The Groupama-FDJ team has set the bar high for its group, which will build on its collective strength in the mountains during the next Tour de France with David Gaudu and Australian rookie Michael Storer. Thibaut Pinot hopes “ rediscover the joys of stage victories on the Tour », And even better with the general classification.
Forget 2021 for my success in 2022. After a long season marred by back pain, Thibaut Pinot, 31, wants ” regain races »As soon as he has the opportunity and be 100% at the start of the Tour de France. The Franc-Comtois of the Groupama-FDJ team, who played for victory in the 2019 Tour until his retirement shortly before the finish, announced on Tuesday January 11 the date of his return to competition, February 18 , on the occasion of the Tour des Alpes-Maritimes et du Var.
In the Tour de France with extremely high goals
For the Groupama-FDJ team, the goal is a podium on the Tour de France. She will build on her collective strength in the mountains with Thibaut Pinot, but also David Gaudu and Australian rookie Michael Storer. “ We are among those who will fight for the podium », Estimated his boss Marc Madiot during the presentation of the team by videoconference, without already designating a leader. ” We’re gonna go with extremely high goals “, He announced, after a year 2021 considered disappointing in the big tours, for lack of stage victory, despite 24 successes in total.
“ We have the ambition to play on the podium with a solid team that we have rarely had in the mountains. If we all have our level, there’s no reason we can’t. We will play as high as possible “, Assures Thibaut Pinot for his part, who welcomes the arrival of Michael Storer, winner of two stages of the Vuelta 2021.” It’s a very good pickaxe, one of the best mountain recruits we’ve been able to do in recent years. Besides, he was very much courted, especially after what we saw him do at La Vuelta. With David (Gaudu), on can form a very good trio in the mountains. Our group can be a very good surprise », Explains Thibaut Pinot.
The French rider who remains very popular has no problem sharing the responsibilities. ” We know that a lot can change between what we say at the start and what happens in the first eight days of the race. We are lucky to have three big cards for the general. If something happens, there are people behind it. We’re going to put the egos aside. It’s easier to have several leaders, it’s a good thing to share this role », He says.
Very motivated, Thibaut Pinot wants to “ rediscover the joys of stage victories on the Tour “. “ I was able to do the workouts that I wanted. The sensations returned this week. I needed to find some sun and warmth, I will soon be leaving for Tenerife (In Spain, Editor’s note). I hope to be operational from February », Says Thibaut Pinot.