While with us with Bugno's fresh contribution the debate is heating up on Nibali's presence at the Olympics, In France the situation is becoming thorny and inconsistent with the renowned attachment to the flagThe Transalpine army, which on paper should have been the formation to beat, has lost its potential. And for coach Voeckler the picture is anything but reassuring..
Alaphilippe says no
The first push came in mid-May by Julian Alaphilippe. «In agreement with the selector of the French team and the Deceuninck-Quick Step - he said - I am resigning from my position as a candidate for selection for the next Tokyo Olympics.It's a personal, carefully considered decision. The end-of-season objectives have been defined, and choices must be made accordingly. I would be very proud of wear the French team jersey for the next World Cup. Obviously I wish the best to the national team that will be fielded on this occasion."
Team and family
Julian is racing the Tour of Switzerland for the first time (opening photo): a completely new approach to the Tour, which also takes into account the imminent birth of his first child.
"The birth of my child," he has repeatedly stated, "is the most important thing for me." The Tour in the rainbow jersey is a golden opportunity for everyone; the Olympic trip is less appealing.
"I want give everything to the Tour wearing the world champion's jersey – he emphasizes – without knowing how I'll finish it. And consequently without knowing if I'll be able to perform well in Tokyo six days after Paris. The health situation also played a role in my decision. I couldn't afford to bet everything on the Games, sacrificing what is essential to me, without being sure that they will take place."
Voeckler bitter
And what does Voeckler say? He understands, he adapts, he doesn't jump for joy, and he's looking ahead to the World Cup. The French federal president has chosen not to impose himself.
"It's part of the life of a high-level athlete to make choices," says the French coach, "and of a coach to adapt. Without offending the other riders, on that kind of circuit, Julian would have been our best assetWe're missing a great opportunity. Without him, it won't be the same team. I'm convinced the French team will do its part, but I can't say that we have the rider to win and that the other four will run for him».
Bardet's refusal
At this point, one might have expected Voeckler to convene a general meeting, perhaps highlighting Bardet's growing Giro. But no.
«After a three-way discussion with him and the team – said the Frenchman from Team DSM – we have decided that I will not participate in the Olympic Games this yearWith the team, we have big goals awaiting us at the end of the season, and with this schedule it would not be possible to reach peak form in Tokyo."
Martin raises his hand
The refusal came from riders included in non-French teamsIt can't be a coincidence. And so, all you have to do is look across the Alps to realize that there are people eager to leave.
«I'm still a candidate for the Games – says Guillaume Martin of Cofidis – even if I'm waiting to hear what Voeckler's plans are. I am ready to take on the role of leader or co-leaderI already have him in the Cofidis team and I'm not afraid to face him in Tokyo. If I'm going to the Tour this summer in a more relaxed way than in recent years, it's also because arrive at the Olympic race with a little more freshness».
Gaudu Recovery
The names available are not that many and include Barguil, Gallopin, Cavagna and above all Gaudu, to the point that within Groupama-Fdj people are starting to think that The Canaries' bad fall during the last training camp, which did not have serious physical consequences, could have a positive effect. According to his coach, in fact, arriving at the Dauphiné late in terms of condition could allow the young Frenchman to experience a Tour in crescendo and reach the top right in Japan.
It's difficult to determine whether the illustrious defections are a coincidence or whether the athletes accepted them willingly. Probably at the end of the Covid years, Sponsors have been less inclined to give up the highest paid champions in the name of the ideal of the Fatherland. For the allure of the Olympics, unfortunately, a step backwards that must be acknowledged.
