After an overall modest Tour de France, without any highlights, Clement Champoussin he showed his claws: absolute protagonist at theArctic Race of Norway after a furious comeback in the last stage, only being beaten by the Danish Magnus Cort and also according to Getxo Circuit behind the Basque Barrenetxea. The French of theArkea B&B Hotels he thus confirmed that old equation which wants those who come out of the Grande Boucle, even if run anonymously, with an enviable condition, to exploit.
The Frenchman from Nice has not stopped, he closes an August in the black and is preparing for a great season finale to relaunch his challenge for next year, for which he already has a renewal contract with the WT team of his country.
How do you rate your second season at Arkea?
The first year was a discovery, I got my bearings even if a few surprises arrived, like the stage in the race in Norway, which I feel particularly good at. I found a family team with a great sense of listening and sharing. This year I feel more consistent, with an 11th place in the Fleche Wallonne, 2nd in the Arctic Race, and 2nd in Gexto. I want to continue improving my performance over time, but also win because we all race for this purpose.
Your Tour de France wasn't like last year's, why?
I was sick before leaving, I had Covid while I was racing the Criterium du Dauphiné so much so that I was forced to withdrawAnd it took me a long time to recover as the days went by, even though I continued to train and run. I was particularly sorry because I had had excellent feelings at the Dauphiné, but the after-effects were heavy.
Did you notice a change in your fitness between the start and finish of the Tour?
Yes. My physical condition improved as the days went by, not only because the effects of Covid gradually faded, but At the same time I felt a great physical condition re-emerging, the previous work was starting to bear fruitFruits that I was able to reap when the great French race had concluded, so it was right to carry on.
You did very well at the Arctic Race, finishing in 2nd place, and then at the Circuito de Getxo you got another 2nd place: which of the two left you a little disappointed?
I wanted to win both times and I came up against someone who was stronger than me. It's never nice to finish in second place for a cyclist, even if it means bringing a good amount of points to your team and therefore honoring your contract in the best possible way., but you also have to take into account who you're up against. Cort is also going through a truly extraordinary period; look at what he's done since the Tour, he never drops out of the top spots in the rankings. The Spaniard was riding his own roads. I'm not used to complaining, especially not about a second-place finish...
The impression is that you're increasingly oriented towards being a rider capable of achieving results in the classics but also in short stage races: which of the two do you think is more suited to your characteristics?
I actually like one-day races, like week-long stage races. But I'm also drawn to the Grand Tours. I know what it feels like to win a stage in an event like this, and once you've experienced a moment like that, you inevitably want to experience it again. That day at the Vuelta 2021, that victory to be fully enjoyed with the opponents far away, unable to respond, even though they are great champions like Roglic, Yates, Mas, it is something that remains indelibly imprinted in my memory.
With these results and this form, do you think you can aspire to a place at the World Championships and does the Zurich course suit your characteristics?
That's a good question, but I think the answer lies in Thomas's mind. Voeckler. I can only continue to do my duty and go as fast as I can, if you want me I'm here...
Looking at the Olympics, do you think the two medals won by France can further develop the national cycling movement?
I am not part of the bodies that govern French cycling, as a practitioner I can only hope that there will be an Olympic legacy. The success of the Olympic Games in any case was total, we obtained an extraordinary quantity of medals and titles, people were excited for over two weeks talking about nothing else and road cycling, with Valentin's medals Madouas and Christophe The door, participated brilliantly.
You always look good at the beginning and end of the season: do you suffer particularly from the heat?
Not particularly considering that my last two performances were achieved in the heat of the Arctic Race and the Gexto. The season or the climate doesn't particularly influence my performance, it all depends on when the best condition arrives and our job is to get it there as soon and as long as possible.
What are your goals between now and the end of the year?
Only one: win!
