Romain Bardet : "Ma conception du métier nétait plus en phase avec celle du milieu" from

Romain Bardet: "My conception of the profession was no longer in phase with that of the environment"

The former AG2R Citroën rider has not yet made a decision on his future beyond 2023. In this interview, he talks about his departure from his training team, his feelings about his last Tour de France and his desire to continue racing.

"I needed a new challenge"

It was one of the big soap operas of the last transfer window: Romain Bardet did not extend his contract with AG2R Citroën and will therefore leave his training team at the end of the year. In an interview with L'Equipe, the climber explains the reasons for his departure: "My conception of the profession was no longer in phase with that of the environment. I needed a new challenge".

Arrived at AG2R in 2012, Bardet has had some great successes with the team, including two podiums at the Tour de France (2nd in 2016, 3rd in 2017) and a victory at the Tour of the Alps. But the last few seasons have been more difficult for the 31-year-old rider, who has struggled to regain his best level.

"I still have the motivation to race"

Despite his difficulties, Bardet remains determined to continue racing: "I still have the motivation to race. I love this sport and I want to continue to perform at the highest level".

For the moment, the climber has not yet made a decision on his future beyond 2023: "I am in discussion with several teams and I will take my time to make the best decision for my career".

"The Tour de France was a disappointment"

In the meantime, Bardet is preparing for the upcoming season, which will include the Tour de France. The Frenchman had a difficult Tour in 2022, finishing only 15th overall. He admits to being "disappointed" by his performance: "The Tour de France was a disappointment. I expected more from myself and I was not able to achieve my goals".

However, Bardet believes that he can still achieve great things in the Grande Boucle: "I know that I have the potential to win the Tour de France. I need to work hard and make some changes, but I believe that I can do it".