Absence of champion opens it up
Romain Bardet, second to Froome in 2016, said the fact the four-time winner was not involved did not change anything fromhis own perspective.
“There is no big change for me ... we are here facing other riders who are at 100 per cent.
“I would not offend those who are here by sayingwe have an opportunity because others are not.”
Alongwith Groupama-fdj’s Thibaut Pinot, Bardet is one of two Frenchmen given a serious chance of ending a 34-yearwait for a home winner.
“As Frenchmen, it’s a long wait since Bernard Hinault’s last win for sure, but I’m accustomed to trying to deal with that the best I can,” he said. “I think it’s good for us as French people to have guys who can try to go for the win in the Tour and ... we have big, big support on the road. I think it can strengthen our riders during the Tour.” While Froome’s absence robs the Tour of an engaging story – the 34-year-old would have been chasing a recordequalling fifth victory – the question is whether it will change the nature of the race.
“Maybe people have a fear of Froome,” Porte said. “Last year they didn’t attack that much. It definitely changes it a lot.
“To have (Froome and Tom Dumoulin) out, second and third in the Tour last year, it’s a totally different ball game.”
Change would certainly suit Porte, who has seen his own hopes of glory in the Tour hit by crashes, mechanicals and illness over recent years.
“Maybe the Tour de France owes me something,” the 34-year-old said.
“Hopefully, the cycling gods smile on me this year.”