In the middle of the flood falling on the runners in the Col de la Loze, a figure well known by cycling enthusiasts did not have to worry about the cold of the 18th stage of the Tour de France… sheltered under an umbrella and a coat, the former runner of the Direct energy (today totalnergies) and Arkéa-Samsic, Thomas Boudatpresent on the side of the roads, confided in Cyclism’Actu On the course of this Tour de France and the domination of Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates XRG). Despite the rain, the former pistard spoke with a smile and also mentioned his retraining … Very far from cycling.
“Today, I am a descender in another register …”
Thomas, it's the flood, it's better to be retired, right?
We are better retired, especially when we have days like that, we wouldn't think in July …
When you are a runner, we don't realize but is it total suffering?
On a day like that, with big passes to spend yeah. They finish with good rain, even hail, it's not a day of pleasure for the grupetto. Even for leaders, it's big days, it tires.
We know your climbing qualities, this is the kind of steps you like.
I was rather a descender, now I am a descender but in another register (he converted into the world of wine, editor's note). The mountain was not my strong point and when we see guys who suffer like that, I tell myself that I am well under an umbrella.
Cadors … Nothing happened
Nothing happened, they neutralize each other badly and I think it will be fighting maybe tomorrow for the last big day.
What do you think of the domination of Tadej Pogacar?
He is very strong, he masters his subject well, his team is very strong and I think he has marked the spirits. Mentally, he is above Vingegaard and Vingegaard has no longer even hopes to do anything I think, he attacks for sport more than really believing. Afterwards, the round he is never won as long as we do not pass Paris but it is well advanced.
When you are a runner, with these climatic conditions that change at all, this is where we can get sick, right?
I heard that there were a lot of runners who were sick, a lot of diseases lying around in the paddock. They still had complicated conditions in the Pyrenees, especially in the Tourmalet, so it leaves traces. All the coureus are super sharp so as soon as there is a little humidity, it does not forgive.
A last word on your retirement, how is it going?
It goes very well, I have a new life. Viticulturalist now so nothing to do with the bicycle anymore, but I take pleasure in going back to the Tour and in this environment, and seeing old acquaintances again.
