A lot of effort to (re)enter the WorldTour and then a signature to get out: it's the story of Simon Pellaud who, one year before the expiry, terminated the contract with the Trek-Segafredo.
The strong Swiss-Colombian rider revealed his new team to the public about 48 hours ago: the Tudor Pro Cycling di Fabian Cancellara. and He is ready to begin this new adventure, rediscovering the enthusiasm that has always distinguished him.
Simon, so here you are at Tudor. How did you get there?
In the end, I've always followed this project that was born from the Swiss Race Academy; there are people I already knew. I followed him, but without thinking of going there… all the more so from one day to the next.
Tell us better ...
I saw this project being born. At the Tour de Romandie, I saw they were off to a flying start... and a good one, too. Having a professional team is really important for Switzerland. I helped a few people get into it, a rider and a couple of staff members. I wasn't thinking about myself. Then, during one of the last races, things changed. I had experienced my most difficult season ever, both physically and mentally. I didn't perform well, and when that happens, especially in a big team, it's difficult to regain the team's confidence and that of yourself. So I talked to the team and they told me I could leave if I wanted. It was late, we were at the Tour of Luxembourg (mid-September, ed.) and that's where everything happened with the Tudor.
What does it mean, Simon, to have lost the team's trust?
I'm not a champion, I don't have any specific characteristics. And being around the Trek-Segafredo athletes, who are all champions and all with their own specific characteristics, is more complicated for me. Aside from the many physical problems, which certainly didn't help me, I wasn't myself. But with the staff and riders, everything was fine. And mentally, all of this didn't help me at all. I felt alone. When I got back to feeling good, to regain my confidence, I only had a couple of races to do.
And the season was over…
Exactly. It took more time, more races to play in that condition. If I'd had it, I wouldn't say in the spring, but at least in June, maybe I could have salvaged something. I would have had time to prove I had the talent to be on a top team. And then I have to say that... The Tudor project is impressive. They may be keeping it a bit under wraps, but they have a very strong sponsor, a superb staff, solid young players... We might not win WorldTour races right away, but I think in two or three years we will be among the biggest teams.
Does Cancellara ever show up? Is he present?
Not much. He was in Geneva during the first meeting with the sponsor's bosses. I imagine we'll see him again in the race. But he respects his role as owner and doesn't get involved in the technical details. He's neither a manager nor a sporting director.
You mentioned earlier your specific "non-characteristics," and in cycling today, it's not easy. Either you become the right man for Pogacar (who wasn't there at Trek), or things get tough, especially if you're not in top form, like you were in 2022...
It's harder to achieve results. Imagine how you feel without strong legs and without your own ground. You're just there doing the numbers, waiting to drop you when they open the throttle. That's not good. I believe that putting in races that are right for our level will help me and help us as a team.
So will we see the Simon Pellaud that the public likes so much again, with his aggressive way of running, with his attacks?
You asked me the same question in another interview and I also hope to become the "new old Pellaud" again! The thing that gives me confidence is that I felt really good at the World Championships. I rediscovered certain sensations that allow me to ride the offensive cycling I like.
And this is good for facing the winter…
Exactly, that's exactly what I was about to say. This way, you'll have more peace of mind to prepare well now, and then go on vacation first.
Do you know your calendar more or less?
There are a couple of possibilities, but I'd have to start with Besseges and the Algarve. Then I'd have to go back to Colombia. This is also very important for me, for my balance. Here I have more freedom, being between Colombia and Switzerland. Moreover, in Colombia, my home, I can enjoy the altitude and train in the heat.
