The Tour de France 2024 set off this Saturday from Florence for three weeks of intense racing, and with it the return of the Chronicle Andy Schleck ! HAS 39 years old, the Luxembourger is a columnist for Cyclism’- like every year on the Big loopbut also luxury ambassador of Skoda on the Tour, the automotive brand celebrating its 20th consecutive start as a major partner of the world’s greatest race. Retired since 2014 and a privileged observer of cycling since, the former winner of the Tour de France 2010 spoke at our microphone on this 111th edition.
Video – Andy Schleck with Cyclism’- at the start of the 2nd stage
“Romain Bardet? We rode together, but…”
The Tour de France has started well, hasn’t it?
I didn’t expect a breakaway to go all the way, but it’s fantastic for the start of the Tour, with a French winner loved by everyone. Romain Bardet is a super nice guy and what’s more, it’s his last Tour, it’s a dream.
Do you know Romain Bardet well?
I rode with him, but I don’t remember any particular anecdote. He’s a rider who gradually rose to become one of the favorites as he is today. Will that be enough for the podium? We’ll see how he defends himself in the mountains over the next few days. In any case, I’m super happy for him.
“Bardet has had a lot of ups and downs in his career”
At 33, for his last Tour, did his performance surprise you?
Cycling always surprises. He prepared very well for this Tour, but it is clear to him that this will be his last Tour de France. He has had many ups and downs in his career, but to finish with a Yellow Jersey, even if it is only the first stage, is magnificent.
Is this Tour de France promised to Tadej Pogacar?
On paper, when you look at how he has been riding in recent months and years, he is the big favourite. I think he is the strongest in the peloton, but we have seen a solid Vingegaard, who is in the most professional team. Vingegaard is ready, he will be very strong in the last two weeks. Pogacar has been at the top level for a while, especially in the Giro, where he released a lot of energy. And with the heat, your metabolism can be disrupted. May the best man win, but I hope Pogacar does not have a 4-minute lead from the 5th stage.
“Bikes and riders are different…”
Few people believe in Remco Evenepoel’s victory, do you believe it?
We saw that he lost weight, he is ready, he is here to play to win. Even if I think he will still have a little trouble in the high mountains, he is not a pure climber. I am impatient to see what he can do.
Can you tell us about the Col du Galibier?
This year he arrives very early (on the 4th stage, editor’s note), plus they will pass by the same side where I won in 2011. But a lot of things have changed since then, the road is still the same, but the bikes and the riders are different. I will follow this stage closely and climb the Galibier by car with a smile.
