“I have very good memories here”
What are your memories of the Tour of Switzerland, and have you experienced more difficult moments?
I have very good memories. I only participated once in the Tour de Switzerland, and it was a great experience. But it was also a very special moment for me: I had to leave the race for the birth of my son. It was magic. To come back here today, the day of his 4 years is really special. After three weeks of internship, I am very motivated. I'm happy to be there. It is an important race for the team, a real test before the Tour de France. I really want to have fun.
Is it a preparation for the Tour or a full -fledged race?
You can say that it is the last big preparation block, but I also want to perform there. I worked a lot and I hope to get closer to my best level. It's an important week for us.
What is your assessment of this first half of the season?
I am satisfied, even if I have not yet won. This is something that I expect with envy. The Ardennes did not go as planned, for sure, but there have been a lot of positive things, for the team and for me. Now, I hope I can get a great victory.
“I have the impression of rediscovering my job”
Have you ever spotted the stages of the Tour de Switzerland?
Yes, a little. I know that tomorrow, the final is difficult. The first days may well suit us, then it will be harder. We have an offensive team with Marc (Hirschi), Marius (Mayrhofer), who has just won a stage, and me. We are not targeting the general, but we want to go get a stage victory.
What is the positive things you have experienced with the team in recent months?
Frankly, everything is positive. The change was important, but I quickly adapted. I had a lot of fun in my role here. The internship at altitude went well. I have the impression of rediscovering my job. These are new people, new methods, but in the end, it remains bicycle and sharing.
Is it a pleasure that you had lost a little in recent years?
No, I wouldn't say that. But after so many years, we get used to it. It was a good time for me to join a young, new, ambitious project. It gave me a desire.
“I was well on certain races, but not enough to win”
The change of material, how did it go?
Alright. It was important for me, because I rolled my entire career with the same equipment. But after a few weeks, I was already comfortable. I am very happy with what we have today.
Why did you put the time trial aside?
Because I wanted to take the time to adapt to the new bike, the group, to all these new features. I know that I still have work on the position, on the settings. I prefer not to do everything at the same time. It will be for later.
You say that your integration is successful, but you have not yet won. What did you miss?
Simply legs, you shouldn't look for excuses. I had opportunities, I was of course on certain races, but not enough to win. I hope the second part of the season will be more positive. I have found motivation and confidence in recent weeks.
“The sensations are very good”
Did you think you are competitive faster?
Yes, that was the goal. But as often, I fell ill just before the classics. It made me waste a little time. When you run after the form, it's always harder than when you are already good. I missed a few opportunities, but the season is still long. I remain very motivated.
How do you approach in recent weeks before the Tour de France?
With a lot of motivation. I remain calm, my preparation went well. I did a good internship, I will have a few days at home to recover after the Tour of Switzerland. I think I have found an approach that suits me. After the race, we will still do some recognitions. For the team, it will be a first on the Tour, so there is excitement and a lot of desire to do well.
What are your sensations currently and what are your ambitions on the Tour de Switzerland?
The sensations are very good. I really want to run. The goal is to show that the team is there, and trying to go and seek a stage victory.
Do you think that the yellow jersey on the Tour, is it a dream or a real possibility?
Both. It's a dream, of course. But it is also a real opportunity. I have already known this emotion, I know what it represents. And for the team, which will experience its first participation, it would be incredible.
