Get ready for an exciting edition of the Tour de France, as we delve into the world of professional cycling and the ambitious plans of Michael Storer, a rider with a unique perspective on the sport's biggest race.
The Tour de France: A Rider's Dream
Michael Storer, a seasoned pro with a growing reputation, is gearing up for his third Tour de France, and his excitement is palpable. He describes it as a 'sucker for punishment' but with a dream-like quality, highlighting the allure of this iconic race.
Managing the Gap: Storer's Strategy
One of the key challenges Storer faces is the tight turnaround between the Giro d'Italia and the Tour. He acknowledges the difficulty of balancing rest and recovery with maintaining peak form. It's a delicate dance, and Storer believes his experience from last year's program will give him an edge this time around.
Stage Wins: The Primary Focus
When asked about his goals, Storer is clear: he's aiming for stage wins, not the general classification (GC). He explains that attempting both the Giro and Tour GC back-to-back is too demanding and would detract from the team's other objectives. Instead, he'll focus on individual stages, a strategy that allows him to shine without the burden of carrying the entire team's GC hopes.
The Polka Dot Jersey: A Challenging Pursuit
Storer also shares his thoughts on the iconic polka dot jersey, symbolizing the best climber in the race. He acknowledges the difficulty of winning it, especially given the unpredictable nature of the race and the need to consistently accumulate points. He suggests that pursuing the polka dot jersey might require a singular focus, potentially sacrificing stage results.
Targeting Mountainous Stages
When it comes to specific stages, Storer favors the hilly and mountainous ones, where his strengths lie. He's realistic about his chances on the flat stages, acknowledging that he doesn't possess the same 'big motor' as some of his peers. This strategic approach allows him to maximize his opportunities.
The Gap Between Storer and the GC Contenders
Storer provides insight into the gap between himself and the top GC contenders, particularly Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard. He describes it as a constant factor, a gap that doesn't seem to close, despite his own improvements. However, he notes that he's not far off the pace when compared to other GC riders in the Giro, suggesting that small adjustments could propel him into the top ten.
The Preparation Puzzle
The question of how to prepare for the Tour after a demanding Giro is a complex one. Storer acknowledges that some riders, like Vingegaard, manage to do it successfully. He attributes this to individual differences in physiology and preparation strategies, emphasizing the need for a personalized approach.
The Talent Gap: Pogacar and Vingegaard
When asked about what sets Pogacar and Vingegaard apart, Storer attributes it to their exceptional talent. He describes them as 'more gifted of the gifted athletes', suggesting that their success is a result of a combination of natural ability and strategic racing.
Tudor's Team: A Balanced Approach
Storer is confident in his team's ability to be competitive across all stages. He believes they have a well-balanced group, capable of being active and going for results in the spring, hilly, and mountain stages. This versatility is a strength, and Storer is excited about the team's prospects.
The Rising Stars: Seixas and Evenepoel
Looking beyond the established stars, Storer highlights Paul Seixas and Remco Evenepoel as riders to watch. He believes Seixas could be a surprise package, potentially winning the Tour or not finishing at all. Evenepoel, known for his strength and low-key demeanor, is also a wildcard, according to Storer.
Conclusion: A Strategic Approach
Michael Storer's approach to the Tour de France is a thoughtful and strategic one. He understands his strengths and weaknesses, and his experience allows him to make informed decisions about his racing strategy. While he may not be aiming for the GC, his focus on stage wins and his team's balanced approach make him a rider to watch in this year's Tour. As he puts it, 'it's a little bit different to other races', and his unique perspective could pay dividends.
