Groupama-FDJ in bind with departing Thibaut Pinot: after successful Giro, Frenchman wants to compete in Tour de France

Thibaut Pinot had an impressively strong Giro d'Italia. The Frenchman gradually accumulated more mountain points throughout the grand tour, steadily climbed up the general classification, and secured the mountain classification in the final mountain stages. The result after three weeks of the Giro: the blue mountain jersey and a fifth-place overall ranking.

It's worth considering that the climber is actually on his farewell tour: it is his final racing year for Team Groupama-FDJ. And in this last year, he wants to demonstrate what the real Pinot is capable of. Despite not achieving a stage victory, Pinot consistently showcased himself to the public.

While it appeared for a few weeks that the Giro could potentially be his last grand tour, after the conclusion of the Italian stage race, 33-year-old Pinot expressed interest in participating in its French counterpart - the Tour de France. "Considering how good my legs are and taking into account my top five spot in the Giro, I have shown what I am capable of," said the motivated rider to one of Eurosport's cameras.

Pinot wants farewell in home race, Tour de France

While the farewell from his last participation in the Giro was already occasionally emotional, this could reach an even higher level if Pinot gets to ride on home soil in France. However, his team has already communicated that the Tour de France roster consists of team leaders David Gaudu and Arnaud Démare. Whether there is room for Pinot remains highly uncertain, as sprinter Démare is expected to have several teammates dedicated to his sprint train.

Then the question arises whether Pinot can be of significance to Gaudu, who has expressed his intention to once again contend for a high ranking after finishing fourth in 2022. "I am motivated and want to help the team. I want to go to the Tour," Pinot clearly states. "I hope to know soon, so that I can focus on the rest of the season."

Mentally and physically, Tour de France often proved disappointing for Pinot

The final decision lies with team manager Marc Madiot, who stated in the Grand Plateau podcast on RMC Sports that he will listen to Pinot's statements. "It makes me laugh and pleases me at the same time. For years, it was difficult to convince him to ride the Tour de France. And now, as we approach the end of his career, he wants to ride the Tour de France."

Madiot is referring to the many setbacks Pinot experienced in the French stage race. His mental state, in particular, frequently let him down, and back problems also caused physical discomfort. However, Pinot's participation in the Tour is still uncertain. "It's reasonably good news, but there are still two or three minor things we need to check," Madiot clarified. "In particular, his physical condition and recovery, which we will evaluate in the coming days. Depending on that and how we will assemble the team for the next Tour de France, we will make a decision."