The first rider to sweep stage victories in all three Grand Tours was an Italian. And what an Italian: Fiorenzo Magni. It was April 29, 1955, and by being the first to cross the finish line in Barcelona (it was a time trial), Magni gave birth to this particular classification. After 69 years, 106 other athletes have succeeded in doing so. The 108th would like to be Romain Bardet.
The French of DSM Firmenich He's at a crossroads, though. In recent weeks, he's spoken to L'Equipe on several occasions about his future. Both the immediate and the longer-term. But all with a clear goal: win a stage at Tour of Italy precisely.
Giro and Tour
Bardet was struck by the Giro. He never denied it. Of course, he's not at the level of Pinot, but he really likes the pink race. He only has two participations under his belt: the Giro “discovered” him at the age of 31.
Two years ago, he was in really good shape before a crash took him out of contention. It was perhaps the last time we saw him truly fighting for the overall title.
So this year Bardet will definitely be at the Giro d'Italia: «I want to try to join the club of those who have managed to win stages in all three major Tours. and I'm missing a victory in the Italian race."
His path to the Giro d'Italia passes through his seasonal debut in the French races, the UAE Tour, the Paris-Nice and the Tour of the Alps.
There are several stages suitable for him at the Giro. Romain could already put his stamp on it in Oropa. But perhaps the Piedmont climb comes a little too early. Both because the pink jersey is involved and perhaps pogacar and colleagues might want to "make a stop." Both because imagining a long breakaway with Bardet in it is difficult. It's still Bardet, and leaving him space could be dangerous. Romain is a man who holds his own.
Decisive summer
And then there's the long-term future. Bardet is one of the products of the class of 1990, beautiful and damned. As talented as she is delicate. Time passes and the Frenchman is approaching 34 years old and in this cycling world, staying at the top is increasingly difficult. His retirement would not be unthinkable.
Bardet will be out of contract at the end of the year. Whether he continues or not is entirely his decision. Even if DSM-Firmenich didn't keep him, French teams, especially non-WorldTour ones, would be queuing up to sign him. Class, professionalism, and a name that never leaves anyone indifferent.
«For now – said Bardet – I don't want to think about it too much. I want to focus on the Giro. Then halfway through the season, maybe before the Tour de France I'll tell you what I'll do. And I'll say this above all to myself. If I understand that I'm still competitive. If I understand that this life, which will see me home for maybe 20 days between now and the end of May, will still be fine for me. If I have to continue, I want to do it to leave a mark and not to be an extra.».
And perhaps we still need to see if this is truly Bardet's cycling. Long ago, he hinted that this sport was increasingly becoming like Formula 1, where the winner is the one with the best technicians, not the best driver. He had spoken of “cycling of science and trainers”.
What future?
DSM-Firmenich appears inclined to extend the contract. At least that's what's leaked out. This year, Bardet also has the support of his compatriot. Barguil. And maybe this could be an incentive to continue with this team.
«I'm coming off a season – said the Frenchman – in which things didn't go very well. I've always found myself in an unclear situation and that doesn't encourage me to continue. That's why I want to decide calmly and at the right time."
But first comes the Giro, and a stage win could be decisive for his future. If he manages to do so, he could then take his "parade" at the Tour.
«Round – Bardet told Eurosport – I've only done it twice and completed it once. As I said, this year I would like to win a stage and maybe finish in the top five."
