Ben O'Connor
"Another adventure lies ahead
"Preparation has been ideal! All the races leading up to the Giro went well. Fifth place at Tirreno-Adriatico shows that I was there to fight with the best. We've got a pretty complete team, and the way the boys have been racing recently shows they're fit and ready. Valentin (Paret-Peintre) has turned a corner and shown that he can climb very well with the best riders while retaining a good point of speed for fast finishes. It's great to see this dynamic and our team working efficiently to achieve the best possible overall result. We'll also be able to count on Larry, who will be there as road captain; we've spent about a month together since April, we're very close and it's a privilege to share this with a friend. Another adventure lies ahead in May, and I'm looking forward to experiencing it with this team."
Stéphane Goubert
"The team is strong collectively
"We're focused on the overall classification with Ben (O'Connor). Aurélien (Paret-Peintre), with his qualities and current form, will be there to support Ben. The team has a group of climbers with Alex (Baudin) and Valentin (Paret-Peintre), who should be there to accompany our leader Ben in the high mountains, as they were at the start of the season. We can also count on Andrea (Vendrame), whose knowledge of the course is an asset, as are his sprinting skills. Larry (Warbasse) has a role as road captain, with a solid profile, as does Damien (Touzé) to support Ben in the less difficult stages. Bastien is coming back well after being ill, and he'll be stepping up his game over the three weeks. He's a versatile lad who can prove very strong on hilly terrain. Since the start of the season, the team has been strong collectively, the boys working for each other and it's in this frame of mind that we're approaching the Giro."
The news
first Grand Tour for Bastien Tronchon
After an encouraging start to the season, Bastien Tronchon will be taking part in his first Grand Tour. He will be joined at the start in Turin by Damien Touzé, who will not be taking part in his first Grand Tour, but in his first Giro d'Italia.
3
The number
The number of riders riders who have already won on the roads of the Giro. Ben O'Connor won in 2020, Andrea Vendrame in 2021 and Aurélien Paret-Peintre in 2023. For sports director Stéphane Goubert, stage victory: "Will be one of the objectives in addition to the general classification."
