Like the first two stages in Italy, Groupama-FDJ was present in the day’s breakaway, heading towards Valloire (Savoie), on Tuesday July 2. “The objective was to place good riders, with teammates, because we knew that the Lautaret valley was going to be complicated with the wind”reported Morbihan sports director Benoit Vaugrenard. He was hit since David Gaudu, Valentin Madouas and Romain Grégoire had a whiff of a good move. “Afterwards, we didn’t have our destiny in our hands”Vaugrenard imagined. Indeed, UAE Emirates rolled for Tadej Pogacar, condemning the escape of his men.
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Gaudu: “A little feedback”
David Gaudu, who had deliberately stood up the first weekend – he was 45′ behind in the general ranking – was nevertheless one of the strong men of the day. “I’m happy because I had a little feedback today”said the Finistérien, who was caught by the big guns 7.5 kilometers from the summit of the Col du Galibier. “David was not confident about his levelsaid his teammate and friend Valentin Madouas. He reassured himself. It bodes well for the future. He will achieve great things between now and the end of the Tour, that’s obvious.”
Valentin Madouas, who had shown his excellent form during the first stage, could do the same. How? By conquering the polka dot jersey. This Tuesday, the Brestois, who wears it by default – Jonas Abrahamsen is already in green – had the opportunity to come back on the heels of the Norwegian, but was dominated by the Briton Stephen Williams (Israel – Premier Tech). “I knew he was faster than methe Breton whispered. I tried to surprise him. It didn’t work.” For the moment. “This tunic can be a beautiful common thread”noted Vaugrenard.
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“We’re not going to give up!”
Valentin Madouas knows that this will involve new days at the front. The former French champion in 2023 is ready to fight, especially if he is accompanied by David Gaudu. ” Today (mardi)Tadej wanted to win, however we will try againunderlined the fourth of the Grande Boucle 2022. If we have to do it 15 times out of 21, we’re going to do it. We’re not going to give up!” Word of the Bretons.
