Paris-Nice: Victor Koretzky takes stock of his professional road cycling debut
Time to take stock. The Héraultais Victor Koretzky, who joined the B&B Hotels professional team this year to take up the challenge of road cycling after having shone in mountain biking, will make his debut in Paris-Nice. A mythical route. He recounts his first months.
Victor, how are you?
I feel better and better, especially after contracting Covid less than a month ago. It put me in a pretty good shape physically, I had a lot of symptoms. It slowed my progress and prevented me from putting all the chances on my side. I resumed fairly quickly despite everything on the Tour of the Alpes-Maritimes and the Var. I was not in my best condition. Afterwards, I need time to adapt to the road in general. The distance, the duration… It takes time.
What conclusions do you draw from your last lessons?
On the Classic de l’Ardèche (32nd, 3’53” behind winner Brandon McNulty) last week, I didn’t feel too bad. I didn’t miss much to be with the strong men in front. On the Drôme Ardèche the next day (63rd at 6’08” from the winner Jonas Vingaard), I was a little chewed up from the day before. I’m not recovering yet like the others who have been doing this for years. But I feel like it’s getting better and better and I’m doing things that were still unthinkable a few months ago.
Did you expect to do a little better so far? Does it weigh on you?
No, I have no pressure. I allow myself time to progress. I no longer have split legs after a first race like at the start. The management of competition is totally different from mountain biking. There, it is necessary to save to max. It’s not the same effort.
Are you a little disappointed with your debut or the Covid didn’t help?
Frankly, the Covid explains a lot of things. I also had a rib problem in early January. In fact, there are plenty of little things that have weakened me, that have slowed down my progress. There, Paris-Nice will allow me to learn how to cash in the races afterwards. I can’t wait to find out what’s next.
What is your objective on Paris-Nice precisely?
No rider vice general in the team. It’s going to be a lot from day to day, depending on the desires and feelings of the runners. We will try to be efficient on the second part.
And personally? Can we see you up front on some steps?
It will depend on the sensations, the chances of success too. If there is the opportunity, why not. We have specialist Alexis Gougeard to guide us (laughs), so we’ll see.