Romain Bardet optimistic ahead of Liege-Bastogne-Liege
Apr 20 2018 12:36 am CET
Photo of Romain Bardet by the A.S.O.
Romain Bardet is set to lead AG2R La Mondiale at the upcoming edition of Liege-Bastogne-Liege.
The Frenchman finished ninth at the Fleche Wallonne and feels confident ahead of the next challenge, which is also the last Ardennes classic of the season.
"After doing well at the Tour du Finistère (2nd) and la Flèche Wallonne (9th), I feel confident that the virus that hampered my performance at the Tour of the Basque Country is now definitely behind me," Bardet said.
"I started Flèche Wallonne on Wednesday more as preparation for Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Ultimately, I am happy with my form, and not necessarily too concerned with my result, even if I hadn’t been able to get into the top 10 of Flèche Wallonne.
"The crash I suffered one lap from the finish just before the penultimate time climbing the Huy certainly cost me energy. But the legs felt pretty good, and now it is just a case of staying focused until Sunday."
Bardet will look to become the first French winner of the race since Bernard Hinault in 1977.
The complete AG2R La Mondiale line-up for Liege-Bastogne-Liege (April 22):
Romain Bardet
Mikael Cherel
Benoit Cosnefroy
Axel Domont
Ben Gastauer
Cyril Gautier
Alexis Vuillermoz
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