2023-07-21 21:41:41
To say that until then the aggressiveness on the Tour was only confined to the race and the cyclists. But since Friday evening, the tension has just risen at the speed of a supersonic ascent by Jonas Vingegaard between the Jumbo-Visma team and the French Groupama-FDJ. It all started with an interview with Richard Plugge, the yellow and black manager. In the columns of The TeamPlugge returned to the suspicions with regard to Jonas Vingegaard, who except improbable failure this Saturday, will win his 2nd Tour de France in a row.
“We open our doors to people who shoot documentaries, it’s been four years now (Amazon then Netflix), journalists come to our training camps. Some people could look more in depth, ask themselves the right questions and analyse, ”says Richard Plugge who then addressed a big tackle to… Groupama-FDJ.
“We also look around us at what others are doing. For example, we were with a French team (he doesn’t mention it, but it’s Groupama-FDJ) at our hotel during the rest day (Monday, the day before the time trial). We saw runners drinking large beers. Alcohol is poison, and especially when you are already tired, you will be even more so. At the start of the last week of the Tour, which is the most important, you have to be very careful about what you drink and eat. We, nobody drank alcohol, because it breaks you, and even those who are not runners should not drink it. So it’s a whole set. We can open our doors, answer all questions. But you also have to show the other side. Because it also explains part of the differences, not only in our favour, but against others. »
“It’s shabby, pitiful, small, shameful”
Words that made Marc Madiot, the manager of Groupama-FDJ jump into a fury as rarely seen at home. “It’s shabby, pitiful, small, shameful, he confided to us, screaming this Friday evening. Let him shut his mouth. Keep his mouth shut! On the rest day there is traditionally a pot with the frame. The staff drank beers. But only Perrier riders. The next day none missed their time. Two days later I have four guys in the breakaway. I’m not going to lower myself to call him. I am beyond anger. In addition, I’m sure he’s mad at me personally because we don’t agree in the AIGCP (international association of professional cycling groups). Shabby, shabby, shabby…”
At a minimum, the exit of the boss of Jumbo-Visma lacks the elegance and restraint that accompanied the rounds of wheels of his Danish champion. Vingegaard says he prefers to speak with his calves than with his words. Plugge could have been inspired by it. Especially at a time when doubt without proof, the usual partner of the big winners of the Tour, has just landed in front of his team’s bus. When such pressure mounts around you, not sure to accuse your opponents of drinking it before riding, is the best way to look away.
While the Tour is still mostly running on petrol, the atmosphere is likely to be electric in the start village this Saturday.
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