The FDJ leader and runner-up in last year's Critérium International is back with a legitimate claim to the crown. Thibaut Pinot reasserts that he is firing on all cylinders, but he knows riders such as Péraud or Coppel are ready to take the fight to him.

Pinot had an impressive start to the season, finishing fourth in the Tour of Algarve and fifth in Tirreno–Adriatico. 

"The positive streak began even earlier than that, when I came in second in the GP La Marseillaise and third in the Étoile de Bessèges," he says. "It was a perfect start. I'm especially happy that I wasn't forced to chase after good results like in previous years. Tirreno could have gone even better if the mountain stage hadn't been cancelled, but I didn't want to get all worked up about it.
 

"I enter the Criterium International to claim my first scalp. It suits me just fine. Looking back at last year, I'd been chasing after a victory for quite a while, so I was too anxious. I had the legs in that stage, but I went too early and my nerves failed me. That Critérium hurt me at the time, but it also helped me win other races during the rest of the season. 

"There are many riders I need to keep an eye on, but the state of play after the time trial will give us a clearer picture. What's for sure is that the entire first part of Col de l'Ospédale is not too steep. There are few places where you can launch an attack, so everything could be decided in the final three kilometres. 
 

"What makes this race interesting is that we'll be the team to beat, and we're not shirking our responsibilities. Furthermore, everyone in the group is healthy right now, and it shows in the results. It's hard to explain why, but last year didn't go as well as we hoped… and this season got off to a good start. It's not just this weekend's team, we're in a roll with Arnaud Démare winning Milan–San Remo and Arthur Vichot back in shape. The three leaders are ready to go! 
 

"Our major rivals will be the time trial specialists, of course. Jean-Christophe [Peraud], Jérôme [Coppel] and I could make this a thrilling race. However, Pierre Latour and Pierre Rolland could also be in the mix."