Juliette Labous is surely the best French chance on this women's Tour de France (July 24 to 31).
For the return of the event, Bisontine will aim
for “the best possible place”
in the general classification and try to make itself known to the general public.
After a successful Giro Rosa (women's Tour of Italy) with a solo stage victory, the Frenchwoman arrives at the women's Tour de France serene and full of ambition.
“I recovered well from the Giro and from my stay in Hypoxia
(altitude simulation).
I'll be in good shape for the start in Paris.
A
climber but also an excellent rider, Juliette Labous (to pronounce Labousse, it's important for her) is developing a cautious race strategy.
“I'm thinking of doing a ''follow'' race since my objective remains above all the general.
Some journalists say that the places between the podium and the top 10 are a bit anecdotal but in the meantime it remains a good performance.
The podium seems a bit physically tight to me, a top 5 would be really great for me.
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To discover
The route of the Tour de France 2022
The general classification of the Tour de France
Read alsoAbolish the Champs-Élysées stage, remove the earpieces… Laurent Jalabert sifts through 11 ideas to spice up the Tour
Enter the history of women's cycling
Time has not played in favor of the women's Tour de France.
Boycotted in 2009 by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the race was canceled in 2010 and is making a comeback this year.
“The women's Tour de France already existed but was really not well regarded.
There was a lot more machismo… A new era is beginning.
It will mark the history of women's cycling in any case, "
says Juliette Labous.
A unique moment that will end with a bang.
The last two stages of this little eight-day loop end not far from the training routes of Juliette Labous.
With this final in the Super Blanche des Belles Filles, the comparison with Thibaut Pinot will be found.
The Franc-Comtois public will inevitably push the climber from Besançon and hope for a feat.
“These are two stages that I have already checked off, especially since they are the hardest so for the general classification, that's where it will be decided.
The fact of being almost at home adds a little pressure to me but also and above all a lot of motivation”, admits the leader of the DSM training.
“The Tour de France speaks to everyone”
Juliette Labous
In the continuity of the men's Tour de France which made the crowds dream, the women's Tour de France will have to conquer the hearts of the French.
“We don't really know what to expect.
Even in terms of the number of spectators, it will be a bit of a surprise”
, concedes Juliette Labous who does not fear the lack of attendance.
“I still think there will be a lot of people.
The Tour de France speaks to everyone, and women's cycling is increasingly attracting the general public.
It's a good thing to organize this women's Tour following the men's and not during, as has been mentioned.
The route is different, the eastern regions have not really been crossed and there is only the last stage which has a common finish with one of the stages of the men's Tour.
The real fans will be present and I can't wait to see what it will give.
»
The pressure of expectations?
The media who seem to have found their ''whooping cough'' for this women's Tour de France, Marion Rousse (Director of the Tour) who has high hopes and high expectations for her DSM team.
This is what Juliette Labous has to manage even before the start on Sunday July 24... But make no mistake, this small 1.65m build is solid, and the pressure doesn't seem to bother her.
" Expectations ?
It motivates me a lot, it allows me to surpass myself even more.
It's a source of pride to see Marion (Rousse) talking about me on TV.
I'm a runner who works pretty well under pressure, like last summer at the Tokyo Olympics where I was the only French representative.
»
The appointment is made for the French who hopes to be up to the event in front of her public.
After the national title, the Tokyo Olympics and the stage victory in the Giro, shining on the Women's Tour would be the logical continuation of things.