Cycling: At just 26 years old, Pierre Latour has been an integral part of the peloton for a number of seasons. In an interview with Velomotion, the likeable Frenchman talks about his favorite race and reveals how he is dealing with the corona lockdown in France.
Name: | Pierre Latour |
Nation | France |
Date of Birth: | 12 October 1993 |
Place of birth: | Romans-sur-Isère |
Team: | AG2R La Mondiale |
Greatest successes: | 1x stage win at the Vuelta a Espana 2016 2x French Time Trial Champion 2017 & 2018 1x winner of the junior classification of the Tour de France 2018 |
Pierre Latour dreams of success in France & Italy
Tormented with a strong shaking upper body Pierre Latour the last meters up. He soon climbed the Alto de Aitana. It's September 10, 2016. It's his breakthrough. The Frenchman wins the 20th stage of the Vuelta a Espana, a mountain finish after almost 200 kilometers. Before that, and since then, he has won the junior jerseys at several smaller tours, but winning a stage at a Grand Tour is something very special. Even though he hasn't been able to do this in the Tour de France so far, he has also been able to celebrate great successes in his home country. The biggest of these was certainly winning the white jersey at the 2018 Tour de France, which he finished 13th overall – as a noble helper to Romain Bardet. But dreams his biggest dream Pierre Latour in Italy. Since the Tour of Lombardy is his favorite race, he wants that one day "Race of the Falling Leaves" win.
How do you motivate yourself to train during the Corona break?
Pierre Latour: “I'm not a big fan of the roller trainer. But of course it offers a good opportunity to train at home and ride with teammates. I also love to run and during the lockdown it was fortunately possible to exercise for an hour in a kilometer of a kilometer around the house. France has decided to end the lockdown on May 11th. I don't know exactly when I'll be able to race again. At least we have some time to train outside now.”
How do you relax after a tough training session or after intense races?
“I have a house and you always have something to do there. I also have chickens and I like to do handicrafts. After a tough race, good movies on Netflix and a relaxing massage make life beautiful.”
Can you recommend a good series or movie for our readers?
“I prefer good series. I love Lucifer!”
What does your favorite food look like and what are you particularly happy about in the food bag?
“The typical regional dish from my hometown “Ravioles de Romans” is delicious. But beware: ravioles are not the same as ravioli. During the race, I'm always happy when I find a Coke in my refreshment bag."
Who do you think is the greatest professional cyclist of all time? Did you have a role model when you were young?
“I'm not a big fan but when Alexandre Vinokourov was professional he drove very aggressively and I liked that. Alejandro Valverde is also a great driver. And Jacques Anquetil was great too.”
Why is cycling the hottest sport in the world?
"Quite simply: Because it means freedom!"
Do you like to watch bike races yourself? Do you remember the first race you saw?
“During the lockdown, the old races were repeated on French television. I don't watch TV that much but it was fun to see our sporting director on the bike. And I love watching races with Charly Mottet. He's from my hometown and he's the king!”
What do you think was the best race of all time?
“Haha… the 20th stage of the Vuelta a Espana 2016 of course! No, seriously: For me, the Lombardy Tour is the most beautiful race in the world - no matter what year it is."
What's your next big goal?
"I want to keep having fun on my bike, win a few races and ride fast."
What tips can you pass on to young up-and-coming drivers?
"Just have fun, don't get stressed. At the end of the day it's just cycling. Enjoy every moment."
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