Romain Bardet: The 2017 Tour de France is really attractive
This year’s Tour de France runner-up Romain Bardet is looking forward to the 2017 edition of the race, unveiled Tuesday in Paris. The Frenchman had an impressive 2016 Tour, winning stage 19 to jump from fifth to second overall.
“The 2017 Tour de France is really attractive with new climbs and a stage finish just beside the AG2R-La Mondiale team headquarters,” he said. “Many stages are unknown therefore it will be tricky. We will definitely have to be smart to perform. It will be more challenging to ride the four French mountains. Izoard will be the most crucial ascent to climb. It is part of the cycling legend.”
Team head Vincent Lavenu is also excited about the route. “This route appears to be homogenous because there will have stages for spinters, punchers and climbers. Certain days will be more difficult than others especially when riders will have to climb the Grand Colombier or Relais du Chat cols.
This Tour fits perfectly well riders who have an alpine profile such as Romain Bardet.”
“We will have to think carefully about our strategy because Marseille time-trial will be a decisive one,” said Bardet. “Finally, I am glad the last rest day is located close to my hometown, at the Puy en Velay!”
