“We have not yet won a stage in three participations”
This Tour de France, how do you live it with a Mobility?
This is our third participation, and even if we have not yet won a step, we are present each time, we are placed, we fight. We are always looking for this victory, but we know that it is very difficult. The round is the most important race for a team like ours, which comes from the second division. Being there a third time is essential, for sponsors, for the image. And it shows that we don't just come to do figuration, we're here to last.
And on sprints, precisely? Lots of falls… is that more than before?
I don't know if it falls anymore, but it's true that it rolls faster. There is technology, equipment, but the first weeks have always been nervous. It was already like that in my time, in the early 2000s. The real difference is that now the whole team must be around the leader. Before, there could be two or three, today, it's seven guys around a runner. It takes up space, and it increases the risk. Everyone wants to be in front, everyone takes more risks.
Andy Schleck told us to be against the yellow cards. And you ?
I think it's good that there are rules. If a runner makes a mistake, there must be a sanction. Afterwards, you shouldn't abuse it either. Regarding the yellow card of Bryan Coquard, personally, I do not think he has committed a fault. It happened, that's all. You have to be careful not to distribute these boxes anyway, otherwise it's no longer fair.
“Pogacar is clearly the big favorite”
Do you think it can slow down sprinters?
I don't believe. A sprinter must give everything. If he does not rub, if he does not impose himself, he is distant. But you have to stay correct, because the bike is already dangerous, and the sprint is madness. So yes to the rules, but with discernment.
Marc Renshaw proposed a jury made up of former sprinters to judge these situations. Are you for?
Yes, it could be a very good idea. An old sprinter can see the nuances, intentions, which is normal or not in a sprint. It would give more consistency to decisions.
Your expert opinion on the start of the Tour to the general: Who impresses you most?
Pogacar is clearly the big favorite, he has been very strong since the start of the season. But I also think that Jonas Vingegaard is there, solid. He can beat him. It will not be an easy victory for Pogacar.
