Hugo Houle intends to race aggressive Giro building towards Rio
Houle looks to Stage 9 TT confident he is on track for Rio.
Fresh off a 12-day break back hom in Quebec, Hugo Houle is back in Saint-Restitut, France, where he and Antoine Duchesne (Direct-Energie) share an apartment. Following a successful spring classics campaign during which Houle rode in the break at the Tour of Flanders after a blisteringly fast first 80-km, the 25-year-old is making final preparations for the Giro.
Houle’s programme changed in April when his Ag2r-La Mondiale team did not receive an invitation to the Amgen Tour of California in which he was slated to compete. The change in his programme now sees Houle headed for Italy in a week where he will ride the Giro d’Italia.
RELATED: 4 climbing tips from Antoine Duchesne for non-climbers
The Canadian national time trial champion is headed to Italy to support his team leaders Dominico Pozzovivo and Jean-Christophe Péraud but additionally he hopes to ride an aggressive race. “The idea is to be active in the Giro and use it to bring me to a high level for June, July and August.”
The Giro starts with a 9.8-km TT in Apeldoorn, Netherlands, but it is the 40.5-km Stage 9 time trial that Houle is focused on. “Stage 9 is similar to the Olympic course, we did recon before Strade Bianchi and it has some technical downhill sections,” said Houle. With Sven Tuft and Ryder Hesjedal set to race it is here that Houle will get an opportunity to prove to Cycling Canada he is the rider for the Olympic TT.
“I showed last year I was progressing with good results, I got my chance and showed I was strong. Nothing is guaranteed but it’s at the Giro where it will be decided,” said Houle.
Heading into his second grand tour, Houle knows what to expect in a gruelling three week race. “For sure it’s going to be hard, I see the Giro as a big adventure. We will see how it goes, anything can happen. This year I am a better rider, faster and stronger. I will try to go more in the breakaways. Last year was my first experience, now I can be more active in the race.”
See the kit Houle hopes to be wearing in Rio
With confidence, Houle heads to Italy where he hopes to prove that he is ready to represent Canada on the world stage. “I certainly believe I have my chance right now,” said Houle. “I feel good and the Giro is the main place to be good. “
