At Belfort the Tour de France passed through Franche-Comté, the region where Thibaut Pinot lives. Yesterday's stage held an even more personal significance for the former Groupama-FDJ climber, one of the most beloved French riders of recent years who left his new life as a farmer for a few hours to return to the Grande Boucle. No longer in the saddle, no longer chasing a breakaway or a victory, but among the public and journalists, with the gaze of someone who knows every emotion of that race.

"I'm happy. There are lots of people, lots of activity, but it's not something you take for granted. It's anything but peaceful. It's rather overwhelming, actually - Pinot recounted - Two hours ago I was with my animals. Being here, among all of you and the entire Tour de France, brings back so many memories. And it's also quite beautiful".

Today, however, his life is governed by completely different rhythms. Pinot has chosen the countryside, animals and farming. A choice that requires time, energy and daily personal investment. "My days are very full. I often wake up at 6 in the morning to be at the farm by 7. And I finish work between 8 and 10 p.m., there's no fixed schedule. My days are full, much like when I was a cyclist".

The difference, however, is substantial. "I wake up at night for births. And that changes things a bit", he added with a laugh.

The new life of the former winner of the 2018 Giro di Lombardia remains very private nonetheless. Pinot agreed to share some details on the occasion of a collaboration with Airbnb, a partner of the Tour de France. Six competition winners will stay for three days at his farm in Mélisey. "I'll show them farm life, the nature I'm fortunate to live in. And this Friday we'll go watch the Dole-Belfort stage".

An idea, that of transforming the farm into a sort of bed and breakfast or gîte, that Pinot had considered at the end of his career. For now, however, the project hasn't materialized. His daily life is that of a farmer, a world in which he is still learning a great deal.

At the beginning of the year he also became an ambassador for France Semences. "Since I'm now a farmer and use their products, I thought the collaboration made sense. I really enjoy learning in a sector that's still relatively new to me. It's really interesting to talk with other farmers and learn from their experience".

And if the farm has become his new workplace, football remains one of Pinot's great passions. A Paris Saint-Germain fan since childhood, the former climber has closely followed the club's recent European achievements. When he can, he prefers the Auteuil stand to VIP boxes. "For several matches I had the opportunity to choose between an invitation to the boxes and a seat in the stand behind the goals. And every time I opted for the latter".

Pinot was present both at PSG's first Champions League victory in 2025, in Monaco, and at the Budapest success last May. Beer in hand and scarf around his neck, naturally.

Even after retirement, however, sport hasn't completely disappeared from his life. In April 2024 he participated in a 24-kilometer trail race, finishing third in 1 hour, 50 minutes and 54 seconds. "It was the first time in my life I'd run such a long distance. I'm even more surprised to have made the podium".

Since then, however, his new challenge is something else entirely. "My life as a farmer has become the real sport".

And when the Tour passes through his land, Pinot inevitably becomes part of the race again. Even if just for a day. "I'll always be the number one fan of Groupama-FDJ United", he said proudly.

A comment on cycling: "Does Pogacar continue to impress me? Yes, of course. For now I think the race is practically already won, we all know that - Pinot admitted - But the battle for the podium with Paul will be fun to follow and I think that will be the central theme of the second part of the Tour. Seixas doesn't need advice. He's really good".

Perhaps this is precisely Thibaut Pinot's new dimension: away from the peloton, but still within the race. A former champion who today observes the Tour from the road and the countryside, with the same passion as always. Only this time, instead of a bicycle, there are animals, fields and a life finally chosen at his own pace.