Thibaut Pinot fans can rejoice: they will see their champion on the road to the Tour de France 2022. The Groupama FDJ team announces this Tuesday in its back-to-school press conference that the Haut-Saônois runner will participate in the Grande Boucle which will start from Copenhagen in Denmark on July 1. He will be one of the team leaders with the Breton David Gaudu.
Thibaut Pinot had not taken part in the 2021 Tour, after a series of disappointments: a abandonment due to injury in 2019 in the 19th stage when he was 5th in the general classification, and a new injury in 2020 from the Nice prologue, which had forced him to compete in the race in pain as the route seemed cut out for him. This particular edition, in September because of Covid, was however marked by the ovation of the Haut-Saônois public for its darling, on the time trial of La Planche-des-Belles-Filles.
I start the new season with a lot of desire – Thibaut Pinot
“My ambitions are to regain races and regain my level”, explains Thibaut Pinot, “On the Tour de France, we will have a collective strength like never before. Personally, last year was a complicated season. I am starting the new season with a lot of desire. I am really motivated, the feelings have returned. Physically, I am not worried. I hope to be operational by February “.
The Haut-Saônois cyclist looks back on his year 2021, partly devoted to his convalescence : “2021 was my worst year. To be hurt for this long has been quite tough morally. I’ve always held on to get back to my best. “
Thibaut Pinot shares leadership with David Gaudu
“I missed the Tour de France” recognizes Thibaut Pinot again, “the goal is to get there 100% (…) I miss winning the Tour de France again. A lot will happen between now and then. We will try to aim as high as possible “. The Haut-Saônois runner will share the role of leader with David Gaudu. “It’s the season that will decide” who will be the boss on the Tour has also specified the Breton cyclist.
A formula that “put less pressure” says the Haut-Saônois, “I don’t think it’s going to create tension. We’re a tight-knit team, egos are on the side.”
Return to the Tour and to La Planche-des-Belles-Filles
Thibaut Pinot announces its program with Groupama FDJ by the Grande Boucle in July: resumption on the Tour du Haut Var, the Tirreno Adriatico, the Tour du Jura, Romandie and the Tour de Suisse. As for the Tour de France 2022, it is back in Franche-Comté with the arrival of the 7th stage, on July 8, at the Super Planche-des-Belles-Filles.
Thibaut Pinot on the Tour de France is
- a podium : he finished third in 2014 and best youngster
- winner of the 8th stage in 2012 in Porrentruy in Switzerland
- victory in the 20th stage in 2015 at L’Alpe d’Huez
- he wins the 14th stage in 2019 at the top of Tourmalet