I was wondering what you think of that? In my opinion, Pinot and Bardet are above Barguil, though of course we haven't seen them in the same race against each other yet in a major tour.
Still, generally I'm quite pleased to see these three young French riders come to the scene and I hope we have a next TDF winner among them. (Though it takes more than climbing well and having balls to do that, France lacks riders against the time!)
Have seen Pinot a lot, and he's got talent and lots of balls, I like that. Bardet impresses me, too, he has courage, too. But I've only really seen Barguil at the Vuelta, though winning 2 stages. Still a bold statement to call him the biggest prospect, in my opinion!
Edited by Ian Butler on 08-06-2015 16:49
Barguil is right up there with Pinot and Bardet ( and Demare, Bouhanni and Alaphilippe though on different terrain). He's younger and didn't get to do the Tour yet last year cause Giant fully focused on Kittel. He did finish 8th in the very strong Vuelta field and that makes me believe he could have been right up there in the Tour top 10 had he been given a chance. Will be intresting to see what he can do this year, he should be riding le Tour with Kittel's participation in doubt. His results this year haven't been stellar though so far.
For me Barguil is a bit lower than Pinot and Bardet. But maybe he meant his pure talent. Betancur is also a huge talent, but he isn't successful atm, even if thats down to his eating habits.
Hmm, I can understand why he's seen as a big talent.
I mean, one thing, he won Avenir, and his first year at WT was still quite a good year(2 Vuelta stage wins most notable), well, he progressed afterwards, but not (yet) to the level of Pinot, Bardet etc.
Don't forget Barguil entered the WT 3 years later than Pinot and 1 year later than Bardet.
It is difficult to predict if he will make the step up to a top stage-racer, and I deem it unlikely, but there is definitely some potential there. He just gotta make sure he doesn't stagnate but actually steps up. And I'm yet to see that happen in the 2015 season.
8th in the Vuelta last year is a good start, although must be taken into account that he was probably fresher than most.
When was this biography written, Ian?
Edited by Jesleyh on 08-06-2015 17:40
Don't see much reason in splitting hairs over who's got more talent and whatnot. If the author thinks it's the case, sure.
The important thing is will either win le Tour some day? And there, I don't see it happening with either Rolland, Bardet, Pinot, Barguil or (very unfortunately) Sicard (basque french <3 ). Maybe Alaphilippe's, he's got a winner mentality though I'm not fond of him and he's far from being a competitive climber in a Grand Tour but the boy made such a big jump this season, whose to say he won't outclimb Q and Contador in 2 years.. lol
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
If anyone from them, it'll be Pinot, if you ask me.
I mean, he's just 25, and while he might not be top-top class yet, he's not very far off. Can't exclude him from being a potential TdF winner.
Give Barguil a couple of years and he will be better than the other two IMO but they each have their advantages over the others. I'm not convinced any of them will win the TDF though.
