"They immediately put their trust in me" - Spring revelation Louis Barré aims to reward his team's trust at Tour debut

Intermarché - Wanty are not having an ideal year. So much so that the Belgian has to look around their shoulder as the relegation is slowly catching up. But none of what was said applies to Louis Barré who has made an impressive leap in 2025 to become one of the best Classics men in the peloton. Such step up couldn't have been overlooked and the 25-year-old will be heading to his debut Tour de France this summer.

Most impressive was Barré's display on La Redoute during Liege-Bastogne-Liege where he arrived to the foot at the back of peloton to be among the first over top. "The most significant factor in my progress this season is undoubtedly the race calendar established with the team, which is perfectly suited to my profile," Barré explains his improvement in an interview on team website.

The Belgian team saw what no other team did in the young Frenchman: "When I was looking for a change of scenery in 2024, Intermarché - Wanty was the only team to offer me a clear, personalized program, even including a first Tour de France and a real vision for my future. They immediately put their trust in me, giving me a leadership role in tough classics and a stage hunter role in multi-day races."

"This season has been full of new experiences so far, which has allowed me to improve in several areas and even achieve results in races that aren't perfectly suited to me, like my podium finish at Paris-Camembert."

The explosive rider will have two opportunities to test his legs before the Tour: "I look forward to capitalize on my form for the Giro dell'Appennino, the French Championships, and then arrive completely ready for the start of my first Tour de France. I can't wait!"

His coach Frederik Veuchelen adds that the Grande Boucle will be a bit of a step into the unknown for Barré: "The Tour will also be an important step in his development, as he has never raced for more than ten days until now. We hope he will continue to surprise us, as we are certainly not yet at the end of his progression."