"There was a generation that could never express itself" - Romain Bardet talks about struggles against new generation

Romain Bardet is one of the few general classification riders that has thrived in the mid-2010's and has managed to sustain himself at the top of cycling when it comes to the Grand Tours. The Frenchman has in the past done so, and in a recent interview he's talked once again about the change in level throughout the past few years.

"I feel that there was a generation that could never express itself. It was not empty words when I said in 2016 or 2017 that my best years were yet to come. The numbers are clear, I am stronger than those years but there are even stronger young cyclists," he said. In his prime, he finished second and third at the Tour de France in 2016 and 2017. He was one of Chris Froome's biggest rivals, but as Froome faded, so did many other GC contenders of the era. 

Bardet seemed to be part of that group, however with a move into Team DSM in 2021, he has taken a step up in his career, affirming his level is supperior. However he's not been able to replicate his results. “You do not see the window of fullness in which I am, in terms of results. Cycling has evolved very quickly in the last six years," he concluded.

He dropped his focus in the Tour de France, instead going through different calendar and goals. He finished seventh last year at the Giro d'Italia last year, and this year after winning the Tour of the Alps he was one of the favourites for the Giro d'Italia, where he abandoned in the second week whilst fighting for the pink jersey. He's managed to keep his level however and ride into sixth position at the Tour de France - a step below Vingegaard and Pogacar who battled for the win, showcasing the difference there is at the of the GC contenders list.