“I found myself at the end of the season... I'm happy with my life again" - Reinvigorated David Gaudu optimistic of getting back to his very best in 2025

2024 was a mixed campaign for Groupama - FDJ leader David Gaudu. A quiet early season was followed by a disappointing Tour de France, but at the Vuelta a Espana, the Frenchman showed signs of life, finishing 6th overall and then ended his year with a solid top-10 at Il Lombardia.

"You ask yourself a lot of questions, because I had a lot of ups and downs," reflects the two time Vuelta a Espana stage winner in conversation with Ciclo21. "The period around the Critérium du Dauphiné and the Tour de France in particular was very complicated," he admits.

As mentioned though, it wasn't all doom and gloom for the 28-year-old Frenchman in 2024, highlighted by a strong end to the campaign. “After the Tour I was incredibly motivated to show myself in the Vuelta a Espana. I also rode a great Vuelta a Espana (6th overall ed.) and then I even managed to win the Tour of Luxembourg. I also managed to end the season well at Il Lombardia,” Gaudu reflects with renewed optimism. 

As such, with the 2025 season starting to loom ever closer, Gaudu is excited and ready to show the best version of himself, competing at the top level once again. “I found myself again at the end of the season. I went through a lot of difficult moments, but unfortunately that’s part of it. You have to get through it,” he concludes. "I think I've overcome it now. I can now say that I'm happy with my life again. I'm looking forward to getting back on the bike, racing and hurting myself again."