Tour of Oman: Romain Bardet sees ‘real opportunities to race’

Sports Saturday 11/February/2017 17:41 PM
By: Times News Service
Tour of Oman: Romain Bardet sees ‘real opportunities to race’

After two runner-up spots in the last two editions to Chris Froome and Vincenzo Nibali respectively, Romain Bardet will be competing in the 2017 Tour of Oman cycling race, schedule for February 14 to 19, with the status as the rider to beat.
Before focusing on the stiff competition from Fabio Aru, Bob Jungels and Rui Costa, the leader of AG2R La Mondiale will firstly pay close attention to how he is feeling at the conclusion of the training carried out this winter. Then, he will aim for the overall victory!
Question: Romain Bardet, the Tour of Oman will be for the first time your return to competition ... how did you plan your winter preparation?
Answer: There were no major chances compared to previous years, because we don’t change our work method. We just fine-tuned some of the training sessions, for example on the positions, but they were only adjustments. I have progressed over the past six years, and we know how to work during the winter to arrive at a strong level for the return to competition. I have reliable training benchmarks, and I’m glad I worked hard this winter.
Q: Do the conditions seem ideal for you to start your season in Oman?
A: I took a close look at the stages and I saw that there will be difficulties just about every day. A six-day race is the right format to put in the mileage, especially since the weather will be mild, while the winter is quite severe this year in Europe. I have the feeling there will be real opportunities to put in strong race, which for me is motivating.
“It will be a very important moment ...
I should be competitive, even for the win”
Q: You have always shown well on this event ... have you made this race a goal this year?
A: More than anything it is a return to competition that I am taking on with some unknown factors. Firstly, I will go there to find my marks and verify that all the work put in will pay off. It will be a very important moment: if I do well in dealing with the pressure I should be competitive, even for the win.
Q: The make-up of the team makes us believe that you will work as a team during this week...
A: Some riders have already returned to competition, where for me it is a real start to the season. The team is divided between those who are preparing for the classics and those that will ride with me on the stage races. It will be, for example, the first time that I will be riding with Mathias Frank. I have already gotten to know him in spending two weeks with him in training. He has the calm of an Olympian, who knows this race very well and knows how to use his experience. We can rely on one another. I think he will be a big asset for the team this season.
Q: Your progress has been consistent since your arrival on the professional scene... do you feel even stronger in 2017?
A: Sure. I feel both stronger and more mature, after a 2016 season that was decisive concerning my confidence. I can’t wait for this season to start but at the same time I know how things go. And I know very well that you cannot waste your energy in February.