The events in the world peloton have been honestly mapped for years. In French cycling teams, the double. Jean-Luc Gatellier from the prestigious sports daily L’Équipe believes that Peter Sagan can now be a darling of the French crowd. “Do you still remember American Greg LeMond? He also rode for our teams. They loved him here,” says an experienced journalist.
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What do you think about Sagan’s transfer to TotalEnergies?
When I received a message a few months ago that there was such a possibility, I was very surprised. TotalEnergies has been losing ground in recent seasons. It seems like it will be about something else now. Sagan’s arrival should clearly change that.
Would you have thought of such a connection half a year ago?
As far as I know, the first meeting between Sagan and the head of the stable, Jean-René Bernaudeau, did not take place until June. Imagine you are climbing Mont Ventoux, they were somewhere just at the foot of the mountain. However, Bernaudeau is an ambitious man who always pursues his dream. The guy just has style. They had many obstacles in the debate, one by one they finally removed.
What’s behind it?
Direct Energie is a supplier of gas and electricity, and Bernaudeau’s cycling team has been sponsoring for a long time. It was later acquired by the oil group Total. The stable did not have a high budget in the past, it was one of the more modest groupings, but the arrival of Total opens up new possibilities. Of course, also financial.
So much so that he can afford until recently the most expensive racer in the world?
Of course, she has it too (smile). I can imagine that when Bernaudeau came to them with the opportunity to hire Sagan, he let go of the rope on their bag at that moment. After all, it is no secret that for several years the team tried to persuade Julian Alaphilipp to return to France from Quick-Step in Belgium.
Read more Did the French forget to count? Sagana was robbed of four green jerseys
By the way, how did the French react to the announced transfer?
He surprised cycling fans on the one hand and pleased on the other. Sagan, despite winning less in the past two seasons, is still considered a big star. This is the case everywhere in the world.
Do the French only support French riders or also French teams with foreigners?
They are fans in both cases. Do you still remember American Greg LeMond? In the best years, he raced for the French groups Renault, La Vie Claire, Z-Tomasso. The French loved him at the time. Believe me, it will be similar with Sagan.
However, TotalEnergies is still only a second league procontinental team. Will we see Sagan at all the important events?
No debate. He is a three-time world champion, no organizer will have the opportunity to welcome him to his own race. Wherever Peter wants to go, he will go. Mathieu van der Poel was in the same position.
Will a green jersey from the Tour de France be an absolute priority for TotalEnergies?
I can’t tell you that, it’s more important whether Peter is still interested in him.
According to unofficial information, Sagan earned five million euros a year in Bor. Do you know how it will be in TotalEnergies?
Bernaudeau has already confirmed that he will go down with his salary. About a third. It has been speculated that the bicycle manufacturer Specialized, with which Sagan has a long-term contract, should also contribute to it. However, the truth is that only TotalEnergies will pay for it and Specialized will contribute to the team budget.
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Years ago, he rode under the leadership of Russian multibillionaire Oleg Tińkov, who regularly and openly reminded him of his high salary. Is it common practice in the world peloton?
Challenging question. Everyone knows who Oleg is. Also the fact that it has a special nature. I won’t survive if I say it’s an autocrat. Of course, there is a lot of pressure in many other teams, but TotalEnergies is a little different. Bernaudeau tries to maintain a family character in it. What do you think Peter will be happy with (laughs)?
Will he get more team support than in Bor?
For French riders who are currently in TotalEnergies, the honor will be to ride for him. But are they such good athletes as Sagan had at hand in Bor? I’m not convinced of that anymore.
Many experts suggest that its performance curve is already in decline. Will we see another big victory?
Sagan has not yet retired. He has what it takes to do something big in the future. For example, the fourth title of world champion. However, his triumphs are likely to be more sporadic than ever. After all, it’s been going on for two seasons. Bernaudeau used to say that a cyclist would start to fall after thirty-five. Let us not forget, however, that Sagan has been in full permanence since the age of 20. In his situation, I can hardly imagine that he will be on top for another four years.
Does he still have legs to torment Van Aert with Van der Poel?
If he gets 100 percent, I guess so. His injuries do not allow him to make the most of himself. Will Van Aert and Van der Poel still be 100 percent? Who knows. I seriously doubt it.
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