Pierre Rolland looking ahead for a promising season with Team Europcar
Pierre Rolland of Team Europcar won the third stage of Etoile De Besseges 2012 to ease some pressure off his shoulders. He is the key man for the French squad and a good start will indeed help boost his confidence.
Pierre acknowledged that a victory early on the season is something he is not used to but it will definitely help the side in the season ahead.
He told L’Equipe, “Winning in February is always good for what is to come afterwards. I’m not an early-season rider but a win at this time of the year means less pressure for the team, so Voeckler is not alone is assuming the entire weight of the season”.
He finished the 152 kilometre stage 3 of the Grand Prix de Besseges in a cumulative time of 3 hours, 55 minutes and 54 seconds.
Franck Vermeulen and Nacer Bouhanni claimed the second and the third positions, which resulted in a complete French occupied podium.
Stephane Poulhies, Kris Boeckmans and Marco Marcato achieved the fourth, fifth and sixth positions in the respective order.
Rolland started riding professionally with Team Credit Agricole in 2007 and stayed with the squad for a period of two years.
He moved to Team Europcar in 2009 and will continue his fourth consecutive season with the side.
The 25-year-old holds three Tour de France and one Vuelta a Espana participation to his credit.
He finished 11th overall during the Tour de France 2011, which was his best performance at the French Grand Tour, his previous best was the 21st place finish in 2009.
Pierre admired the cooperation of his teammates during the third stage of the Grand Prix de Besseges.
He cited, “I don’t think it would have gone all the way if I hadn’t been accompanied by some warriors. This Bessèges circuit was complicated and when I saw that the break was starting to run out of steam, I went on the offensive”.
He is now lined up for a busy season ahead and is eyeing an improved performance at the Tour de France.
Thomas Voeckler will lead Team Europcar in the coming season. Considering his supreme form, the French side has strong chances to make an impact in front of the home crowd.
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