Romain Bardet reacts to final World Championship race: “One of the hardest races”

Romain Bardet, one of France’s most celebrated cyclists, is nearing the end of his illustrious career, and the 2024 World Championships in Zurich marked his final participation in the road race. Bardet, known for his aggressive racing style and remarkable consistency in Grand Tours, finished 10th in a brutal race, behind the seemingly invincible Tadej Pogacar, who claimed victory with a stunning 100-kilometer solo attack.

Earlier this year at the Tour de France, Bardet experienced one of the biggest highlights of his career when he won the opening stage, earning him the iconic yellow jersey for the first time. Although this World Championship didn’t yield a podium finish for Bardet, his 10th place is a testament to his enduring strength and determination. He previously finished second at the World Championships in 2018, securing a silver medal.

After the race, Bardet spoke to Cyclism’Actu, reflecting on the challenge of his final World Championships. “It was one of the hardest races of my career,” Bardet admitted.

Looking ahead, Bardet has already set his sights on a new chapter in his career. After competing in the 2025 Critérium du Dauphiné, he will transition to gravel racing, an increasingly popular discipline that has attracted many former road cyclists. For Bardet, it marks a fresh challenge as he begins to wind down his time on the WorldTour circuit.

Bardet’s contributions to French cycling have been immense, and while his road racing career may be coming to a close, his passion for the sport will continue to shine in this new and exciting phase.