The selection of the Groupama-FDJ team was revealed in the afternoon of 22 June. Part of the workforce had already been announced during the month of January this year. The pre-selected riders were David Gaudu, Thibaut Pinot, Michael Storer, Stefan Küng and Valentin Madouas. The choice was made for a purpose : place a runner on the podium of the final general classification. Three runners are responsible for surrounding their leaders : Kevin Enjoyed, Olivier Le Gac and Antoine Duchesne.
Misunderstanding was quickly felt on social networks regarding the absence of Bruno Armirail. Many were surprised at his non-selection. Why Groupama-FDJ did not include Bruno Armirail in its selection for the Tour de France ?
Bruno Armirail is a complete runner. He is renowned as an excellent wheel that handles bumps well. It is often used to set the tempo in flat stages or as a relay when it is broken away. He's a pure teammate, a gregarious
On the Criterium du Dauphiné, the Occitan did not perform. He did not support his teammates as much as usual in the mountains. His performance in the time trial also remains below expectations. He finished it in 17th place, just under two minutes from the winner. Its form is therefore not optimal..
As previously stated, the riders who will have the role of teammate on the Grande Boucle will be Kevin Geniets, Olivier le Gac and Antoine Duchesne. Each has abilities that complement those of the others..
Kevin Geniets is a handyman. He can ride in the mountains as well as protect his leaders or fetch cans from the sporting director's car.. He showed great abilities in the Critérium du Dauphiné. He played a key role in the rise of Chastreix-Sancy, where David Gaudu established himself. After having accompanied its leader in the last kilometers of the stage, he took a splendid 5th place at the top.
Breton Olivier Le Gac, is comfortable on bumpy terrain. Like the other team members, his role will be to protect the leaders and preserve their forces. It can be very useful on the cobblestone stage on which it is comfortable. About its shape, she is good. He almost won the second stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné.
Antoine Duchesne is also versatile. It handles both bumps and cobblestones, rubs well and has a good relationship with Thibaut Pinot. He even says he is the “pocket psychologist” of Franc-Comtois.
The Groupama-FDJ formation opted to take these three riders because their skills are diverse and complementary. The emotional also had to play for the selection of Antoine Duchesne, Indeed, morale is important during a Grand Tour. Taking a rider close to Thibaut Pinot is therefore an advantage. The formation probably preferred to preserve Bruno Armirail for other races. Which is certain, David Gaudu finds the team "very good" according to his words live on Twitch.
Featured image source : Facebook Groupama-FDJ
