Domenico Pozzovivo and Jean-Christophe Peraud will share the Ag2r leadership at the Giro d'Italia. The pair spoke about their goals on the eve of the race.

What are your feelings before the start of your first Giro d'Italia? 
Domenico Pozzovivo : "I lacked freshness in the Tour of Catalonia. I took some rest and it feels good! The Giro del Trentino allowed me to find the sensations and it's pretty good. I have done Liège-Bastogne-Liège, but the very challenging weather did not allow me to express myself properly."
Jean-Christophe Péraud : "The Giro del Trentino where I finished in ninth place allowed me to find reasons for satisfaction I found sensations that I have not experienced for a very long time. After a year and a half of suffering, it's a relief to get out of the tunnel. This allows me to start the race with a little more serenity. The AG2R la Mondiale team helped me to check six key stages of this edition. It is not negligible. I want to end my career on a good note and I look forward to the race start."

What do you think the course of this edition? 
DP : "I am happy to see the Giro. Last year, I could not express myself while I was in good shape. I like the course but we must be patient and still be in shape in the third week, the French stages could be decisive. I cannot wait to start the race."

JCP : "I think you have to be vigilant every day! After the first time trial in the Netherlands, you have to be attentive in the two road stages. Wind and rough roads could complicate things and we could lose time. Upon arrival in Italy, we will have to be vigilant again. The race could be decided late in the third week in France with the passages in the Col Agnel (2,744 meters) and the Bonnette (2715 meters) on May 27 and 28 ." 

A few words about Jean-Christophe? 

DP : "He has been in search of sensations for quite some time. I'm glad he has found grounds for satisfaction in Trentino. I think we complement each other and even though I know the Giro more than him, he can bring me his experience of grand tours. You can't forget that he has been on the podium of the Tour de France. "

A few words about Domenico? 

JCP: " Domenico is an excellent climber. He has perhaps not had the start of the season he expected, but I do not make me worries for him. After his withdrawal last year, he has worked to return to the top. He knows the Giro and we will really be complementary."