Winner of the GP La Marseillaise at the start of the season ahead of Mads Pedersen, Amaury Capiot tasted for the first time the joys of a professional victory at 28 years. The Belgian training Arkea Samsic came back with us on his objectives for the coming season during an exclusive interview, between two stages of the Tour of Oman.
You started your season in the best way, taking second place in Valencia (Classic Valencian Community 1969, ndlr), before achieving your first professional success a week later at the GP La Marseillaise. Are you surprised by these first results ?
We have worked hard this winter to start the season in very good condition., I noticed that my power levels were slightly higher than in previous years. Nevertheless, starting the season with a second place and a win was a bit of a surprise.
You are currently taking part in the Tour of Oman, where you have already managed to slip into the top 5 two steps. You have almost achieved on your first four days of racing better results than on your season 2021 in entirety. What has changed compared to last year ?
Nothing has really changed, the team gave me the confidence I needed and after my victory in Marseille I was able to find this confidence in myself.
After the Tour of Oman, you are expected at the start of two Belgian classics (Omloop Het Nieuwsblad et Kuurne Bruxelles Kuurne, ndlr), before returning to France for Paris Nice. What are your goals for these next events? ?
Circuit Het Nieuwsblad is one of my favorite events this season, at the moment things are not ideal here in Oman with the heat, but it will be better in Belgium. If the scenario is the same as last year then I will fight for victory, but i think this year will be different, depending on the weather and especially the wind.
You confided after your victory in Marseille that it was a good thing for the team to be able to win with other riders than the designated leaders. But with such results, you could imagine yourself leading quite quickly, what is your feeling about it ?
Maybe leader in smaller events, it's possible, but what is certain is that we have three solid runners at Arkea Samsic with Nairo, Warren and Nacer.
At the end of the season, it is planned that you take part in your first big tour in Spain, alongside Nairo Quintana and Benjamin Declercq in particular, as well as other teammates whose names will be revealed later in the season. Are you motivated by this opportunity, and what will be your state of mind at the start of such an event ?
For the moment nothing is certain yet but the chances that I am at the start are high. I can't wait to discover the great tours, personally I would see day after day if opportunities arise or if I have to work for a leader.
You evolve all year round alongside runners like Nairo, Warren or Nacer, who all have very solid references. But there are also some talented young riders at Arkea Samsic, Which one has impressed you the most so far?, and why ?
At the moment there are two guys who have done very well, Mathis Louvel and Kevin Vauquelin. They both have a big engine, Mathis has a good finish so he can sprint in small groups. Kevin can attack in the end and defend a small advantage to the line.
A big thank you to Amaury for his availability, We wish him the best for his next goals !
