While Jean-Christophe Peraud and Carlos Betancur, the other designated leaders for AG2R at the Tour de France, started their seasons in Argentina prior to racing in the Tour Meditteraneen, Romain Bardet did things a little differently. Bardet remained in Europe and began his season almost two weeks later at the GP Cycliste la Marseillaise, before racing at the Tour of Oman where he won the Young Riders classification after a strong showing on the Green Mountain climb. After that came a return to France and a 4th place finish in the Classic Sud Ardeche and then victory the following day in the 2nd edition of the Valence Drome Classic.
Bardet was part of a six man leading group along with AG2R team mate Mikael Cherel, with a little more than 3km to go Cherel was leading the group and Bardet was at last wheel. Bardet let himself drop off slightly, crossed to the opposite of the road and launched a blindside attack, his companions didn’t see it immediately and they reacted a few seconds late which allowed Bardet to establish a small gap and he was strong enough to hold that gap for the final 3km to take a fine win. Bardet is a talented and attacking climber and ultimately that is where he will be at his best, but he also possesses the ability to launch punchy attacks on the flat, just like the one that brought this victory in Valence.
Next up for Bardet is an unusual edition of Paris-Nice, one without a time trial or a high mountain finish, where the GC looks set to be determined over stages 4-8 with their short uphill finishes or hills close to the line. It’s a parcours where an aggressive punchy rider could excel, and with his good form I think Romain Bardet is going to be a fun rider to watch in a week’s time.
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