Jerome Coppel warming up for the Tour de France 2012
Jerome Coppel of Team Saur-Sojasun is content to follow the footsteps of Bradley Wiggins as he begins training for the Tour de France 2012.
The 25-year-old is having a good season and has already secured an overall victory at the Etoile de Besseges along with a stage 5b win at the race.
He rode brilliantly during the Vuelta a Andalucia and secured the third overall position after the final general classifications.
While commenting on his Tour de France plans, Jerome told L’Equipe, “I’m a long way from his level, but seeing Wiggins finish fourth in the Tour [in 2009 – ed.] reassured me with the idea that it was possible to be a good rouleur and a good climber”.
Coppel grabbed the 14th overall position during the most recent edition of the Tour de France and also achieved the third position at the young rider’s classifications.
“When there’s hard attacking, I get a bit asphyxiated”.
“At the Galibier and Alpe d’Huez last year, I blew straight away, but afterwards, when I got into a rhythm, I made up the ground on a lot of people”.
“I climb like a rouleur, but if I manage myself well at the foot of the climb, I’m capable of following the leaders for a long time”.
The Frenchman noted that he is in a great shape and a few technical tips can really make a big difference in his overall performance at his home Grand Tour.
Jerome started his professional pursuit with Team Francaise des Jeux in 2008 and stayed with the team by the end of 2009.
He accepted an offer from Team Saur-Sojasun in 2010 and is continuing his third consecutive season with the side.
Coppel had a terrific past season and also occupied the first overall spot at the Vuelta a Murcia along with a stage 3 victory at the race.
His next big race of the season is the Criterium du Dauphine scheduled from June 3-10 in France.
Winner of the race will be awarded with a 100 UCI points while the second and the third position holders will receive 80 and 70 points respectively.
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