Thibaut Pinot could target Tour, Olympics and Worlds triple in 2020
The Frenchman's team are confident he can reproduce the strong form he showed at the 2019 Tour
After the upsetting scenes when France's great hope for their first Tour de France win since 1985 climbed into the back of his team car just as he was about to launch his assault on the overall classification, Thibaut Pinot is making up for lost time.
The stars have aligned next year for riders inclined to going up hills, as alongside a gradient-laden Tour mountainous courses have been chosen for both the Olympic road race and the UCI Road World Championships in Switzerland.
Pinot could try and win all three.
At least according to Groupama-FDJ sports director Philippe Mauduit, who says the French rider and his trade team are already discussing how he could prepare himself for all three.
>>> Watch: This Velon recap shows some of the amazing bike-handling skills pro riders have
"We have already mentioned it, but we are talking about things that will happen in eight, nine months. Obviously we must think about it, but we will talk a little more during the off-season," Mauduit told Cyclism'Actu.
"Anyway, these are not the races of the Groupama-FDJ team but they are the races of the team of France, we do not make the selection. After that it is obvious that we will not put a spoke in the wheels of our runners, the Olympic Games and the Worlds, it is important in a career.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"Wearing the jersey of the French team and to have a chance to win a medal, it's huge, so of course that our team will support him to put the odds on his side. But again, we are not the ones making the selection."
You would imagine if Pinot indeed intends to take on both the Olympic and Worlds road races, French national team selectors won't stand in the way of the 2018 Il Lombardia winner.
While Pinot ended his 2019 season early after the disappointment of the Tour, the 29-year-old took some time off before resuming training to make sure he was ready to go one step better in 2020.
And has he re-found the form that saw him win a summit finish up the Tourmalet this year?
"Yes that's obvious," Mauduit said. "There is really no doubt because Thibaut has that strength. He has the character of the greatest, the character of champions that allows him to rebound after each difficult moment."
This attitude is what sets Pinot apart, his coach says, and there is no doubt that Groupama-FDJ are confident their rider will be able to achieve in 2020, no matter how many major goals he sets himself.
"This is what makes the difference between riders who are able to win races of very, very high level and others," Mauduit said. "It is this strength of character that pushes them to always question themselves and to always go further. To achieve their goals."
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Hi. I'm Cycling Weekly's Weekend Editor. I like writing offbeat features and eating too much bread when working out on the road at bike races.
Before joining Cycling Weekly I worked at The Tab and I've also written for Vice, Time Out, and worked freelance for The Telegraph (I know, but I needed the money at the time so let me live).
I also worked for ITV Cycling between 2011-2018 on their Tour de France and Vuelta a España coverage. Sometimes I'd be helping the producers make the programme and other times I'd be getting the lunches. Just in case you were wondering - Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen had the same ham sandwich every day, it was great.
-
‘I am in love with Unbound Gravel’ - new documentary celebrates three unsung and behind-the-scenes heroes of race
Shimano's new documentary 'Unsung' shares the stories of three "behind-the-scenes" people who make Unbound Gravel happen each year: a sports photographer, a bike mechanic, and an event organizer.
By Kristin Jenny Published
-
'One of the boys thinks I’ll be walking about in armour': Mark Cavendish knighted in ceremony at Windsor Castle
Manxman says he was “nervous” after being made a Knight Commander by Prince William
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Farewell Thibaut Pinot: Once more with feeling
The Groupama-FDJ rider will be missed, not just for his performances on the bike, but for his emotion
By Adam Becket Published
-
'It feels like a page of my story is ending today': With one last doomed Tour de France ride, Thibaut Pinot exits
The Frenchman tried, he really tried, but it wasn't quite enough on stage 20
By Adam Becket Published
-
‘I'm angry and disheartened’ - Arnaud Démare left out of Tour de France by Groupama-FDJ
David Gaudu and Thibaut Pinot will head up French team at home Grand Tour, Démare to leave FDJ at end of season
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
An ode to Thibaut Pinot, the man who taught us to feel
The 32-year-old will retire at the end of this season, calling time on a career of highs and lows
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Thibaut Pinot wins Tour de Suisse stage seven as Sergio Higuita takes the overall lead
The Frenchman secured his second win of the year
By Pete Trifunovic Last updated
-
'An unforgettable day' — Thibaut Pinot back winning after 1,007 days
The Frenchman won stage five of the Tour of the Alps to end his drought
By Adam Becket Published
-
'I could have turned that s***ty page' — Thibaut Pinot emotional after missing out on first win in three years
Frenchman beaten by Miguel Àngel Lòpez at Tour of the Alps after being caught in final kilometre
By Adam Becket Last updated
-
Thibaut Pinot expected to contest Tour de France 2022 despite lingering back pain
Injury has blighted the Frenchman for the past 12 months, yet he hopes to return to his best next season
By Jonny Long Published