After a season marked by galleys and setbacks, David Gaudu found The return With the desire to revive. Deprived of Tour de Francethe leader of Groupama-FDJ Tackles his second big tour of the year without excessive pressure, but with the objective of finding sensations, aiming for a stage victory and, why not, reconnect with a general top 10. On the eve of the departure, at a press conference, the Breton appears determined and serene.
“I am still looking for sensations”
What are you coming to look for this Vuelta?
Have fun. On this Vuelta, I want to find sensations, to please myself. It's been a while since I run after that, so I'm really happy to be here. This is my second big round of the year. The Vuelta has already smiled at me in the past – I did it twice and I had very good results. In addition, I am surrounded by my group, so I can't wait to get into battle on Saturday.
Do you hope that this Vuelta relaunches you as she has already done?
It would be good, yes. This race has often revived me, and I would like it to be the case again this year. I am still looking for sensations, but it's part of a career and a season.
You have often shone on the Vuelta (6th and 8th in general). How do you explain that this race succeeds so much?
Frankly, I don't know … maybe she just loves me (laughs). It is a race that I appreciate, with climbs that suit me: neither too punchy nor for pure climbers, often steep and fairly short. I have always loved Spain since I was a kid, maybe it plays.
“I have already experienced galleys in my career, I am no longer close …”
Isn't it ultimately the big tour that suits you best?
Maybe, yes. But all the big towers change their journeys each year. Above all, you have to find the one that corresponds to your profile each season.
You come out of the Tour de l'Ain, which did not take place as hoped for. Where are you physically?
It is true that the Ain Tour did not go as planned. But it is not the first time that I have been feeling a counterpouen by descending altitude. Generally, it comes back over time. There, the main objective is to find pleasure and sensations.
Are you afraid to miss this Vuelta?
No, frankly no. I have already experienced galleys in my career, so I am no longer close. Even if we don't like them, we know how to manage them. And I have always managed to bounce back behind difficult times.
“I wouldn't say that I play my year on this Vuelta”
How was your preparation since the Tour de l'Ain?
I first rested a few days. Then I resumed slowly earlier this week. Finally, time between Ain and here has passed quickly. I was able to get home, and we arrived on Wednesday to get into the bath.
Are you talking about a galley season… 2025 is one?
Yes, clearly. As in 2021, it's a somewhat truncated season. But I have always managed to hang results here and there despite the galleys. This year, I still won Oman's Tour at the start of the season. So it's still like my other seasons: ups and downs. But I advance, I focus on the rest. My broken hand, my giro missed, all that is forgotten. Make way for Vuelta.
Do you play big on this Vuelta?
No. I wouldn’t say I’m playing my year. I know what I am physically capable of. I won against Cadors in Oman this year, on a 15 -minute climb. And I still have two years of contract in the team. This Vuelta will be used to build the future, whether successful or more difficult.
What is a successful Vuelta for you?
Returning in the Top 10 to the general would be a great success. But I don't make a fixette on the ranking. The first days can already decide a lot. We have an arrival at the top in two days, so we will see where we are after the first day of rest. The main objective is a stage victory with the team. We have a super collective, a mixture of experience and young people who can seek their first pro victory.
“A selection of the French team, it cannot be refused”
With only three days of racing, not afraid of being a little short at the start?
Yes, maybe a little. But I have experience. The times I was the shortest at the start, this is where I was able to go up in pressure. So, we advance step by step, and we will make a point at the day of rest to know how to adjust the objectives. And we also have Guillaume who will aim for the general in his register.
And after the Vuelta? Do you think of the Worlds, Rwanda?
Yes, a selection of the France team, it cannot be refused. I have not yet exchanged with Thomas (Voeckler), but I am focused on the Vuelta. If he wants me, he knows that it goes through a rise in power on this great tour.
You haven't played the Tour de France this year. What has it changed for you?
Of course I missed it. I was on my sofa to watch the mountain stages, and I would have liked to be there. Even if certain stages, very nervous, did not necessarily miss, to see the big peaks and the leaders fight, it makes you want. But it was a carefully considered decision with the team, to bounce back at the end of the season.
You will be alongside Brieuc Rolland, young Breton like you, for his first Vuelta. What will be your role?
I will try to drive it on certain mountain stages or more punchy. A first big round, it marks. Brieuc, Thibaut (Gruel) or Clémen (Braz Afonso), they all have a lot of desire. What is funny is that I ran with Brieuc's brother, so finding him here is a beautiful wink. It will be in good conditions to learn and progress.
