"I can compete with the best" - David Gaudu buoyed by finishing runner-up at Paris-Nice

Having pushed Tadej Pogacar all the way and finished best of the rest in 2nd place on the general classification at Paris-Nice, self confidence is building within Groupama-FDJ's David Gaudu.

“Today, Pogačar was stronger. There was not much that could be done about it,” said Gaudu to DirectVélo following the Slovenian's win on the final stage that secured his yellow jersey victory. “I couldn't follow him there. On the steep part I wanted to ride at my own pace, because I was afraid of a counter-attack. I kept my pace up to the top."

Despite having been consistently denied stage wins, Gaudu can look back on a very successful week that saw him more than hold his own against the likes of Pogacar and reigning Tour de France champion, Jonas Vingegaard.

“This is of course a great result,” a proud Gaudu proclaimed. “It's not every day we get the chance to be on the podium at Paris-Nice or another stage race in the WorldTour. If we knew this in advance, I would have signed for it. I have seen that on some days I can compete with the best."