You are the most recent recruit in what is a rather young team. Was it easy to adapt?

Not a problem! The experience I have today is a big help, of course. It’s a great team, too, and everyone is nice, and very talented. I didn’t have single problem. I actually knew quite a few people in the team already, although I wasn’t aware of that beforehand.

I imagine you will use your experience (four-time World Champion and four-time winner of the Bol d’Or) to help the team. What advice can you give them?

Just to ride intelligently and not overdo it. That’s no use at all. This year’s Le Mans 24 Hours was a reminder that there is no point trying to be a second a lap quicker than everybody else if you end up falling, and I know what I’m talking about!
You also need to have a good run during practice to get the most out of your bike and tyres.
Once the race has started, we will also need to clock up the laps and put in impeccable pit-stops. That always ends up paying.

What are your thoughts ahead of the 73rd Bol d’Or?

I will take it as it comes, just as I do every year, and give it my very best shot. If we seem to have a chance of winning, then I will be happy to put in that little bit of extra effort…
I don’t feel under any pressure. We have just completed two positive days of testing (official pre-Bol d’Or test on August 24-25). We worked well on different set-ups and tyre options.

Mathieu Lagrive

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