May 16/14 19:05 pm - Guillaume Boivin Interview

Posted by Editoress on 05/16/14
 

Today, I had the opportunity to sit down with Guillaume Boivin of CannondalePro before the start of Stage 6 at the Amgen Tour of California. Guillaume was very generous with his time and welcomed the opportunity to communicate with his many fans through Canadian Cyclist.

I first asked Guillaume about Stage 1 of the TOC where Peter Sagan, the usual team leader for CannondalePro led him out for the sprint. Guillaume said that this was arranged before the stage when Peter Sagan designated Guillaume as "the guy" to be protected and lead out for the sprint. According to Guillaume, this was Peter's way of thanking Guillaume for the lead out work that he normally does for Peter in other major races. Guillaume was a little disappointed that he didn't get the win but the experience was exhilarating.

Guillaume's season got off to a slow start this year. He contracted a virus, possibly in Taiwan, that had him off the bike for most of March and early April. During this time, Guillaume had a period where he felt so tired he could hardly get out of bed. After two courses of antibiotics, the virus finally seemed to be beaten and Guillaume is now working to get back in top shape. A key goal for the Team is the upcoming Tour de Suisse and Guillaume is very focussed in being in top form for it.

Guillaume is a bright, rising Canadian star. In 2010, he finished in a dead heat for third place, winning the Bronze Medal at the World U23 Road Race Championship. Guillaume also secured many podium finishes with SpiderTech, his previous team, under the direction of the great cycling champion, Steve Bauer.

Guillaume said that at Spider Tech he learned how to race in the "big races", understanding how a race unfolds and learning to enjoy the experience of being a pro cyclist. Guillaume said that the riders on SpiderTech were successful but they also had fun and the Team dynamic was "awesome".

Now at CannondalePro, a UCI ProTeam, Guillaume has risen to the highest level of racing. He says that it is much harder to win a WorldTour event and that "everything must be perfect to win".  Guillaume said that over the last few years his endurance has improved and that he can now go through a stage race with less fatigue as his body appears to have adapted to these multi-day events.

Best wishes for a great season, Guillaume!

Bill Buckley in Santa Clarita - exclusive to Canadian Cyclist