Vuelta a España came 'too early' for Thibaut Pinot, who 'feels liberated' to be returning to racing
The Frenchman says it's been a long time since he's been so impatient to race

The 2021 Vuelta a España came too early for Thibaut Pinot, as he returns to racing following an injury lay-off since April, but says he's never been so impatient to return to the road.
The Frenchman has a busy couple of months as he makes up for lost time this season, getting going again on August 17 at the Tour du Limousin, a series of French races following that before building up in Italy to Il Lombardia.
“Everything is in order to have a good race. However, I remain cautious, the Limousin is a good test to get some answers," Thibaut Pinot said. "It was a risk to go to the Vuelta a España, it's too early for that. It makes sense for me to start again in a good stage race in France. It is a course that can help me on my way.”
“Exactly what I need," is Pinot's estimation of the Tour du Limousin, undulating stages providing him with the chance to test himself. "I've looked at the course and know it's going to be tough. We have a great squad, possibly one of the best squads in this edition. Everything I need is there: there is a lot of height difference, it goes up and down all the time. The second leg seems to be the most difficult and the weather will also play an important role. I am very motivated, it has been a long time since I was so impatient to race.”
After a long time off and not feeling himself, his desire to persist through the 2020 Tour de France with injury prolonged his problems, and has only resumed heavy training loads since the start of July.
“The fact that it is in France will do me good. Since July 1 I have been training seriously again. The injury period was long, and being patient is not one of my best qualities. I want to start again and make it a good end to the season. I didn't think I'd be back so soon so this is a bonus for me. I feel like I have rediscovered the joy of cycling. I feel liberated."
Thank you for reading 5 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.
-
-
David Millar: Why Mark Cavendish deserves to be at the Tour de France
Cav has bridged generations in a way no one else could, he shows what's possible
By David Millar • Published
-
Young and talented: Meet the seven Americans racing Le Tour
Young and talented: Meet the seven American bike racers ringing Le Tour de France in 2022.
By Marshall Opel • 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 • Published
-
'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 • Published
-
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
-
Thibaut Pinot says he set his fastest ever Strava time on Ballon d'Alsace as he trained for comeback
The former Tour de France podium sitter has had a break from racing with injury
By Tim Bonville-Ginn • Published
-
Thibaut Pinot 'just wants to race' as he continues recovery at series of French races
The Frenchman won't ride the upcoming Vuelta a España, the first time in 10 years he hasn't ridden a Grand Tour in a season
By Jonny Long • Published
-
Marc Madiot admits he should've taken Thibaut Pinot out of racing earlier in 2020
Pinot has been suffering from back problems which were made worse at last year's Tour de France
By Tim Bonville-Ginn • Published
-
Thibaut Pinot opts out of Giro d'Italia as he would just 'unnecessarily suffer'
The Frenchman's back problems persisted at the Tour of the Alps and no date for his return to racing has been set
By Jonny Long • Published