FIORENZUOLA – We've been repeating this for a long time, almost to the point of exhaustion. For many reasons. those of Glasgow will not be world anyThey will start on August 3 and will be a preview of Paris 2024. On the track, winning in Scotland will mean guaranteeing access to the Olympics. Among the many looking for the pass there is Benjamin Thomas with his France.
The Brescian by adoption of Cofidis will lead his national team in the world championship towards the five-ring oneA difficult task, not so much because France is at risk of participating, but because we know how much our cousins across the Alps feel the weight of the event on their own soil. We saw Thomas "in plain clothes" during the Italian track championships in Fiorenzuola as a coach and companion not only for his girlfriend Martina Alzini. For “Benjo” it was a moment of psychological and physical break before diving back into the world stage. He will be the usual inconvenient customer for everyone, including Italy, and so we discussed the matter with him in more detail..
“Benjo” coach
On the other side of the finishing straight of the Fiorenzuola ring is Thomas all alone in Bermuda shorts and a neutral t-shirt. That is his tile in which he incites not only Alzini but also Alessio Delle VedoveAnd after the pre-race briefing, there's also the one at the end.
«I became very good friends with Benjo – explains the 2004 class of Circus Reuz – we often train around our house (Lake Garda area, ed.) when we're both away racing. It's great to have had him as a coach during the Italian track championships. It's an honor to have a person like him who gives you even a little suggestion.I'm still very young and I'll take any advice from him. Honestly (smiles, ed.) It was really strange to see him and hear him at the edge of the track cheering me on at every lap in the points race.. What an emotion!
Benjamin, what can we say about your season so far?
We're halfway through and unfortunately the first part didn't go so well. It was due to some physical problems and bad luck due to some falls in the very races I was aiming for.I wasted some time. I focused on the races where I could get results. Last year at the end of May I already had four victories and this year instead I only have one in a time trial in France. (third stage of the 4 Days of Dunkirk, ed.) The small satisfactions are that I'm rediscovering my high-level sensations in the time trials. I've also adapted well to the new materials. On the road I feel like I'm growing upThe quality improves a lot every year. I still need a bit of luck to get that result that can unlock me.. Let's hope it happens by the end of the season (smiles, ed.).
It's inevitable to note that Martina is also going through a similar period.
She's growing too. On the road we are two still young athletesWe haven't reached our full potential, especially Martina. She has truly excellent physical characteristics. This year he has achieved several podiums in races where he could have achieved a victoryShe's also looking for the big result, but she's getting closer and closer. The Italian track championships were a point of relaunch for the season and to gain confidence.
Right at the Italian championships on the track we noticed how calm you were.
Two days before the Italian track races I learned that I wouldn't be going to the Tour de France. Steps from getting ready to go away from home for a month for the biggest race in the world to… nothing (smiles, ed.) My coach told me to rest for a few days. So I accompanied Martina to the Italian Championships so I can focus on other things. It was good for me to find the track environment againIn those days I went out on my bike without any worries. Slowly pedal to get a coffeeThey're those simple things you love to do again. But since the beginning of July, I've started a more intense program. I have many goals. I've set my sights on running the Vuelta.Little by little I'm building up my preparation.
But first there are the track world championships…
Exactly. I did ten days of altitude training in Tignes with the national track team and now I'm in Livigno. Then We will do a preparation at the end of July in Paris to assimilate the work on the track and find those right sensations againI haven't raced on the track since the Nations Cup in Canada (April 20-23, ed.).
How does Benjamin Thomas get there?
Now we as France are putting everything on Paris 2024This year's World Cup is a dress rehearsal. We're doing things that we'll do again next year.This year I didn't have many retirements because I raced a lot on the road, but my national teammates did a good job, especially the guys in the quartet. In Glasgow, I'll be doing what will be the Olympic program: team pursuit, omnium, and American slalom., assuming all goes well.
What's the atmosphere like in the team?
Good. We'll work on the quartet for about ten days before the World Cup. Our group is made up of seven riders. Valentin Tabellion, experienced athlete for the start, Thomas Denis, Quentin Lafargue and Corentin ErmenaultThen there are my American classmates Thomas Boudat e Donavan Grondin who also often form a quartet. We too must earn qualification for the Olympics through the World Championships.We started off well with the European bronze and other podiums in the Nations CupWe will aim to achieve the best possible times without competing against any other national team.We'll try to get as close to victory as possible. Obviously we'll see how we're all doing in Glasgow. In Europe, more or less, we all have an idea, but I'm referring mainly to Australians or New Zealanders who tend to hide for a good part of the seasonYou notice their condition when you see them riding on the track just before the races.
What does the Paris Olympics represent for a French person?
Italians always tell me I don't look French (smiles, ed.). Of course I'm proud to represent my country since my first call-up as a junior. However If there's one thing I don't want, it's extra pressure.I've already experienced that situation in Tokyo and it didn't suit me. I arrived as the number one favorite because I'd been in great shape since July. In the American Championships we had taken the bronze but in the omnium it didn't go well at all (fourth place, ed.). The morning of the race I hadn't even managed to eat.I was too stressed. If we get to Paris, I'll take it more calmly. I'll say to myself, 'You already hit rock bottom in Tokyo as the favorite and you disappointed everyone. What worse could happen to you?'” (laughs, ed.) I will run focused but without worries.
