craig1985 said:
What made me a fan of Offredo is that he went against the norm for French riders and said the TDF is at times boring and the Classics is what he likes best. Gadret is another who hates the Tour but loves the Giro, mind you the climbs in the Giro do suit Gadret well.
Totaly agree with the principle. A good reason to like Offredo. But I dont think French riders are that bad.
They grow up watching not just the Tour but also PN and PR and other classics and stage races.
Me and you often complain about what a disgrace cycling coverage is around the world. Well in France its possibly at its best (other than Belgium). Lequip covers cycling not just during July and has articles rating the favorites every year before both the Giro and the Vuelta.
youngest even said that the Giro is popular in 2 countries- Belgium and France ( I had to remind him of Italy

).
The riders then rise through the ranks of riding French classics and stage races.
Look at the top French riders in recent years. Chavannel is a top classics guy who is as much on peak in April as in July. Podiumed various big stage races. Seemed cooked even by the time the Tour came around this year, then was very impressive at the Vuelta holding the red for some days and even expressing a desire to keep it longer.
Theres Voeckler whose basically on peak all year round and has recently expressed a desire to ride the Vuelta for gc.
Gadret who you mention and Dupont who seems to be good for going in Gadrets direction.
Then of course there is our beloved King David, international marker (whatever Hrotha says) and all that, whose main goal for about 4 seasons has been to take the Vuelta KOM.
Certainatly not as bad as many American or British riders who grow up only hearing about the Tour de France.