Sylvain Chavanel returns
06/2010
Sylvain Chavanel is making his return to competition at the Tour de Suisse after a forced recovery period when he injured himself at the Liege-Bastogne-Liege at the end of April. “I was quite anxious before yesterday’s prologue" – Chavanel explains – "I think it is quite normal to be a bit nervous after almost 2 months of not racing. A great sensation though – something that I had missed over the past 2 months”.
How much have you been training recently?
I feel I have prepared myself well, even though I would have liked to have done more. In accordance with the team we`ve put together a training programme that will allow me to improve gradually and to maintain the peak in my condition. I’ve tried to keep a good rhythm and muscle tone. Last weekend I even trained in the Pyrenees covering the route of two of the Tour stages. I scaled important mountain climbs such as the Aspin, Tourmalet and the Marie Blanc which has been great ground work.
The Tour de Suisse will be a test for you?
Yes, it certainly will be. I’ll be able to see exactly what sort of condition I am in... I don’t have any particular ambitions. I just want to gradually improve and get as many mountain climbs under my belt as possible.
It is not long before the Tour de France..
Everything I’m doing at the moment and everything I’ve done since my injury has been in function of the Tour de France. It would be silly of me to say I don’t want to take part in this race. In order for me to take part in the Tour de France I need things to go well at the Tour de Suisse first. I’m optimistic.
We are optimistic too, good luck Sylvain!