Second last year in Le Tour de France, Jean-Christophe Péraud will return to racing this week-end in the south of Spain at Sunday's Clasica de Almeria.

"Usually I have started in the Tour de San Luis (Argentina)," he said. "It’s a bit different this year. My winter training was not perfect. Because of my second place in the Tour de France last year, I have been more busy with some media requirements, etc. I had also two minor surgeries. Actually, I’m not in top shape. The Andalucian races will give me a good opportunity to ride with some good riders and in a world class race. Meanwhile, I don’t have specific goals right now. I expect that it will be difficult. I am ready to suffer."

The lack of form means that Peraud has modest ambitions for the first part of the season.

"I was very excited by the time trial up Col d’Eze in the next Paris – Nice," he said. "But, to be honest, it will be very difficult to get a good result. My first big goal of this season will be the Vuelta al Pais Vasco (he finished 3rd in 2014, ed.). And why not the Tour de Romandie? Usually, this race is too late for me and it has been impossible to achieve a great performance. We will see for this season. After the Swiss race, I will take some days off before preparing the Tour de France."

Peraud has fond memories of last summer
 

"After Froome and Contador crashes, the race was more open," he said. "And it was a good thing for me. I had a top five in my mind, but I realized that a podium was possible during the last week. When I look back to this incredible three weeks, I remember the good moments with the AGR LA MONDIALE guys on the Champs Elysées to celebrate our team victories."

SCHEDULE 2015, PART 1:

February 15: Classica de Almeria (Sapin)
February 18-22: Vuelta a Andalucia Ruta Ciclista del Sol(Spain)
February 28: Classic Sud Ardèche
March 1: Drôme Classic
Mars 28-29: Critérium International
April 6-11: Vuelta Ciclista al Pais Vasco (Spain)
April 28 - May 3: Tour de Romandie (Switzerland)