FDJ team leader on the Critérium International, Thibaut Pinot comes in as a favourite as does 2014 victor Jean-Christophe Péraud. The winner of the white jersey on the 2014 Tour de France just might make the most of the opportunity to win his first stage race at this level.
 
Thibaut Pinot, you have already put in some impressive results in 2015. Do you feel particularly relaxed at the start of the season?
Everything has gone well and I got into competition shape very early. My first important test wasTirreno-Adriatico. I went with the goal of riding in the Top 5 and finished 4th. It was a little frustrating to finish just off the podium, but I had reason to be pleased. On the Terminillo, stage, I stayed with a very good group (6th on equal time with Contador, Rodriguez, Uran…): the conditions were very harsh, but they suited me, so it went well.
 
If we remember, last year, the rider who finished 4th at the Tirreno went on to win theCritérium International.  Does this give you any ideas?
Yes, I’m coming to win. This is the first time I am participating in the Critérium International, but it is a race that has history for French riders.  It’s always a hard choice to make with the Volta aCatalunya, but I think the route suits me better and it will be possible to put in a good result. I’ve already won on a stage race in Italy (Lombardic Cycling Week 2011, cat.2.1), which is never easy, but the Critérium International is a race that carries a lot of weight on the calendar.
 
Do you consider the Porto-Vecchio time trial as a chance to gain experience, as you look to the Tour de France?
I am happy that there will be one. I would‘ve even preferred it be a little longer. It’s in an area where I’ve made good progress and I also want to see if I am capable of confirming.
 
Nevertheless, the Col de l’Ospedale on the last stage will be the decider. Do you like this scenario?
I know this climb very well, because we trained here three years in a row at Porto-Vecchio with the FDJ team. I’ve ridden several times, so I know it is a fine mountain-top finish. There might not be many chances to pull out big leads, but you can attack. It will all happen in the last 3 or 4 kilometres. That’s what I am hoping for, that we have a fast race before the arrival, in a way that can create a small group. Then, you have to be sure not to attack too early… for sure; you’ll have to be on form!