"We have seen many more who fell victim to burnout" - Bernard Hinault warns Tadej Pogacar

It's been 40 years since France has won a Tour de France and the last winner, Bernard Hinault, has launched quite harsh words towards his compatriots. Alongside that he's discussed Tadej Pogacar's record building and the obstacles he may face as well.

It had already been the case recently, but 'the Badner' did not hold back when asked about the French's lacks of results at the Tour when it comes to overall classifications recently. "They have no results and especially no chance of winning the Tour. It is a terrible observation, but it is inevitable: there are no great champions in France who can win the Tour anymore", Hinault said in words to L'Équipe.

"Complaining is a sign of weakness. It should have motivated them to show me that I was wrong. I am not making anything up when I say that their results in the Tour are below par. When you do top-level sport, you want to win. For years I have not had that impression when I hear the French announce their goal at the start of the Tour: a place in the top 10 in the final classification. Gaudu's fourth place in the Tour in 2022 was treated as if he had almost won," he argues. "It did not help him to aim higher afterwards, because in France he had already received almost all the honor that is normally given to a winner".

With a more international sport where resources reach more countries, and a bout of generational talents surging from many (even small) nations, France has found itself completely brushed away from the top of the Grand Tour scene. There are few riders who in the current peloton have the legs to finish in the Top10 of a Grand Tour, a worrying trend that has gotten worst over the years.

"Who forces them to do the Tour de France? There are more beautiful races to win, Julian Alaphilippe should have served as an example for many French riders. If he has such a record, it is because he never focused solely on the Tour," Hinault argues - although the big reason is because Alaphilippe is not a climber. "We have very well-performing punchers, who can win classics. Why would he aim for a top 10 of the Tour, while everyone immediately forgets that listing?"

18-year old Paul Seixas is being highly anticipated by the national crowds, but the pressure could in the future become a big problem for him. "Let him win the Tour de L'Avenir first. It is difficult to estimate the maturity of today's champion. It was very nice to let him do the Critérium du Dauphiné this year. I don't see why he wouldn't do the Tour next year. He'll be 19 and can learn everything there".

Hinault was also asked about Tadej Pogacar and how he's coming close to the record of five Tour wins held by several riders including Hinault himself. "It's not far off. He's very impressive. I hear here and there that it's starting to get boring to see him win so much, but it's not his fault that others can't get him off his pedestal, is it? If you look at Pogacar, he rode five Tours and won three, but also lost two. He knows both experiences. The hardest part is to refocus and start with the idea that you want to win the Tour. But he also goes into the Tour with the idea of racing for three weeks, and I find myself in him a little bit there. I also felt like I was having fun, and not like I was working".

But all riders face big obstacles at a certain time, and Hinault warns that this could happen at any time: "He could just as easily crack and suffer a setback from his success. He has absolute confidence in himself, and he never shows the slightest sign of fatigue, but staying at the top in this way also makes him vulnerable. We have seen many more who fell victim to burnout".