After preparing for 2014 during the winter, Pierre Rolland is about to start his eighth season in the professional ranks. Interviewed on Radio Monte Carlo, the French rider has made the point on promotion to the top division by his team.

"In the WorldTour, there is the possibility to participate in all the great races, the most beautiful stage races and the most beautiful classics” -says the 27-year old climber– “We have a calendar that is 100% safe and this allows us to prepare well and to make a well-planned program of the season. For me it is a big advantage, there are many races that suit me, a lot more than a week stage races, plus the three grand tours. "

The former white jersey also will take part in the Tour de France where he has performed well in recent seasons and at his side will be his teammate Thomas Voeckler. "The goal is to do well –says the Europcar rider- I would like to do better in 2011 and 2012: win a stage, do a super GC, staying as close as possible to the top. Contrary to previous years, I will be in the best form of my season for the Tour. Then if I could win one of the great Classics or one of the stage races, which would be ideal. " 

In addition to the Tour de France, Rolland will race the Vuelta a España in 2014 without a doubt.