Thibault Pinot (Groupama-FDJ) suggested that the threat of the Covid-19 coronavirus has been exaggerated, arguing that there is a disconnect between media reports and reality.
Pinot was interviewed by the media on Saturday, the eve of the Paris-Nice race, via video link as part of a series of measures to prevent the spread of the virus during the French race.
In Italy, several races have been postponed due to the new coronavirus, including the Strade Bianche, Tirreno Adriatico, and Milan-San Remo. France, with far fewer infected than Italy, will host Paris-Nice, which starts on Sunday, but several WorldTour teams have voluntarily withdrawn.
"I had no hesitation in coming here," Pinot, a UAE Tour teammate who remains quarantined in an Abu Dhabi hotel, said Saturday.
"I feel a little disconnected regarding what is happening on TV. It's true that there is a lot of noise on TV, but I don't feel panicked."
"There's a bit of a disproportion between what's happening on TV and the reality on the ground; we'll find out tomorrow about ASO's measures. In any case, the virus has never made me afraid to come here."
Pinot heads into Paris-Nice with a solid, if unspectacular, start to his 2020 campaign after a comeback from a painful retirement in the 2019 Tour de France. He finished seventh in the Tour de la Provence and sixth in the Tour du Var. In both races, he was completely outclassed by Nairo Quintana, who looked reborn in the colors of Arkea Samsic.
"From what I saw in February, Quintana seems to be far ahead of the rest," Pinot noted.
"If he makes it through the early stages without any problems, he's the big favorite.
As for his own chances, Pinot knows that his debut in the so-called "Race to the Sun" will have to be in better shape than the last two races this season. After the sprinters and classics have been given an early chance, the first test for the overall class will come in the 15km time trial on stage 4.
"I don't really know where I am. I'm not hiding it, but the conditions aren't what I expected. In Mont Faron, the tee bar was not in good shape. I was disappointed," Pino said.
"It's going to be a tough Paris-Nice, which is good for July. I have to get back into the rhythm of the race, which I lack. On paper I am one of the favorites to win, but we will see on Sunday in Nice. My goal is to leave Nice with a smile on my face. I have to reassure myself above all on my last weekend."
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