On Sunday we run the Paris-Tours, a classic of ancient nobility. It was launched in 1896 by Henri Desgrange, the creator of the Tour du France, for ideally retrace the route that the French royals followed to reach one of their castles, connecting the new and the old capital of France. From a cycling point of view, it is one of the oldest classics, which However, over the years it has changed its skin several times.
And if in the nineties it had become the sprinters' classic, a clash at the top between trains and men, with the introduction of a couple of walls in the finale it had become a more lively race. Until ASO, which organizes it, probably inspired by the coincidence with the Eroica of Gaiole in Chianti, she invented it a series of passages on dirt roads in the middle of the vineyards.
Many Italians
Among the Italians Minali and Petacchi won it when it was a World Cup event and we arrived at the Avenue du Grammont in a sprint. But one year Tafi won itIt was October 8, 2000, Andrea arrived alone with anger in his body and sent it like this a message to coach Fusi who had left him out of the world championships that would be held the following week in PlouayHe also won it Marcato, current sports director of the UAE Team Emirates.
The last Italian to win it was Matteo TrentinIt happened in 2015 and 2017, when the Trentino rider was still racing for Quick Step. And since certain events are unavoidable, Trentin will once again be at the start, which will be given in Chartres. Nothing leaves Paris anymore, not even the Olympics. Trentin raced the Sparkassen Münsterland Giro on Thursday, obviously wearing the jersey Tudor Pro Cycling.
Does winning twice make any difference?
Nothing changes, It only changes if Pogacar isn't there and in theory he isn't, so we go to the start more confidently. What he has made at the world cup I don't think it's ever happened before. However, I think if Holland and Belgium had reached an agreement right away and put it at 20 seconds, it would have been one thing. They could have made the move and taken it. If you let him go, only Belgium shoots and Holland hides, then you also do him a favor.. The only one who could prove was evenepoel, in fact everyone else ended up trying to respond to his shots.
Let's go back to Paris-Tours. How much has it changed since you won it?
At the time it was still the classic Paris-Tours, a little longer. If there was wind, it was a slightly tougher race.Then they added two final climbs and compared to what was the World Cup race it changed a lot and it was decided there. Adesso path it has totally changed with these dirt roadsIn theory it's tougher, but in recent years everything has always been decided in the final. So tougher, but also not.
Does the wind always blow?
He's in charge. It's the wind that determines how hard the ride is.The route is not difficult, it is doable in itself.
Don't the dirt roads have an impact?
The truth? They're not that pretty and they're all straight at the end, so they're not even technical.The section of the circuit is technical, but the dirt road itself isn't winding—right, left, uphill, downhill—which would make the route as technical as in Tuscany. They're all straight, except for one with two bends and another with one. So let's say they make a difference because holesWhile we have never done it in the rain yet, this could be the real unknown factor. In fact they told me it rained all last week, so I really don't think it'll all dry out.
Do you prefer this version of the Paris-Tours or the previous one?
The one before. This seems like a sort of “I would like to but I can't” trying to imitate the Strade BiancheIn France in 2018 and 2019 they were putting dirt roads everywhere, because they had noticed that they were pulling. Then for goodness sake, It's understandable that they wanted to modernize the race a little, because it had always been the wind's race. But in the end, nothing changed: without wind, Paris-Tours doesn't get tough until the finish. And the finish isn't tough enough to make a difference. Last year four of them arrived, but the selection came after a thousand attempts and counter-attacks, not because the route was challenging.
How important is it to have the team by your side?
Oh my God, it counts like in all races. If there's wind, the further in front you are, the better.Then, when you get to the dirt roads, even though the road itself isn't that selective, the stretch is still tense. You're always there, trying to grind and hold positions. So it's obvious that if you have someone who gives you a hand, like in all races, it helps you save some energy.I will have a nice group of young people with me, including our Sierra.
How are you? Can we try something?
I'm fine. Last week at the Grand Prix de Wallonie, I was there to play for the race, and someone decided not to take the turn, crashed into me, and then dragged me to the ground. At the Super 8 Classic I finished sixthThis week instead I rested. I still have two races, Paris-Tours and Gran Piemonte, I think I'm doing well, so let's try to bring something homeThe team, however, will not be competing in Pozzato's races in Veneto, so the season is coming to a close soon and the focus is on next season. The team is strengthening, both in terms of riders and staff. They arrive Alaphilippe and Hirschi who will fit in very well with the groupI've raced with both and I have no doubts. The project is growing really well.
