He was content to follow the peloton without taking any risks since the start of the Tour de France. Thibaut Pinot will finally be able to make his climbing profile speak from the seventh stage, Friday July 8. The Grande Boucle arrives in the Vosges for a first mountain stage which ends at the top of the Planche des Belles Filles. The Frenchman hopes to have fun without aiming for a stage victory at home.
Franceinfo: sport: We imagine you happy at the idea of getting closer to the mountains…
Thibaut Pinot: I’m happy to have spent the first few days, and yes, obviously I’m happy to arrive in the mountains, especially at home. We will say that the Tour begins now for me.
In what the Planche des Belles Filles is she different from other climbs?
It is well placed geographically, and it is special because it is often the first climb, the first arrival at the top of the Tour. Inevitably, the leaders want to test themselves and that often gives a good rise.
Could it be a revealer after a week of racing?
Sure, it’s always a revealer. We don’t know if a breakaway will go to the end or not tomorrow but the leaders will explain themselves. I think we will know a lot more about the state of form of each.
What would a victory at La Planche represent for you?
I don’t know, I don’t really think about it at the moment, I’m in my race. And even if the board is always special, it’s not the climb that suits me best, so I don’t put too much pressure on myself to aim for victory.
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What does the Planche de Belles Filles represent for the inhabitants of the region?
Thanks to the Board, we discovered the Vosges and Haute-Saône, which were unknown to the general public. It’s really a bonus for everyone. People are proud to have this Board and this climb close to home.
La Planche will also be on the program for the women’s Tour…
Yes, this will be the end! This shows that La Planche is an unmissable event on the Tour de France, whether for girls or boys.