Fresh off a training camp in Gran Canaria, Thibaut Pinot (Groupama-FDJ) is ready to start his 2022 campaign after his "worst season ever." Unlike the previous season, Pinot will not be the sole leader, as David Gaudou and newcomer Michael Stohler will be looking for podiums, but the rider from Franche-Comté is happy with this structure.

The 31-year-old, who spent most of 2021 at home due to a back injury sustained in the 2020 Tour de France, seeking comfort and healing with animals such as cows, sheep, goats, and chickens, is hoping that the budding optimism seen in the Tour de Luxembourg and Coppa Bernocchi at the end of 2021 He hopes to make it even bigger. Pinot is looking forward to getting a taste of the Tour de France atmosphere.

Pinot said at the online team announcement, "Given that last season was very difficult, 2022 is an important year for me. Fortunately, I was able to race in August and September, and although I was really tired at the end of the season, I felt good. But I am very motivated for this season. My legs felt good in Gran Canaria and now I am off to another training camp in Tenerife.

"My goal this year is to be 100% fit for the Tour de France. I have won stages of the Tour in the past and I want to rediscover the joy and emotion of winning the Tour de France. I miss that atmosphere and to win again in a legendary place like in the past is what I really want to do this year."

In previous years, Groupama-FDJ has had one main leader, but this year they will be aiming for a three-pronged podium with Pinot, Gordou, and Stohler, the 2021 Vuelta mountain champion.

While some teams may see having more than one potential leader as a problem, Pinot is happy with this approach and sees it as a positive.

"Stoller is a really good option for us. He is one of the best newcomers we have had in years and I can't wait to race with him. I think a mountain race with him and David would be a really good trio. I don't think it will create any tension. First, we are a tight-knit team and can work as a group, so we can share the leadership role. For me personally, I think this is a good thing because it reduces the pressure on one person. Of course, that doesn't mean there is less work for us in our roles."

This approach is part of a new vision by general manager Marc Madiot, who embraces a strong team spirit and collective rather than individual goals. His goal at the Tour de France is to reach the podium through teamwork.

"When the entire team (about 100 riders) gathered in November for a training camp in Calpe to analyze the 2021 season, we realized that we didn't do as well as we could have done because we didn't have Covid's rest from 2020 to 2021. before the 2022 season. We were able to take a complete vacation, we agreed on the spirit of the team, we all combined our drive and determination on the team's goals, and nothing was unattainable."

Madio did not mention who the team would ultimately be running for when the race started in Copenhagen on July 1. So we will see how their fitness evolves in the months leading up to their departure. We have three or four dangerous days at the start of the Tour de France, so we have to go in with a variety of cards to play.

"A lot depends on the collective nature of the team, and I expect the first week to be lively; after a week or so of racing we'll see how things are going at that stage. But if I told you now who would be the lead rider, it would be a silly story."

Pinot shares Madio's optimism about the team's performance in the Tour de France and believes that things could go well in the mountains.

"Our team is aiming for a solid run in the mountains, so there is no reason not to be on the podium. Our team has strengths in the mountains that have rarely been seen before.

As a three-time Tour de France stage winner, this would be the perfect antidote to his 2021 suspension.

"Last year was a difficult time for me, I haven't had an injury that lasted this long since my career in 2010," Pinot told Cyclingnews. 'Like any athlete, I've had a few small injuries here and there, but to be injured for so long with no light at the end of the tunnel was pretty tough mentally--especially since there were so many races I couldn't participate in. But I kept the belief that I could get back to my previous level, and that is what motivated me this year. I want to forget about the 2021 season, which was the worst ever. So I'm really focused and looking forward to 2022."

Pinot's season begins on February 18 with the Tour de l'Haut Var. He will also compete in the Tirreno-Adriatico, Tour of the Jura, Tour of the Alps, Tour of Romandie, and Tour of Switzerland.