Only gallows humor helps. “So far, the French are very good … on the side of the road,” wrote the tour organ “L’Equipe” and raved about the folk festival atmosphere.
The 109th Tour de France is entering the home straight. Little Denmark has already won stages with three riders and is first overall in Jonas Vingegaard, even Luxembourg and Canada, which is more famous for ice hockey in the sport, were able to celebrate. And the hosts?
Podium hope Bardet collapses
The Grande Nation did not celebrate a stage victory. If that stays that way until Paris, the biggest bankruptcy since 1999 would be perfect. Nobody is talking about a local tour winner anymore. On the first Pyrenees stage, Romain Bardet’s podium hopes were gone after he slumped. “It was an ordeal. I climbed the mountain at 5 km/h,” Bardet quarreled.
A speed that Bernard Hinault might have achieved at the age of 67 today. The Breton is the last French Tour champion. That was in 1985 when he celebrated his fifth and last 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 concentrating on other goals anyway, if it’s not enough for the top. “Fifth or sixth places aren’t interesting for me. You should rather try to win a stage. That’s good too.”
Alaphilippe is missing
In the past, Julian Alaphilippe has always spoiled his compatriots with stage wins. But the world champion of 2020 and 2021 is missing this year, after his serious fall in the classic Liège-Bastogne-Liège in April, he is not yet in shape. “Julian, we miss you,” was written on a sign. Alaphilippe has celebrated six victories in the last four years alone. His 14 days in the yellow jersey at the 2019 Tour were also unforgettable, when France suddenly dreamed again. But Alaphilippe is not a man for the high mountains.
It’s more of a Thibaut Pinot thing, but the Lurean climber has trouble coming down the mountains. Because of his anxiety when going downhill, he had already sought psychological help. In the meantime, the 32-year-old is no longer chasing a top position in the overall standings.
No driver for the general classification
But why does France no longer have a man for the general classification? Hinault has a clear opinion of today’s generation. “I find them too relaxed. Look at the few French who drive for foreign teams. They work. You can ask yourself questions. It’s not a question of doping, it’s a question of mentality. That’s where they say: If you’re not good, you’re kicked out,” Hinault told the Süddeutsche Zeitung. But there is simply “not that one athlete who has the skills to be better than everyone else”.
But the fact that cycling is becoming more and more international doesn’t make things any easier for the French. 32 drivers from the hosts started at the start of the tour in Denmark, i.e. 18 percent of the peloton. That’s the second-lowest rate in the 21st century. This year, the Marsaillaise on the Champs Élysées will not ring out for the winner either. After all, the French don’t let the good mood on the track take away from them.