Who will end the French drought? "I’m the last Frenchman to win a Grand Tour, and that was in 1995"

Laurent Jalabert is a cycling legend, and as time goes on, his status only becomes more mythical. He remains the last Frenchman to win a Grand Tour, a feat he achieved during the 1995 Vuelta a España. Nowadays, Jalabert works as an analyst, constantly searching for his successors in Spain and France.

Jalabert may no longer be an active rider, but he still has a strong connection to cycling. “I still train a few times a week, but only to keep the feeling and stay healthy. I still derive joy from the sport,” he tells Marca.

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Is Ayudo the next great Spanish champion?

Spain and France are both yearning for a new great champion.

Laurent Jalabert remains deeply connected to modern cycling through his work as a radio and television analyst. While he hasn’t been as closely involved with the Vuelta in recent years, he continues to follow the sport closely. "It seems the race has progressed. I’m looking forward to watching the new edition. There are some interesting new stages, and I expect it to be a great opportunity to see some of the best cyclists in the world in action."

Jalabert also commented on the performances of Slovenian riders in 2024, where the Grand Tours were dominated by Tadej Pogacar and Primoz Roglic. It has been a while since the last Spaniard to win a grand tour, and with the French it is even worse. "I’m the last Frenchman to win a Grand Tour, and that was in 1995. That means we are performing worse than the Spaniards. In Spain, there are always strong riders, but winning a Grand Tour is something else. Juan Ayuso and Carlos Rodríguez have the potential, especially Juan. The thing is, in today’s cycling, which is more explosive, there is also much greater competition. You need a great champion, not just good riders," Jalabert believes.

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Martinez must end long French drought

It is time for Jalabert's throne to be overthrown 

And such a great champion is what the Spaniards currently lack. And the French, apparently, for thirty years. Still, Jalabert now sees a rider who could possibly provide the long drought with some rain. "Let's hope the new French Grand Tour champion is already in the peloton. Martínez promises a lot, but the road is difficult for everyone. We'll see if he can get higher than he is now." In any case, Jalabert is fervently hoping for it, because it is much needed that his French throne will be overthrown, he believes himself: "It is time."

Jalabert is positive about the current state of cycling in general, though. "The most important thing is that he is in good health now. I think there are more and more fans and the races are more spectacular and explosive than in my time. But again, every era has their charms," the Frenchman concludes.

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