Before the first stage of the 104th Tour de France, at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Center. Chris Froome was ambitious and realistic, as well as the German sprinters Marcel Kittel and André Greipel, interviewed by young students of the schools of the city. Nicolas Edet is on his way, as a luxury replacement for Cofidis for the second consecutive year …
CHRIS FROOME: “I HAVE NOT LOST MY VICTORY APPETITE”
Upon his arrival in Düsseldorf, the triple winner of the Grande Boucle immediately went to the press conference where he was able to take stock with journalists from all over the world about his objectives and current level: Form, I feel exactly where I wanted to be. On the Dauphiné, I was in the rhythm of race that I expected. I have fewer race days than the other years, so I’m cooler than usual at the start: I’m ready for these three weeks. I have lost none of my appetite for victory. But the challenge is even higher, given the level of my opponents. If Richie is as strong as on the Dauphiné, he will be the man to beat. I have not won anything this year, but I can draw my confidence in my three victories on the Tour.
CHILDREN’S QUESTIONS, CHAMPIONS WORDS
Thirty children from the city hosted the first press conference of Marcel Kittel, André Greipel, Nikias Arndt and Simon Geschke. Arndt was particularly “touched to start my first Tour less than 50 kilometers from home, this is the best reason to set aside the small rivalries between Cologne and Düsseldorf! ” The sprinters are honored for the return of the Tour in Germany. Kittel and Greipel, who may be battling from Liège to Paris, told the children. The Gorilla has in particular delivered some unexpected secrets of diet, with “a breakfast made of Haribo candy with tea”. For the anniversary of his 35 years, which he will celebrate during the Tour, the winner of 11 stages simply provides “a sauerkraut, sausages and a beer”.
12 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS … ARU IN POLE
Among the national champions on the road last weekend, Italian Fabio Aru is the only one who takes the rank of favorite for the overall classification. He will wear (as Nibali in 2014) an Astana jersey in colors green-white-red. He could imitate his elder from the first big explanation to the Planche des Belles Filles, which was already on the program three years ago. The list of national champions expected at the start: Sergio Henao (Colombia / Sky), Oliver Naesen (Belgium / AG2R-La Mondiale), Jesus Herrada (Spain / Movistar), Arnaud Démare ), Ignatas Konovalovas (Lithuania / FDJ), Marcus Burghardt (Germany / Bora-Hansgrohe), Stephen Cummings (Great Britain / Dimension Data), Reinardt Janse van Rensburg (South Africa / Dimension Data), Zdenek Stybar Quick-Step Floors), Juraj Sagan (Slovakia / Bora-Hansgrohe), Ramon Sinkeldam (Netherlands / Sunweb).
NICOLAS EDET: “I MUST BE THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS ARRIVED TWICE”
The Cofidis rider was named after Geoffrey Soup, the usual pilot of Nacer Bouhanni for the sprints, too sick and weakened to consider starting. Nicolas Edet is looking forward to taking part in his 5th Tour de France: “I had to go to the Tour of Austria, but last night the team told me that I had a good chance To replace Geoffrey Soup. Last year, I was in the same situation: I replaced Nacer Bouhanni at the last moment. I must be the only cyclist to whom it happens twice. And in both cases, this is not a replacement for post because I am neither sprinter nor launcher. “
