20 April 2013
IAM Cycling
Sunday, April 21, 2013, will mark Jonathan Fumeauxs baptism by fire when he participates in the World Tour classic La Doyenne for IAM Cycling. At 25 years old (he celebrated his birthday March 7th), Jonathan Fumeaux will start Liège-Bastogne-Liège and then move in his stride to the Tour of Romandie (April 23-28).
Jonathan Fumeaux, how have you approached doing this classic race already this year, which is your first in the pro ranks?
Most importantly, I have come with the desire to do well. In addition to that, I am motivated because I am wearing the IAM Cycling jersey. Nevertheless, I am still a little apprehensive because a race like Liège exceeds 260 kilometers.
Are you not accustomed to racing such distances?
Normally races on my menu are closer to 200 kilometers. I expect that extra 60 kilometers will make a difference at the end. After a certain point, everyone will have sore legs. It is then that the head starts kicking in, and so the mental strength will be the deciding factor.
What is your role within this group of elite cyclists?
We have not yet talked about detailed tactics for the race. This we will do before the start. But my primary goal will be to finish. Succeeding in that, I would also like to be a member of the main breakaway. Of course that is the goal of most of the riders in the peloton. You can make the effort, but you are never quite certain which will be the right move. At this level, everything is much more controlled.
How do you feel so far about your first year on a professional team?
The atmosphere is fantastic. I only have to think about my racing. Everything else is organized to the last detail by a support staff that works for as long as it takes to get the job done well.
Have your training methods changed?
I have increased my workload. And of course there are details that have necessarily changed my habits. But I am more than happy to do this, especially when it means that I will be able to race the Tour of Romandie. It is a dream come true.
– IAM Cycling training on the Liège-Bastogne-Liège route –
