In an interview with L'Equipe, Jumbo-Visma team boss Richard Plugge lashed out at the Groupama-FDJ riders, without mentioning them by name. In response to the scepticism surrounding the performance of Jonas Vingegaard, the Tour's yellow jersey, he spoke of the rigorous preparation and professionalism of his team-mates. And he compared himself to others.
He said: "We also look around us at what others are doing. For example, we were with a French team at our hotel during the rest day (it was the Groupama-FDJ team, staying in Saint-Gervais with them). We saw the riders drinking big beers. Alcohol is poison, and especially when you're already tired, you're going to be even more so. None of us drank alcohol, because it breaks you down. And even non-racers shouldn't drink it.
Ouest-France spoke to Marc Madiot on Friday evening after stage 19 of the Tour de France. "It's all nonsense. We had a drink, yes, like every rest day, but only the staff. It's a tradition on every rest day. But the riders were drinking Perrier.
The Groupama-FDJ manager added: "It's pathetic, pitiful! Let him mind his own business, it's none of his business. Does he think we don't train or what? That they're the only ones paying attention, working hard? In any case, I'm not going to look at what he's got in his bowl to see what his riders are taking.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram