Groupama-FDJ in bind with departing Thibaut Pinot: after successful Giro, Frenchman wants to compete in Tour de France
Cycling
Thibaut Pinot had an impressively strong Giro d'Italia. The Frenchman gradually accumulated more mountain points throughout the grand tour, steadily climbed up the general classification, and secured the mountain classification in the final mountain stages. The result after three weeks of the Giro: the blue mountain jersey and a fifth-place overall ranking.
It's worth considering that the climber is actually on his farewell tour: it is his final racing year for Team Groupama-FDJ. And in this last year, he wants to demonstrate what the real Pinot is capable of. Despite not achieving a stage victory, Pinot consistently showcased himself to the public.
While it appeared for a few weeks that the Giro could potentially be his last grand tour, after the conclusion of the Italian stage race, 33-year-old Pinot expressed interest in participating in its French counterpart - the Tour de France. "Considering how good my legs are and taking into account my top five spot in the Giro, I have shown what I am capable of," said the motivated rider to one of Eurosport's cameras.
Pinot wants farewell in home race, Tour de France
While the farewell from his last participation in the Giro was already occasionally emotional, this could reach an even higher level if Pinot gets to ride on home soil in France. However, his team has already communicated that the Tour de France roster consists of team leaders David Gaudu and Arnaud Démare. Whether there is room for Pinot remains highly uncertain, as sprinter Démare is expected to have several teammates dedicated to his sprint train.
Then the question arises whether Pinot can be of significance to Gaudu, who has expressed his intention to once again contend for a high ranking after finishing fourth in 2022. "I am motivated and want to help the team. I want to go to the Tour," Pinot clearly states. "I hope to know soon, so that I can focus on the rest of the season."
Mentally and physically, Tour de France often proved disappointing for Pinot
The final decision lies with team manager Marc Madiot, who stated in the Grand Plateau podcast on RMC Sports that he will listen to Pinot's statements. "It makes me laugh and pleases me at the same time. For years, it was difficult to convince him to ride the Tour de France. And now, as we approach the end of his career, he wants to ride the Tour de France."
Madiot is referring to the many setbacks Pinot experienced in the French stage race. His mental state, in particular, frequently let him down, and back problems also caused physical discomfort. However, Pinot's participation in the Tour is still uncertain. "It's reasonably good news, but there are still two or three minor things we need to check," Madiot clarified. "In particular, his physical condition and recovery, which we will evaluate in the coming days. Depending on that and how we will assemble the team for the next Tour de France, we will make a decision."
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Latest Comments
- Well explained, thanks for the clarity! Daniel DantasDanieldantas20-12-2024
- This is the kind of 'news' that belongs in a cheap tabloid. No matter how boring the offseason gets, nobody wants to read this.
santiagobenites19-12-2024 - I wish we could have seen him try. He'd absolutely get dropped before Pogi overtakes his domestiquesVeganpotter10-12-2024
- Talk is cheap! Next year barring crashes with a healthy team... all well be on track! Some need to talk to make a headline!mootman27-11-2024
- I do not see this event listed on HBO Max Sports Online? Can anyone confirm? Thanks!
MrYuck23-11-2024 - It seemed that he was focusing forward at the time of the crash, after seeing a quick video snippet. But one thing I think he should focus on more intently is breaking a bad habit he has, right now. And that is his constant looking over his shoulders. He does that so much, that I am very sure it is not good for him. Simply watch videos of the greats of CX and you will see very little of that constant looking over their shoulders. That is a behavior that betrays a bit of insecurity on his part. He shouldn't be so concerned, incessantly, about what is over his shoulder. He needn't worry they didn't all disappear. He neds to keep his focus more ahead of himself, and he needs to pay a bit more attention to himself, in a confident manner. It is very frustrating to watch, because it is apparent that he has a lot of potential, and is in much better shape thwan many of his competitors, but the mental game needs to be sharpened more, because that part of strategy plays a huge part in the final results
reemmo022-11-2024 - hahahaha love this shit! I didnt even watched the race, but reading all the gossip articles of how stupid this is!Zatoichi19-11-2024
- Van Aert is really handsome. He can influence me all day! Ditto for Philipsen. Why do you think many of us love cycling?: to see heroic attempts at climbing mountains at high altitudes or to watch speedsters sprint for the finish line or to watch a human being ride at break neck speed down a tricky descent? No, it's all about their lean physiques and muscular legs. (apologies for objectifying these dedicated and amazing athletes).BarwonHeadsUp25-10-2024
- It is unfortunate that the author can't feel the joy that Pogacar brings to the sport and his fans who are legion and I for one feel lucky to have watched such a memorable performance and historic season From the Strada until yesterday with multiple wins in stages in both tours and beyond dominance in the World's. He is proud to wear the Rainbow stripes, shows his leadership to protect his fellows and is as courteous and sportsman-like as the sport allows. He goes early to not have to respond to each attack as all the rest would make him do it. Any racer who could would do the same. Don't "grow tired" of greatness as it is always fleeting.ccrider13-10-2024
- What load of rubbish. Pog is likely a once in a generation cyclist, the like of which hasn't been seen since 'the Cannibal '. How many people were complaining that Merckx was making racing predictable? I remember this year's World RR as one of the most exciting I've watched. Mainly BECAUSE Pog was the favourite and launched what everyone thought (Pog included) was a suicidal attack with 80km to go. For the next 2 hours, I was on the edge of my seat thinking "this is too much, even for Pog". Maybe Zonnefeld prefers the snooze-fest that is a bunch sprint? Like most people I know, I can't watch two hours of the bunch riding very fast... I wait for the final 5km and watch just the sprint. In any event, most races are won from a sprint or lone break. What difference does it make who makes the lone break? Ultimately, the other contenders will have to figure out a way to beat Pog. Even if that means collaboration between teams. It's going to be an exciting few seasons, until the next Pog arrives on the scene. If this is boring, heaven knows what exciting looks like!Michael513-10-2024