MARATHON THOMAS DIETSCH
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We sat down before the first Marathon World Cup in Manavgat (Turkey) with Thomas Dietsch, the French defending champion.
YOU JUST STARTED THE SEASON IN BRESCIA WITH AN 11TH PLACE AT THE ITALYCUP. WAVED THE FINISH A SURPRISE?
Thomas: I can honestly say that I didn’t expect a strong finish. Its given me confidence. After a hard week of training in Terracina (near Milan), with the Bianchi team I was not given a favorable racebib. Even though 11th place in Italy Cup is nothing to be excited about, I am happy. It is important to keep everything in perspective.
LEONARDO PAEZ SIGNED FOR BIANCHI. WE HEARD THAT THE COLUMBIAN RIDER WOULD BE CENTRALIZING ON MARATHON RACING IN THIS YEAR. What is the truth to this story?
Thomas: Leonardo is in Turkey with me. He will be competing in the marathon and cross-country, with the Olympics as his primary objective. True, no one in the team has had the same goals as me in the past. This is all new to me because I’m quite solitary in my preparation.
When we went through the course, I was able to see the positive side. It was rare that several of us could ride together.
WHY DID YOU GO INTO THE OPENING CUP IN TURKEY?
Thomas: It can be a little stressful. The marathon World Cup this year consists only of two races. Therefore, mistakes are not allowed. A World Cup win is a significant accomplishment. It’s a great way to build your CV. Although I was proud to have won the Cristalp Raid Verbier Grimentz last year, my World Cup win probably made more impression. It will be a memorable experience to have my bronze medal at the World Championships held in Belgium with my family and friends.
