Valentin Madouas is competing this year in his third Tour de France with the Groupama-FDJ team, in the service of its leader David Gaudu. He tells us about the race seen from inside the peloton in weekly road diaries. Last episode this Sunday, as the race ends in Paris. Groupama-FDJ will leave with a fine 4th place in the general classification for David Gaudu.
To the Champs Elysees
That’s it, we’re on the bus heading to the Paris region, and now we can relax over a little aperitif! We toast, we put on music, we joke about each other’s performances: it’s a good child and it shows how good a group we had. The previous years had been difficult for the team, and it was a relief to see the end of the tunnel… This time it’s a little different, we’re happy to be done after three intense weeks and at the same time a little nostalgic time at the idea of letting go of friends.
It was a great human adventure, and we still have a magical moment to live, the one I’m waiting for with the most excitement: the arrival on the Champs-Élysées. Paris, closed, for us, at night, it’s so beautiful! The general classification is neutralized before this stage (only the stage victory is disputed, generally in the sprint, editor’s note) and I find that logical. We waged war for three weeks in the mountains, on the cobblestones, in short on all terrains. In Paris, it has no interest, it would even be dangerous because of urban development. And then, we too want to enjoy the scenery and the atmosphere of the Tour before finding our “bubble” at the time of the battle for the sprint.
Play in the big leagues
I’m really happy with my Tour, I knew how to be solid over time, constant, complete. I gave my maximum for the team and I had my chance on a stage (2ᵉ, in Foix, Editor’s note). Physically, I feel like I’ve reached my best level, especially in the third week. Result: I am also at the gates of the Top 10 of the general classification (11ᵉ). If someone had bet on it at the start, I would have taken it for a joke! Besides, I didn’t run especially for that, I even sometimes “got up” the first few days to keep up my strength. Then, by dint of staying alongside David, to hang on for as long as possible on the difficult stages, to help him in the event of a problem, I found myself in a good position. It also allowed me to show that I had my place at that level.
One day, maybe, I will play the general classification, but maybe not 100% like David. For the moment, I do not feel able to ensure for three weeks and to manage the pressure of a team at my service. I will continue to take the Tour de France like this year, and gradually, if I manage to get ahead with a breakaway, for example, that could motivate me to hang on a little harder still , and play a good place.
David and the Goliaths
The “podium” objective was very high for David and for the team. We’re almost there, and it’s already big! The last mountain stage, to Hautacam, will remain as my best memory of those three weeks. We felt collectively very close to the best, and David finished the job well (5ᵉ of the stage, editor’s note). This Tour will serve as a basis for work and trigger. He knows now that he can handle the pressure, that he can stay level over time.
Of course, there are two runners above the lot at the moment: Vingegaard and Pogacar. They are young, and I see them struggling for years, even if the general level is also progressing. It promises great mountain battles in the future. For this year, Vingegaard is a good winner: he is discreet, he arrived recently in the peloton, but his management of the race was perfect. He was also able to unite his team around him, become aware of his role, and ensure behind. It is deserved.
The final word
I hope that you have taken as much pleasure in reading me as I have in writing to you. I tried to tell you about my Tour de France from the inside, to help you better understand our sport and this very special race. Happy summer to all RFI listeners, and see you next year, I hope!
On the road to Paris, Valentin Madouas