ITV Tour reporter Ned Boulting catches up with the ever-smiling yellow jersey holder Thomas Voeckler, a cult hero in his homeland of France.
Such is his celebrity status is France he is constantly being stopped by the adoring public for photographs and autographs, but the popular rider says he is enjoying the jersey just as much as he was in 2004 – when he held the maillot jaune from Stage 5 through to 14.
He also dismissed any pressure that may be put upon him by the hopeful French public: “I’m very much enjoying it,” said Voeckler, “I just try to be myself and do my job, that’s all.”
When asked whether he can still hold the jersey after the tough climbs of the Pyrenees Voeckler said: “I’m 32, it’s not like I’m 25, so I’ll take the days one by one and I have no pressure and I’ll just give all I can.”
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