Romain Bardet has just announced his retirement. He will withdraw from the peloton following the Critérium du Dauphiné 2025 after participation in the Tour of Italy. Many followers expected this news despite their desire to see Auvergne shine eternally on the summits. A look back at the life of a runner who marked a generation.
An Exceptional Career
Born the 9 November 1990 in Brioude, in Haute-Loire, Romain Bardet has become one of the most respected cyclists of his generation. Professional since 2012, Bardet is recognized for his climbing skills and meticulous approach to competition. Currently a member of the dsm-firmenich PostNL team, he left his mark on cycling with his remarkable performances and his exemplary commitment.
Promising beginnings and a meteoric rise
Romain Bardet started cycling at the age of eight and showed exceptional qualities very early on.. In junior category, he stands out as the best young Auvergnat and quickly joins the French team in this category. In 2012, he made his professional debut with AG2R La Mondiale. From its first season, he showed promise by finishing 15th in his first Tour de France in 2013 and winning the Tour de l’Ain the same year.
More generally, throughout his career, Romain Bardet asserts himself on the international scene by winning his first stage of the Tour de France in 2015 in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne. This victory, obtained thanks to a daring escape, propels him into the spotlight. The next year, Bardet takes another stage victory in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, which allowed him to finish second in the general classification of the Tour de France 2016, behind Christopher Froome.
Notable Victories
In 2017, Bardet continues to shine by winning the 12th stage of the Tour de France in Peyragudes and finishes this edition on the podium, in third place overall. His performance at the world championships 2018, where he won the silver medal, confirms his status as an elite climber.
In 2021, Bardet takes victory in the Tour of Spain, reinforcing his hopes of entering the winner's circle of the three Grand Tours. He will try to integrate it on the roads of the next Giro, one of his last races. One of his last notable performances is his splendid 2nd place in Liège-Bastogne-Liège 2024 where the world saw him burst into tears, betraying his joy.
Beyond these exploits, Bardet is not satisfied with isolated victories. In 2019, he wins the ranking of best climber of the Tour de France, highlighting its regularity and mastery of mountainous terrain.
A Committed and Inspiring Runner
Beyond his sporting performances, Romain Bardet stands out for his commitment against doping. Member of the Movement for Credible Cycling (MPCC), he campaigns for clean and transparent sport. Cet engagement, coupled with his academic success with a master's degree in management obtained in 2015, makes him a role model for younger generations.
In 2022, he received the fair play medal from the International Fair Play Committee for having come to the aid of Julian Alaphilippe after a terrible fall on the roads of Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
Romain Bardet played, embodies and will embody excellence in cycling, not only by his successes on the roads but also by his values and his commitment. His career, marked by impressive victories and constant dedication, leaves a lasting mark on the world of cycling. Bardet remains an inspiration and an example of what it means to be a champion, both on and off the bike.
After his retirement in June 2025, he will continue high-level sport by participating in the Gravel World Championships in Nice.
