Thomas Voeckler, who won his first overall victory since the 2013 Tour du Poitou Charentes at the Tour Cycliste La Provence, has told the Direct Energie website that he is not ready for retirement. He wants to give his best for his teammate Bryan Coquard, one of the best French sprinters.

"I think about my retirement, of course. But I have no answer", he told. "Besides, if I had, I do not know if I would say it. I really enjoyed my first races this season, even in suffering which is a little paradox of sports. When we workefor a partner, physical exertion, even painful, sometimes is enjoyable. When I do not consider myself at 100% of my ability and can work for someone else in the team, I give a hand."

"This season we bet on our sprinter "Le Coq" (Bryan Coquard), but that does not prevent me from having my own goals."

He added that he wants to win a third national championships title. "If there is only one race that I would like to win, it's the French national road race championships. I was lucky to win the 'bleu-blanc-rouge' jersey and I won several stages at the Tour. But if you ask me today what I prefer : definitely the title of French Champion. It may seem surprising when you look at the media impact, but if I had to choose it would be that. My second titlein Chantonnay in the Vendee is for me the greatest moment of my career."

Voeckler thinks that to improve the reputation of his sport, cycling must refresh its image. "Cycling has to be more attractive. We have to maybe bring some modernity. We must not neglect the faithful public, but we must also attract a younger audience. Cycling must be a bit more fashionable! Le Coq (Bryan Coquard) can attract new audiences. We should think about putting more animations on racing into place to enhance tradition without denigrating."