John Gadret (AG2R) performed well in the 2006 Giro before crashing out of the race with a broken collarbone (Image credit: Sirotti)
AG2R rider John Gadret will continue to combine both road and cyclo-cross racing. The gifted climber, who revealed the extent of his talent at the 2006 Giro d'Italia and discovered the Tour de France last year, is currently getting back into 'cross shape after a rather long pause from the mud trails.
The Frenchman even plans to line up at the national cyclo-cross championships in Pontchâteau this Sunday, but doesn't think of winning the event in view of his rivals who concentrate solely on cyclo-cross and do not have a full road season behind them. "I know I can't win in Pontchâteau," Gadret told L'Equipe on Thursday. "But I'll try to make it onto the podium and if I do, I'll be happy!"
The Frenchman, who became a father to baby boy Andreas a few days ago, may raise his goals a little more once he gets more 'cross kilometres into his legs. "If I go [to the Cyclo-cross Worlds in Treviso, Italy, three weeks from now - ed.], it's true that I can gear up a little. But I haven't been selected yet..."
In any case, Gadret is sure to be back on tarmac once the road season gets going. "Cyclo-cross has become secondary," he admitted. "But I won't leave behind a discipline that made me become a pro. I need it - it is fun, and I can't imagine myself staying at home all winter. It's a balance."
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