In his four participations in Paris-Nice, Jean-Christophe Péraud has ranked in the Top 10 three times and notably reached the podium in the 2013 edition, which also concluded with a time trial on the Col d’Eze.
The 2014 Tour de France runner-up feels he’s not in top shape this year, but doesn’t rule out a strong performance at the end of the week…
Nice Premium: Usually, Paris-Nice suits you well, but you seem a bit less confident than in previous years. How are you approaching the Race to the Sun?
Jean-Christophe Péraud: I’m going in with nothing to lose. I may not be in the condition to play leading roles, but I feel like I’m slowly catching up.
So, I tell myself that, in any case, it will be good preparation for the other races coming up soon. Last weekend, I realized I felt better than at the Ruta del Sol, for example. This means that I’m gradually improving.
Nice Premium: Does being the Tour de France runner-up change your approach, knowing that you’ll certainly be even more closely watched?
JCP: In any case, it won’t change my racing style or my current form. I’ll just play it as a follower, and see what I’m capable of. I hope that as the race days go by, my level will improve, and by the end of the week, I can do something interesting.
Nice Premium: The last stage is precisely the one that suits you best…
JCP: Indeed, the climb to the Col d’Eze is a time trial I particularly enjoy. It has everything I love since it’s a solitary effort and, on top of that, on an incline. I’ve always had good results there because it fully suits my style. I’m also starting to really know this climb well: we didn’t need to do a reconnaissance, we will ride it once in the morning and that should be enough.
« Richie Porte has made a strong impression on me »
Nice Premium: Before that, a meeting is set at the Col de la Croix de Chaubouret, after a climb you have reconnoitered…
JCP: It will certainly be the queen stage along with the Col d’Eze. That’s where you’ll need to be present and keep pace with the best. The climb is rather steady, which makes me think it isn’t conducive to big differences. In my opinion, it’s not easy to make a sharp attack that drops everyone, so there will probably be a group of strong riders breaking away, but not much difference between them.
Nice Premium: The lineup this year at Paris-Nice is marked by a strong density of contenders. Who do you see as a potential winner?
JCP: So far, one of those who has made a strong impression on me is Richie Porte. He’s in top form very early this season, and he’s a very serious contender for the Col d’Eze time trial. In my opinion, Team Sky is well-equipped to control the race, especially with Geraint Thomas, who also performed well at Paris-Nice last year.
Nice Premium: Overall, what would a successful Paris-Nice look like for you?
JCP: If I finish between 8th and 10th, I could consider my Paris-Nice successful, especially if I end the week on a high note with a Top 5 finish in the Col d’Eze time trial. It would be a good way to start the season.
