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UCI 14/03/2008 Before the first Marathon World Cup this week-end in Manavgat (Turkey), the French rider, number one in UCI ranking, talks about his ambitions.

You have just started you season with an 11th place in the Italy Cup, in Brescia. Was it a surprise?

Quite honestly, I wasn’t expecting it. It’s given me confidence. We had just completed a heavy week’s training with the Bianchi team, in Terracina (close to Milan), and I didn’t receive a favourable race bib. I’m happy, event if 11th place in the Italy Cup is nothing to get over-excited about. You have to keep things in perspective.

When Leonardo Paez signed with Bianchi, we heard that the Colombian rider would be focusing on marathon racing this year. What’s the true story?

Leonardo is with me in Turkey. He will ride in marathon this season and, also in cross-country with the Olympics his main objective. It’s true that in the past, nobody in the team had the same objectives as me. I am fairly solitary in my preparation so all this is new for me. But I saw the positive side when we went over the course. Several of us were able to ride together, which hardly ever happened before.

The World Cup starts this weekend in Turkey. How are you going into this event?

It’s a bit stressful. This year, the marathon World Cup consists of only two races, so no mistakes are allowed. Winning a world cup leaves its mark. It’s pretty good on a CV! Last year, even though I was very proud to win the Cristalp raid, Verbier-Grimentz, my World Cup victory probably left more of a mark. My bronze medal at the World Championships in Belgium, with all my friends and my wife watching, will also remain a unique experience.

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