David Gaudu on his Tour de France ambitions: "It's probably now or never"

One of the big general classification hopes for France, David Gaudu is aware that this year's edition of the Tour de France could be his best-ever chance at achieving success.

"The goal is to get on the podium," the expected leader of Groupama - FDJ revealed in an interview with L'Equipe. "We know that there are two riders who are favourites over all, Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard. Behind it is a group of outsiders and I am among them. It has always been my dream since I was a child: I would prefer it to a victory, even in the queen stage. It's probably now or never."

Gaudu has displayed some good racing legs so far this year, actually finishing ahead of the reigning Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard at Paris-Nice. The Frenchman is also aware though that the next generation of riders coming through could prove a big challenge to overcome. "If you look at the young riders coming from behind," he explains. "Juan Ayuso and Remco Evenepoel: it will be increasingly difficult."

Key to Gaudu's Tour de France chances could be the support of his teammate Thibaut Pinot who will be riding for the final time at his home Grand Tour. “I know that if he's there, for his last Tour, he'll be at his best," says Gaudu. "Thibaut has known everything on the Tour: the victory, the retirement while he was fighting for the general classification and he was leader many times. His experience could be very useful for me."