For the first time in his career, Romain Bardet will wear the Tour de France leader’s yellow jersey. This, thanks to the major feat he achieved alongside his teammate Frank Van den Broek to win the first stage of this 2024 Grande Boucle, this Saturday, in Rimini. The Brivadois had difficulty containing his emotion upon arrival.
Romain Bardet after his victory during the 1st stage of the Tour de France 2024: “It just goes to show that there are still unexpected and sublime moments that happen. We started the Tour de France in a great frame of mind, it’s the first time I smiled before a big start. Not playing for the general classification takes a huge amount of pressure off me. I’m finally myself, racing without any ulterior motives, it was fabulous. I had instinct. I didn’t really know the course, but I saw a lot of riders suffering while I felt really good. I knew that in front, we had Frank Van den Broek. I had nothing to lose, at worst, I would have lost 20 minutes, so I went for it. Frank was super strong. It also motivated him that I came back in front. We both stayed and honestly, he deserves the victory as much as I do because he pulled me on the flat at the end, he’s really a great talent. The headwind at the end was crazy. We were going at 46-47 km/h on the dual carriageway. It was hellish. But the scenario is incredible, I would never have allowed myself to dream of such a scenario.
Tour de France: a victory and a first yellow jersey for Romain Bardet, in Rimini, at the cost of an enormous feat
The yellow jersey? It has always been one of the goals of my career. Honestly, I had mourned it a little because I was often too close to be let go. Afterwards, I had really targeted today’s stage. (this Saturday)with the idea of going all out. I just didn’t think about it. Every time I’ve followed my instincts on a bike, it’s worked out pretty well for me.”
