Now, a year later, Cras is preparing to return to the very
race that nearly ended his career.
Speaking to Sporza, he revealed what
this comeback means to him.
“The intention is for me to return to this race so that I
can erase the negative things that happened there,” he said. “I'm going there
with a sense of revenge to get that good feeling back, especially for the
future when we go to the Basque Country again in the Tour of Spain. I want to
turn the tide next week for the rest of my career.”
Remarkably, Cras says he no longer feels the physical or
psychological impact of the crash. His return to racing has been steady, and
mentally, he remains resilient.
“It's not that I'm more afraid to take a descent on the bike
or to position myself. I'm very happy that this didn't drag on.”
At TotalEnergies, changes in team strategy have also
affected his approach. This year, the team has adopted a policy of announcing
rider selections at the last minute, a move Cras believes is intended to keep
riders alert and prepared.
“I think it's a new approach from the team to keep all the
riders sharp. For example, for Paris-Nice I only knew a week in advance that I
had to go there. That's annoying to be able to prepare myself properly.”
Looking ahead to next week’s race, Cras is under no
illusions about the challenge. The Basque Country offers a different course
every year, with punishing terrain and chaotic finales.
“Every year in the Basque Country we are presented with a
different course. The key to this race lies mainly in the final stage. Crazy
things usually happen there.”
He knows that decisive moments can come late and intends to
seize any opportunity that presents itself.
“It will be important to be really great on the last day and
to try something else. Often it is those days when you risk everything or
nothing that you can still climb a lot of places or possibly have a chance of
winning a stage.”