Bernard Hinault concerned about French cycling

French cycling legend Bernard Hinault has expressed concern about the current state of French cycling, despite the emergence of some promising young riders.

Hinault, who was one of two parrains (sponsors) of the 2023 Vélo d’Or ceremony, said that France has “a few good young riders, but…”
Hinault’s comments come after no French riders were among the ten nominees for the 2023 Vélo d’Or Hommes award. Hinault said that he hopes that the situation will improve in the coming years, but he is not overly optimistic.

Hinault’s comments are a reminder of the challenges facing French cycling. While there are some talented young riders coming through, the country has not produced a world-class rider in recent years.

One of the most promising young French riders is Christophe Laporte, who was named the Vélo d’Or français 2023. Laporte is a versatile rider who can win sprints, classics, and stage races. He won two stages of the Tour de France in 2023 and also finished second in the Milan-San Remo classic.

Some promising French cyclists but…

Other promising young French riders include David Gaudu, Valentin Madouas, and Benoît Cosnefroy. Gaudu is a climber who has finished in the top 10 of the Tour de France twice. Madouas is a puncheur who is capable of winning classics and stage races. Cosnefroy is a classics specialist who won the Amstel Gold Race in 2022.

However, it is too early to say whether any of these riders will be able to reach the heights of Hinault and other French cycling legends. Hinault is right to be concerned about the current state of French cycling, but there is some hope for the future.

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