"I'm very impatient to get back on the bike, to put on a bib with the pros" - Alexis Gougeard prepares for a comeback to the World Tour peloton

Alexis Gougeard is preparing to regain his place in the professional ranks, left temporarily vacant after the disbanding of the B&B Hotels-KTM team. For some a rather surprising return in Cofidis jersey is, in fact, a consequence of his efforts with the amateur team VC Rouen 76.

"It’s really nice to be here," Gougeard confides. "I'm very impatient to get back on the bike, to put on a bib with the pros. The objective with Rouen was really to show that I still had my place in the pack."

For him, the mission is validated, regardless of the criticism from those who did not believe in it. "I know there are people who say things about me but it’s none of my business, they do what they want, I really stay focused on my goal," admits former Vuelta stage winner. He adds: "I stay myself and whether I like it or not, it's like that, there are people who like me, so I tend to listen to those people."

What about participation in the Grande Boucle? "It's a goal, that's clear. Now there are other races ahead. I want to show that they didn't make a mistake in signing me." While the Tour de France is definitely in the back of Gougeard's mind. So far, the only certainty seems to be that the 30-year-old will be seen racing in Belgium in the spring.