Hugo Houle would like to race at the Paris Olympics: "I believe that the top 10 is accessible"

Hugo Houle is up for a big year. The Canadian intends to start the 2024 Tour de France as well as the Paris Olympic Games, he confides to LeNouvelliste. The latter in particular won't be an easy task as Houle recognizes there are at least four competitors for just two roster spots.

"There will only be 90 athletes for the road race and time trial at the Games. It will change the way you race compared to bigger pelotons. This will open the race. It should be interesting, but I need to get my qualification first. There are four or five of us who can aspire to it. So, it’s important to have a good start to the season."

"I would like to try to go for victory once again, especially by being on the offensive and in the breakaways. At the Olympics, I believe that the top 10 is accessible, but I have to qualify first. I will need to be in good shape at the end of the Tour. Which is often the case when I finish a Grand Tour."

2024 also happens to be a contract year for Houle. However the 33-year-old is not worried. "I have to think about that. It's part of the business. You have to prepare for this to have good conditions and look at the market. As I have had a long-standing partnership with Premier Tech, I don't think that will change in this regard. Our goal is to remain united. I am calm about the contract renewal. I still want to solve this early to have peace of mind."