David Gaudu keen to move on after below-par Critérium du Dauphiné: "I want to turn this page quickly"

After some impressive early season form, big things were expected of David Gaudu at the upcoming Tour de France. A below-par performance at the Critérium du Dauphiné however, has tempered those expectations somewhat.

“There is no lesson to be learned here. It went well all year, but not for now. We made a few small mistakes in the preparation and we analyzed them," the Groupama - FDJ leader revealed post-race courtesy of In de Leidestrui. "I am disappointed with my results, because I always want to perform as a rider. So I want to turn this page quickly."

Losing over 19 minutes on the final stage alone, Gaudu believes the fact the he travelled straight to the Dauphine from altitude may have played a part.

"It's not the first time I've ridden a bad Dauphiné. If we look at the two times I was at my best in the Tour de France - in 2019 and 2022 - I struggled both times in the Dauphiné," he explains. "You have to put it in perspective a bit. The goal remains the Tour, even if I would have liked to have done better this week."