Laurent Jalabert: "Pogacar is now the strongest, but you never know how long that situation can last"

Laurent Jalabert is the most recent French Grand Tour winner, already 29 years ago however. The French are going through a drought, much like the Italians and the Spaniards who dominated the Grand Tour scene in the 20th century. Nowadays plenty more nations take control including Slovenia of Tadej Pogacar and Primoz Roglic. The veteran discusses these changes, France's top hope and more.

“In every era there is a rider who goes out of the picture. And now it is Pogacar, who is a phenomenon," Jalabert said in an interview with Marca. "But he is not alone. There are other riders who can face him and who have done so in the past. Anything can happen in races. Pogacar is now the strongest, but you never know how long that situation can last," he warns. By all means, the career Pogacar has already had and the achievements he had in 2024 already make for one of the best palmarès' int he history of the sport. This past year the small 2-million inhabitant country won all three Grand Tours, a massive contrast to France and Spain who have won aplenty last century but now struggle to do so again.

Asked by the Spanish news outlet, he of course makes the comparison. “I am the last Frenchman to win a Grand Tour and it was in 1995, so we are worse off than the Spaniards," he jokes. "In Spain there are always good riders. Now there are too, but winning a Grand Tour is another thing. Ayuso and Carlos Rodríguez can do it, especially Juan. What happens is that in cycling today, which is more explosive, there is a lot of competition. You need a great champion and not just good riders".

The likes of Thibaut Pinot and Romain Bardet promised a lot, even Jean-Cristophe Péraud finished second at the Tour de France 10 years ago - whilst in 2011 and 2019 the passionate performances of Thomas Voeckler and Julian Alaphilippe were largely inspired by the home crowds and almost succeeded. Currently the country is not even close to it's 2010 lineup when it comes to Grand Tour contenders, perhaps having David Gaudu as it's headliner.

Jalabert hopes that young talent Lenny Martínez could potentially be the rider to follow Jalabert as a Grand Tour winner. “Let's hope that this new French Grand Tour champion is already in the peloton. [Lenny] Martínez promises a lot, but the road is difficult for everyone. We'll see if he is able to get higher than he is now". There is another big star growing in Decathlon, Paul Seixas (joining the World Tour at age 18) however it can become dangerous in terms of pressure towards young riders, as we've seen with Remco Evenepoel in his early years.

“But the important thing is that it is now in good health. I think there are more and more fans. It is more explosive than in my time, although each era has its charms. It's about time.”

Jalabert was present at the route presentation of the Vuelta a España, the race he won back in 1995, and has talked about his positivity towards the Spanish Grand Tour and it's potential startlist for this year: “The truth is that I have been somewhat disconnected from La Vuelta lately. I know that it has progressed, but I am really looking forward to following this new edition. As we saw in the presentation, there are new and interesting stages. I think it will be another good opportunity to see some of the best cyclists in the world.”

On his personal side, the 56-year old continues to be active and also a vocal figure in the French scene. “I train several times a week, just to keep the good feeling and to feel good. I still get pleasure from it.”