LIENZ (Austria) – The final day of the Tour of the Alps, which for the second time in this edition ends on Austrian soil, gives a triumphal parade to the Decathlon AG2R La MondialeThe French team put together an exceptional performance with two of its riders as important as they are different. Nicolas Prodhomme wins his first race among professionals with a long-distance action, the young man arrives at his side Paul Seixas.
«We ended an excellent season with a bang Tour of the Alps – said Prodhomme – with this beautiful one-two. We started out to rank with Gall but we found an excellent Storer on his pathSeixas and I worked well today. I would have let him win, but he insisted on me taking the win, and I thank him. Now the Giro d'Italia is coming up for me. But first it's time to celebrate with my family and enjoy this first victory among the professionals».
The Frenchman Seixas, who hasn't yet turned nineteen, arrived directly in the WorldTour after two seasons as a protagonist among the juniors. Decathlon AG2R has a deep youth system, which starts with the under-19 team and continues with the under-23 team and has accustomed us to this type of approach with its boys. Who deserves it? He quickly rose among the greats to learn how to race and experience cycling as a protagonist.
French double
Seixas and Prodhomme joined the morning breakaway, aware that the group would have left space, also due to the limited number of athletes who arrived at the end of this Tour of the Alps, just seventy-eight. So it wasn't easy for the teams to have the strength to control the race. On the Stronach climb, ten kilometers from the finish, It was Paul Seixas who set the ball rolling by raising the pace and tearing apart the group of escapeesProdhomme returned to the French climber, and on the final descent the two spoke. Behind the awards stage, we asked Seixas what they said.
«We discussed who should win. – he says – and since he had never won in these five years as a professional, it seemed right to us that he should be the first to cross the finish line. I am aware that I have done very well in these five days and that I am strong.I'll definitely be able to win more races in the future. The team car said they'd let me win, but I didn't agree. It was right to leave it to Prodhomme."
Did you expect such a performance in such a tough race?
When I came to this Tour of the Alps I wasn't focused on what I could do but what I could learn. All things considered, I was among the first every day except yesterday, it was beautiful and excitingIn the end, I thought that as a team we could win a stage, and we did.
You joined the WorldTour and are doing very well, was it a difficult transition?
It's certainly a big leap because the best athletes in the world race here. This winter I worked hard and I think all the efforts made were rewarded with a good conditionNow I can run alongside the strongest athletes: I didn't think I'd be so competitive but it's a nice surprise.
At the finish line we saw you with your family…
They were here to support me, as they always have. It's not easy being so young and having a life that takes you on the road a lot. But I always think of them and the sacrifices they made for me. I love them.
What did they tell you when you arrived directly in the WorldTour?
They immediately showed themselves to be very happy and pleased to see me here fighting among the top. They were also quite surprised (he says with a laugh, ed.)Now I'm eighteen and I'm free to decide where to train. My mindset, however, is still the same: I get up in the morning focused on how to work and I feel fulfilled.
Has the way you train changed much?
I spoke with the team and we discussed the work to be done once I turn professional. I train almost twice as much as before so the difference is noticeable.When I was a junior I never overdid the hours of training, Now I'm almost as committed as other professional athletesTogether with the staff, we decided to leave some room for future progress.
What do you feel strongest about?
I focused on all aspects: time trial, sprint and climbing. The goal is to become as complete a rider as possible.. The thing that surprises me is the fact that I'm already at a good level. Riding side by side with champions like Store, ciccone e Arensmann It's pretty crazy to me.
The team has some very young riders in the squad, who also come from the development teams…
I think it's positive because we can help each other and we feel like we're in a group with lots of people our own age. It's the mentality that counts and having young teammates helps a lotWhen I'm around them I try to learn something about them and understand how they work and train.
Is there anything specific that you're curious about?
Yes, but I won't say. It's a secret (he says with a laugh, ed.).
Will you also run with the under 23s?
I should do the Giro Next Gen, but I still have to get confirmation from the team. One of the goals of the season, which is also a bit of a dream for me, is the Future Tower, but there's still a long way to go. Now I'm enjoying the moment.
