Revelation of the last Tour de France women with zwift with two resounding stage victories, Maëva Squiban has changed dimension. The French team UAE Team ADQnow recognized by the general public, is about to find a race that is dear to him: the Ardèche International Women's Cycling Tour. Between excitement, the desire to do well on this test and the perspective of World championships Who are approaching, Breton confides in its state of mind, its ambitions and its way of managing a new notoriety still recent.
“I was in great demand after the Tour de France women …”
What does it mean to be known and recognized since the Tour?
At first, it's funny. But in the long run, a little less, because even when I'm going to buy bread or do my shopping, many people recognize me and some require photos in supermarkets. Sometimes it's a little embarrassing, but overall it's nice to see that people are really interested in female cycling now, which was not necessarily the case a few years ago. I think it's especially the beginning, and that over time it will calm down.
If you had told you that before this Tour de France, how did you react?
When you come on the Tour, it's necessarily to win. Everyone hopes at least a stage victory. Two in a row, I would not have imagined it, but it is the beauty of sport: sometimes it is complicated, sometimes it goes well. When it works, you have to savor and enjoy it, because it doesn't happen often. It was not planned like that, but it was perfect.
How did you experience the post-tour?
The first days were a little sad without the atmosphere of the Tour, even if I was happy to go home and take a few days of vacation. It’s weird not to have 10th step after nine days of racing! I tried to cut and enjoy with my loved ones. But after six days, I resumed training, because the season is long. In terms of requests, I was in great demand. I tried to answer as much as possible, it is our role, but sometimes it was complicated to manage with training, personal life and the media. Fortunately, with a little organization and the help of the team, it went well. I had a stop because of the disease for Plouay, but overall the recovery was made properly.
“I will not target the general ranking of the Tour de l'Ardèche …”
What does the Tour de l'Ardèche represent for you, where you won the time trial last year?
It's a race that is close to my heart. It was my first professional test in 2020, so it has a sentimental value. This year, the level will be even more raised. It is a bit of the “mini tour de France” at the end of the season: stages never easy, varied, without very high mountains, which suits me well. On the time trial, everyone runs for themselves: I will do it thoroughly. On the other stages, we will see according to the strategy and the circumstances. I hope to have my card to play on a nice step, but also help my teammates get a good result.
What are your objectives on this edition?
We have not yet had the complete briefing with the team, but I know that I will not target the general classification: two of my teammates will take care of it. My role will be above all to support them. I will probably have one or two stages where I can play my personal card, and of course the time, a discipline that is close to my heart. My goal will be to bring back a stage victory if possible, and if not to find good sensations by helping our leaders, while preparing the world championships.
You often train in the Var, on the side of the Verdon. What do you appreciate in this region?
I settled there a little by chance, because I was fed up with the rain in Brittany. It is an ideal corner for riding: hilly, varied, with superb roads around Lake Sainte-Croix. There are also training groups, which allows you to share outings. It's a perfect playground. I rarely return to Brittany to limit travel, but this winter I will go back.
Did your victories on the Tour de France give you more confidence?
The first gave me confidence to win the second the next day. In the long term, it is more nuanced. I take each race differently, with separate objectives. The Tour of the Ardèche is not the same objective as the Tour de France. But inevitably, I can run more released: I already have two beautiful victories this season. It allows me to dare more, to “play poker” on certain steps.
“Pauline Ferrand-Prévot will be the natural leader for the Worlds, but …”
You will be eagerly awaited. How do you manage this pressure?
I don't play the general, so it takes a little pressure. I know that I will be watched, but that's not something I love. I like to be discreet. That said, I will not change my way of running. When I am protected, I will assume my status, and when I will have to work for the team, I will. The race will decide.
The selection for the European championships has not yet fallen. Do you projeate yourself?
I'm waiting for the selection. I hope to be there, but if it is not the case, I will support the French team. On the other hand, the Tour of the Ardèche is for me the best preparation for the Worlds. I haven't run since the turn, so I need rhythm. With an in addition a time trial on the program, it's perfect for getting ready.
You learned your selection for the Worlds. What was your reaction?
A lot of pride. These will be my first Worlds, and I like this course. Pauline Ferrand-Prévot will be the natural leader, but the team will have several cards to play according to the scenarios. With the strength of the collective, we can respond to all situations. It is an honor to be part of this selection.
We saw you interact with Pauline after the Tour. What link do you have with her?
Yes, we had spoken at the start of the 8th stage, then we saw each other in Brittany in a more relaxed atmosphere. We discussed everything: the post-tour, the management of the requests, the preparation. She gave me advice so as not to let me overflow and keep a balance. We even talked about training roads in the south! It was a real moment of exchange, apart from competition.
