a lot of comfort.
It allows me to escape.
I need to think of other things in my free time.
Animals give me what I'm looking for.
I enjoy taking care of it, even if it takes time.
It is only happiness.
They give it back to me.
"