Arnaud Démare to resume in Hauts de France
Arnaud Démare makes his competitive comeback at the 4 Jours de Dunkerque (May 14-19). Interview.
Arnaud, you’re back in training after your break. How are you feeling?
“I feel great. I was off for two weeks. I rested because I needed to. I took advantage of this break in training and competition to have some tests carried out. They indicated general fatigue. So the decision to cut was the right one. This decision, taken with the sports management of the ARKEA-B&B HOTELS team, should enable me to bounce back in the second half of the season.
How do you feel in training?
“Like every time you get back on the bike after a break, you go back to the basics. You start with the basics and then add specific sessions. It’s a bit like building a house. You lay the foundations and then build around them. So my sensations are those of a runner returning to training and improving day by day”.
Why did you choose the 4 Jours de Dunkerque for your comeback? And what are your plans for these days of racing?
“The 4 Jours de Dunkerque reminds me of some pleasant moments in my career, so it’s an important race for me. This year, it’s going to be a recovery race. I’m going to take it one day at a time, like a daily classic in fact. It’s going to be good to be back with the ARKEA-B&B HOTELS team, my team-mates, the staff, and to have a number on my jersey again. As for my ambitions and objectives in the short, medium and long term, they remain high.
Photos: Lucas Pavy & Aubin Lipke / ARKEA-B&B HOTELS
