Pierre Rolland has decided to take a new approach in 2017. Having always focused on the general classification in the Grand Tours, the Cannondale-Drapac rider now wants to have more freedom.

After a first season in the American team during which he was unable to raise his arms, the 30-year-old Frenchman wants to rediscover the taste of victory, especially in the most prestigious races. The former winner at Alpe d'Huez and La Toussuire in the Tour de France has made a clear plan during the winter and that includes trips into the Alps of both sides of the French-Italian border.

"I made the choice in 2014 to do both the Giro and Tour. I'll do it again in 2017, with a new direction,” he told France Bleu. “I really want to focus 100% on stages and leave aside the GC which cost me lot of energy to achieve results that do not necessarily suit me. When you go for GC, you are obliged to follow. This is how the race is. You try to finish as close to the beat each time. When you only focus on stages, you can afford to go full gas one day, take 2-3 tranquil days and then start from the bottom. This is where we can win. We can pick up one or two stages and a distinctive jersey. I'm going to start with this perspective.”

Having taken tenth and sixteenth in the Dauphiné and Tour this year, Pierre Rolland also took part in some breaks in the Vuelta but was unable to finish it off. His best results were seventh places in each of the three events mentioned above. Nonetheless, he convinced his leaders, including manager Jonathan Vaughters, who extended his contract until 2018. 

"I feel I have found a good place in this team,” noted the former Europcar rider. “They trust me. It's a great adventure that took shape and goes well. " 

Rolland has started his intensive preparation and hopes to return to competition in early February.