“My preparation has been upset by the virus, but I am moving forward”

Peter Sagan wrote modern cycling history. Star rookie of the Vendée team TotalEnergies in the off-season, the triple world champion is starting a new cycle in his career, the fourth after Liquigas-Cannondale (2010-2014), Tinkoff-Saxo (2015-2016) and Bora- Hansgrohe (2017-2021).

Now runner of a French formation in the antechamber of the World Tour circuit, the Slovak must get used to his new teammates while bringing in his luggage all his sponsors and equipment manufacturers. Before starting the Flandrian classics season, Sagan returned, for franceinfo: sport, to his adaptation.

Franceinfo: sport: When you arrived at TotalEnergies in January, you admitted with a smile to the newspaper The Team have trouble knowing the names of your teammates. Has it been fixed since?

Peter Sagan: Those that I have already seen, yes! For the others, I still have to work and meet them (laughs). You know, it’s hard to know the names of thirty people if you don’t meet them.

How do you feel in this new environment? Do you think that your choice to join the Vendée training is still the right one?

Yes, I am very happy, there is a very nice atmosphere. There are some great people on the team. Everything is very organized and well prepared for the races. I can’t complain, everything is good here.

What are the differences between your new team and your old one, Bora Hansgrohe?

I must learn french (laughs). No, there are a lot of guys who speak English so there is no problem to communicate. There is a nice group atmosphere. In the end, there are not many differences because my equipment manufacturers followed me in this new adventure and very important things, like the material, do not change.

Last week, you competed in your first race with TotalEnergies (in the Tour des Alpes-Maritimes et du Var). How did it go for you?

For a first, it was quite hard for me because there were a lot of climbs, it was very hilly. I knew these roads because I live nearby, in Monaco, but it was flat out all the way. I’m still happy to have finished this race for the first time in my career.

You contracted Covid-19 in early January. Did this interfere with your preparation?

Yes, I was sick for several days and felt tired when riding the bike for 10 or 12 days. Afterwards, as the Tour of San Juan, in Argentina, was canceled, my program was modified anyway. I was also supposed to do an internship at altitude but with the virus I couldn’t get there. However, I was able to go to Gran Canaria where I did a good job preparing for the races but I am moving forward now.

Do you think you are already ready to win on Saturday at the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad?

I always say: “Do things well and you will see tomorrow”. It should be a really tough race. The first races in Belgium are really special. It’s really a different style from other races.

What will be your role in this race: leader or possibly co-leader with Anthony Turgis?

We’ll see… We have to prepare the tactics and we’ll know what the sporting directors decide.

You brought in your luggage the equipment manufacturer Specialized. Have your teammates told you about this new feature?

Yes, many have told me the bikes are amazing. I find that pretty cool. If everyone is happy, I’m happy.

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