David Gaudu discussion thread

[Red Rick]

Maybe, he's just a very forgetable and uninspiring rider. He's a OTP, no real punch, no timetrial, only riding tempo in the mountains. Just a much worse Carlos Sastre

He's relatively punchy. Got some decent results in one days, including a podium in Liege.

He's more like a heavy discount Purito to me.

 

[Valv.Piti]

I guess he somewhat punchy. I just don't like the guy, and I dont believe in the guy either tbh. But he can prove me wrong ofc!

 

[Netserk]

I think he's in the rather large group of riders who can end up top-5 in this year's Tour.

 

[Samu Cuenca]

I think he's in the rather large group of riders who can end up top-5 in this year's Tour.

I think he should target a stage win instead. I had high hopes for him last season, but he didn't deliver, and with two ITTs this year and a possibly more stacked field, I don't fancy his GC chances. And if he keeps crashing (he also crashed during recon for the Gran Camiño ITT) it will be harder for him to reach his best form before the Tour.

 

[tobydawq]

I think he should target a stage win instead. I had high hopes for him last season, but he didn't deliver, and with two ITTs this year and a possibly more stacked field, I don't fancy his GC chances. And if he keeps crashing (he also crashed during recon for the Gran Camiño ITT) it will be harder for him to reach his best form before the Tour.

Last year, seven of the top 8 got a stage win so those two things are hardly mutually exclusive.

 

[Samu Cuenca]

Last year, seven of the top 8 got a stage win so those two things are hardly mutually exclusive.

Top 10 is obviously not impossible, but Netserk talked about top 5 which I definitely think will be quite hard for him to get.

 

[staubsauger]

Gaudu could podium the Giro d'Italia, despite the TT kilometers. Simply because after Pogacar has secured the pink jersey there's room and possibility of successful long-range attacks as UAE doesn't need to control.

Top 5 at the Tour de France when the full arms race is on? Nearly impossible for Gaudu!

 

[Bolder]

I guess he somewhat punchy. I just don't like the guy, and I dont believe in the guy either tbh. But he can prove me wrong ofc!

Gaudu has a really good kick, actually. Didn't he outsprint Wout on an uphill finish?

He's not a consistent tippy top level climber, however, and lacks a big TT.

I was a fan of the low-key Gaudu, but high-profile, high-ambition Gaudu, without the big wins to back it up, is not an appealing personality.

But I think he can still be top 5 in the tour, particularly if the podium contenders burn up their lieutenants. Take away riders like Hindley and A. Yates and Gaudu is no worse than Gall or C. Rod, for example.

 

[cen]

He is a better stage hunter than GC for sure, got some memorable victories that way.

 

[Rob5091]

Surprisingly down for Route Adélie de Vitré on Friday (March 29)
https://www.procyclingstats.com/race/route-adelie-de-vitre/2024/startlist
before Basque Tour on Monday. Had a poor Paris-Nice so needs a boost before the Tour.

 

[staubsauger]

Gaudu hasn't been good since 2023 Paris-Nice!

 

[Jumbo Visma Fan :)]

Hopefully he can achieve a good result tomorrow, always liked his riding style which relies on having confidence.

 

[Rob5091]

Covid! Remco gets the sniffles and Gaudu goes full Covid ...
https://cyclinguptodate.com/cycling...mare-french-rider-tests-positive-for-covid-19

... all factors seem to be against him this season; with one week to the Grand Depart he has tested positive for Covid-19. "Tested positive for Covid-19, David Gaudu will not be taking part in Sunday's French Championship RR. He will concentrate on his recovery ahead of the Tour de France." Whilst he will not be a key absence from the nationals, this is another hit for his hopes of a good Tour de France.

 

[steffr222]

Well Tour over

 

[cen]

Biggest fraud since Froome?

 

[Rob5091]

As little Lenny M came in too at 29 minutes down, I wonder if the bug is going around FDJ.

 

[pastronef]

Well Tour over

au contraire. it starts. finally FDJ won't chase a top10, instead go for breakaways and polka dots.

 

[ppanther92]

au contraire. it starts. finally FDJ won't chase a top10, instead go for breakaways and polka dots.

Thats the optimistic interpretation. But it remains to be seen what the reason for Gaudu’s and Martinez’ awful showing was. Because like that they are not going to win a stage or polka dots…

 

[staubsauger]

Gaudu looks too weak to contest the polkadots jersey currently!

Makes you wonder why the Breton isn't going to the Vuelta a Espana after convalescence?

 

[Lexman]

As little Lenny M came in too at 29 minutes down, I wonder if the bug is going around FDJ.

Madiot is squeezing him out before he goes to Bahrain...

 

[Rob5091]

Well, at least Gaudu got into the break, but no one was getting away form UAE on stage 4.

 

[RedheadDane]

Are we allowed to criticise riders' hair-dos? Just... ignore the text. What even is this?

Is this how kids these days style their hair?

 

[Barnacle Bill]

Looks pretty aero.

 

[Izzyeviel]

I'm off the Gaudu train.

 

[Rob5091]

Are we allowed to criticise riders' hair-dos? Just... ignore the text. What even is this?

Is this kids these days style their hair?

"Is this kids these days style their hair?" Something missing here I think ...

It looks like Mrs Gaudu said she'd cut his hair after a drowning a couple of bottles of prosecco. "Don't worry. Nobody will notice with your helmet on".