Re:
I think it's more accurate to say that we currently have a generation of young French riders -- Bardet, Pinot, Barguil, Gallopin, Bouhanni, Demare -- who all seem to have the potential to do great things but have yet to take that big step onto the top tier of their specialization. Actually, I think Bouhanni has already taken that step: as of this spring he seems to be one of the 2 or 3 best, if not the best, road sprinter out there. But the question of whether Bardet or Barguil or Pinot will ever become a top-top stage racer is still TBD. For my money Pinot is still the stage racer with the most potential. He's had a string of top placings and stage wins, and every year he improves at something: last year it was summit finishes, this year it's time trials. I like Bardet, but I have a harder time imagining him getting beyond 5th or 6th at the Tour.
portugal11 said:French riders are so overrated nowadays... he was beaten by galopin, izaguirre. And these guys aren't climbers at all. He won't make a top 10 in le tour.
I think it's more accurate to say that we currently have a generation of young French riders -- Bardet, Pinot, Barguil, Gallopin, Bouhanni, Demare -- who all seem to have the potential to do great things but have yet to take that big step onto the top tier of their specialization. Actually, I think Bouhanni has already taken that step: as of this spring he seems to be one of the 2 or 3 best, if not the best, road sprinter out there. But the question of whether Bardet or Barguil or Pinot will ever become a top-top stage racer is still TBD. For my money Pinot is still the stage racer with the most potential. He's had a string of top placings and stage wins, and every year he improves at something: last year it was summit finishes, this year it's time trials. I like Bardet, but I have a harder time imagining him getting beyond 5th or 6th at the Tour.