The reasons for the French team's dry spell at the Tour
DPA
· 20.07.2022
The only thing that helps is gallows humour. "So far, the French have been very good ... on the roadside," wrote the Tour organ "L'Equipe" at the end and raved about the festival atmosphere.
The Tour de France is entering the home straight. The small country of Denmark has already claimed stage victories with three riders and has a strong rider in Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma), even Luxembourg and Canada, which is more famous for its ice hockey, have been able to celebrate. And the hosts?
Break-in by Bardet
The Grande Nation did not celebrate a single stage victory. If this remains the case until Paris, the biggest failure since 1999 would be perfect. Nobody is even talking about a home Tour winner anymore. On the first stage of the Pyrenees, the podium hopes of Romain Bardet (Team DSM) after its collapse. "It was a path of suffering. I went up the mountain at 5 km/h," Bardet complained.
A speed that Bernard Hinault might still have managed at the age of 67. The Breton is the last French Tour champion. That was in 1985, when he celebrated his fifth and final triumph. 37 years, half an eternity for a country that is so proud of its cycling history and the biggest race in the world.
If Hinault has his way, his compatriots should be focussing on other goals anyway if they can't make it to the top. "For me, fifth or sixth place is not interesting. They should rather try to win a stage. That's good too."
Alaphilippe not present
In the past, Julian Alaphilippe (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl) spoilt his compatriots. But the 2020 and 2021 world champion is missing this year, as he is not yet in form after his serious crash at the Liège-Bastogne-Liège classic in April. "Julian, we miss you," was written on a sign. Alaphilippe has celebrated six stage wins in the last four years alone. His 14 days in the yellow jersey at the 2019 Tour were also unforgettable, when France was suddenly dreaming again. But Alaphilippe is not a man for the high mountains.
This is more a matter for Thibaut Pinot (Groupama-FDJ), but the climber from Lure has difficulty getting down the mountains. He has already sought psychological help because of his fear of descents. In the meantime, the 32-year-old is no longer chasing a top place in the overall standings.
No chance in the battle for the yellow jersey
But why does France no longer have a man for the Classement general? Hinault has a clear opinion of the current generation.
"I think they're too relaxed. Look at the few Frenchmen who drive for foreign teams. They work. You can ask yourself questions about that. It's not a question of doping, but of mentality. They tell them: if you're not good, you're out," Hinault told the "Süddeutsche Zeitung". But there is also simply "not that one athlete who has the skills to be better than all the others".
But the fact that cycling is becoming increasingly international doesn't make things any easier for the French. 32 riders from the hosts took part in the Tour start in Denmark, i.e. 18 per cent of the peloton. That is the second lowest rate in the 21st century. As a result, the Marsaillaise will not be sounded for the winner on the Champs Élysées this year either. At least the French won't let the good humour on the route get in the way.
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