It's not a surprise that Thibaut Pinot has been selected for the Groupama-FDJ Tour de France team. Earlier he made everyone aware of his intention to retire at the end of this season but his success in the Giro d'ltalia finishing 5th and grabbing the KoMs jersey could put him in a quandary. French fave approaches this Sunday for the French Championships in Cassel and he hopes to become French Champion, which he says he's always dreamed of. If the climber wins he'll leave a dilemma; leave the tricolor vacant after 2023 or extend the pleasure for six months?
Back in January he mentioned he would postpone his retirement if he wins the coveted jersey in Cassel. Pinot has always dreamed of this national jersey, his best result was 12th in 2016. Imagine if he does win the blue-white-red jersey. Public pressure could possibly play in postponement of his retirement. He could also give himself a chance to finish in a glorious way during the Tour of Lombardy (Oct. 7) - a Monument he already won in 2018 before deciding what to do. But, first things first - he must win.
"It's a jersey that could still make me think. It's going to be a tiring circuit. With over 4,146 meters of elevation spread over 224 km, we are no longer in the same puncheur. We are more about resistance and when you come out of a Grand Tour, the distance you have in your legs maybe that's the advantage I have. My personal ambition is simple: it is to win.
For my last season, it would have a been a regret not to participate in the Tour. I want to enjoy, to take it as a party. I hope to have good feelings, I could have good surprises in Paris. For the moment we are not there. We must win Sunday's race."
-Thibaut Pinot
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