Sheltered from the wind: Sam Maisonobe

I originally came from a triathlon background. I competed for about ten years, reaching a fairly high level.

Cycling has always been part of my training, as it’s an essential component of triathlon, but for a long time I focused mainly on swimming and running, which were my weak points. Paradoxically, I’d never really developed my cycling to its full potential.

Three years ago, I decided to focus solely on road cycling. I was feeling a bit jaded with swimming and running, whereas cycling remained what I was most passionate about.

Cofidis got in touch with me, and the decision came quite naturally. In triathlon, I had a coach who specialised in the cycling aspect, and it was he who said to me one day: “Honestly, there’s something worth trying in cycling.”

I’d never really tapped into that potential. It all happened quite late in the day, but ultimately very quickly.

I only really started cycling properly when I was about 19 or 20. So I’ve only been fully committed to it for three years.

In my family, we do a lot of endurance sports: duathlons, triathlons, but not necessarily competitive cycling. We mainly did cycle tours, the Étapes du Tour, that sort of challenge. That’s where I really developed a taste for long-distance cycling.

Yes, without a doubt: my stage win at the Ronde de l’Isard.

The day before, a friend said to me, almost jokingly: “If you win a stage here, you’ll turn pro straight away.” I didn’t really take it in at the time. The next day, everything fell into place perfectly: my legs felt incredible, the route suited me, and it was an ideal race.

When I crossed the line, I didn’t immediately grasp what it meant, but looking back, it was one of the most important moments of my career. Shortly afterwards, Cédric Vasseur got in touch with me. At the French Championships, I confirmed my form with a 5th place finish.

That allowed me to turn professional straight away, without having to go through the trainee stage.

Yes, long before that. The bike rides with my dad when I was a child.

That’s when I realised how much I loved sport, being outdoors and getting active. I was quite hyperactive, and sport helped me channel that energy. He passed that on to me without ever putting any pressure on me.

The desire to compete at the highest level came from me, not from him.

Julian Alaphilippe, without a doubt. Firstly, because he’s French, so it’s easier to identify with him. His track record speaks for itself: two world championship titles, major classics, and that yellow jersey he wore for so long on the Tour.

Above all, I love the way he races with flair, without over-calculating. That’s the kind of rider who really appeals to me.

In my personal life, it’s definitely my girlfriend. We met at school, in the sports class. She understands the demands of top-level sport.

She chose a different path, studying law to become a solicitor, whilst I’ve dedicated myself entirely to cycling. We understand each other, even if the distance and travelling make things difficult at times. When we’re together, we know why we make these sacrifices.

It’s not easy mentally, but we know that a cyclist’s career is short-lived. At 35, some people are only just starting their working lives. It helps to put things into perspective and remind yourself that you need to make the most of this time.

I don’t really have a specific ritual. My daily life is mainly very structured.

I eat healthily every day, whether I’m in race season or not. My days are pretty much the same: get up, a very structured breakfast, training, recovery. More than a ritual, it’s a meticulously planned routine.

Before races, I often listen to American rap, mainly 50 Cent or Eminem.

It wakes me up, gets me fired up, and above all, it reminds me of the tough moments in training. It puts me back in that frame of mind.

I’m really into motor racing anything to do with mechanics and speed. I don’t take part myself, but I love watching it. It’s all part of the same world of performance and thrills.

Yes, people call me ‘The Boar’.
It’s because I’ve got a rather unusual build: I’m just as broad as I am tall. Lots of people think I’m a sprinter when they see me… but I’m not at all. The nickname has stuck.

The Alps, without a doubt.
The sun, the mountains… That’s definitely where I feel most at home on a bike.