‘It was pure joy’ - Romain Bardet’s Tour de France victory should make you believe in happy endings

Sometimes, when people ride bicycles, they have a magical experience. It doesn't happen very often, and cycling can be tough, but when it does happen, it's a moment that is so incredible that it's difficult to compare it to any other sport. After 11 years of competing, Romain Bardet finally had his moment of victory during the first stage of the 2024 Tour de France.

The French competitor's joy when he finished the race with his teammate was clear. Surrounded by reporters and cameras, Bardet hugged Frank van den Broek, who came in second place on the stage, with intense happiness. Years of effort led up to this moment, on the grandest stage of all.

"Finishing first and second in a Tour stage and securing the yellow jersey, what more could you want?" Said Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL sports director, Matt Winston, with a smile.

Bardet's win was remarkable because it was a victory not only for himself but for the whole team as well. Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL has a reputation for their methodical and efficient approach to cycling, which may not have fit every rider in the past. However, Bardet and Van den Broek's strong attack today showed that when this strategy clicks, it can lead to success.

"We chatted until 1am at the Giro about the initial weekend of the Tour de France, expressing our desire to participate in the Italian stages and aim for the jersey during the first weekend," Winston described. "We went in with a strategy of four team members rotating for the breakaway and four climbers. Frank was part of the breakaway, and then Romain felt particularly strong on the third-to-last climb, so he bridged the gap with Frank's assistance. It was an incredible experience."

The way that Bardet and Van den Broek teamed up when they broke away from the main group in the race to Rimini was full of meaning. Bardet is older than Van den Broek by 10 years and is nearing retirement in 2025, while the Dutch rider is competing in his first Tour de France. This win was a fitting farewell for Bardet, as he passes the torch to the next generation of talented riders like Van den Broek.

"Winning with a teammate adds so much more because that was our only option today. I say 'we' because we both achieved victory. This is exactly how we wanted to compete in this race. It was his first day in the Tour de France and he, along with Warren and myself, had the opportunity to break away and try to earn points and possibly win," Bardet exclaimed during his press conference after the race. "It's unbelievable to be the strongest in the initial breakaway and it confirmed that we could make it to the finish line. I believe I couldn't have done it without him, so this victory is a team effort."

Even though careful planning and readiness have played a major role in Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL's achievements, Bardet's triumph is a delight for those who love the romantic side of cycling. He competed with fervor and sentiment, driven by his years of dedication to chasing after the sport's most sought-after reward.

"It was all about cycling in its purest form. Just me and my friend pushing ourselves to ride as fast as possible, even if it meant enduring pain," stated the French cyclist regarding his performance.

"He just went for it," said Bardet's teammate Oscar Onley, shortly after praising the more experienced rider. Onley explained that Bardet felt good and their team director encouraged him to take a chance since they had another teammate ahead to assist. It was an amazing display of skill and determination.

Young cyclists like Onley and Van den Broek are part of the upcoming generation of pro cycling and Bardet's influence on their growth should not be overlooked. The French rider is composed, experienced, and easy to approach - qualities that have made him a valuable mentor for younger riders on his team. In a way, the assistance Van den Broek provided Bardet today could be seen as a form of repayment for the guidance the 33-year-old has provided within the Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL organization.

Romain and I have been working together closely ever since he joined the team, and we have built a strong bond. He has achieved some of his top performances with the team during his time here, and I am genuinely happy for him. This Tour de France holds a special significance for him as it is his final one, and it holds importance for the team too," Winston expressed. "He plays a key role in the team by passing on his expertise, taking care of his teammates, and providing guidance. We witnessed this support earlier in the day when we discussed our strategy in the bus, and we saw it in action during our ride as well."

Bardet and his team have many chances to win more stages and will also be focused on keeping the yellow jersey. Winston is sure that Bardet won't change his strategy to compete for the overall classification. The team will stick to their aggressive racing style and search for new ways to win.

No matter what happens in the remaining 20 days of the Tour, Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL have already had a memorable experience in professional racing. Bardet expressed the intense emotions of crossing the finish line in Rimini in just four words, capturing the feelings of spectators as well.

"It brought me immense happiness."

Featured image: James Startt The blog section features articles written by James Startt.