Romain Bardet Ag2r

rance’s next great hope probably enters the Tour with more pressure than the reigning champion. The home nation remains desperate for its own champion after a drought that stretches back to 1985: Bernard Hinault’s last win.

Whether Bardet is able to deliver this year is another matter, but he has reason to be optimistic. His stage win on Mont Blanc last year catapulted him up the GC from fifth to second and was garnered in a way — a long-range attack — that suggests there is more to come. Also, at 26 his best stage racing years are ahead of him, something that cannot be said of many of the favourites.

However, this season’s performances will likely not have struck fear into the hearts of his opposition. He ground out a sixth place at the Critérium du Dauphiné earlier this month. Though his attack on the stage to Alpe d’huez hinted his legs may be returning to their best, at last year’s race he was snapping at Chris Froome’s heels.

Bardet himself told French newspaper

L’equipe: “I know that I still have to do quite a bit of hard work to get more in condition. I’m not totally 100 per cent.”

That said, Bardet has only amassed five pro victories — two of which were at the Tour — during five years in the peloton and so its difficult to conclude too much.

This year he will also deal with the increased media attention that will follow last year’s success, which will make the race more stressful — how well he copes off the bike will be a factor on his result on the road. As a smart, relaxed and thoughtful character, it seems likely he will do this well but it is another step into the unknown.

The French may yet have to wait a few more years for their saviour but if Bardet can back up last year’s performance with a top-five result or even a podium, their hope for this year will be rewarded.