A experienced observer of the Tour de France, Gérard Holtz does not hide his skepticism as to the performance of the favorites of the Tour de France.
Former an essential figure in public service writing, Gérard Holtz covered more than one Tour de France in his journalist career. Today retired from the microphone, the interested party remains a careful observer of the small queen and the large loop in particular. Witness his book “Gules du Tour de France” freshly published and co-written with his son Julien.
In promotion this Saturday on RMC, on this big departure day for the new edition of the Tour, Gérard Holtz, although passionate, did not elude the questions that angry. “” Am I suspicious? Yes of coursehe admits. I doubt from time to time by seeing certain results, certain speeds, certain averages. Doping has always existed in the bicycle. For what ? Because it is very controlled. There are much less controls in football, rugby or boxing. As it is very controlled, there is a little more doping in this sport than elsewhere … “”
Having become an actor, the septuagenarian assures him: ” All sports are affected by the phenomenon of doping! No question, however, of sulking his pleasure in the intense spectacle of major sporting events. “” Do not keep spoiling the pleasure. When I listen to a concert from the Rolling Stones, I think above all about their music and a little less about what they take … He blows with malice.
The French have no chance, according to Gérard Holtz
In this potentially vitiated context, does a French runner have a chance today? “” The answer is no, unfortunately noConsiders not without spite Gérard Holtz.
French teams have much less budget than large foreign teams. We have very good French. Lenny Martinez will undoubtedly win a stage and, as with Julian Alaphilippe, there can be shine. But to win a lap, you need a large team around you, an extraordinary physical capacity and luck. “”
Does this mean that the Slovenian Tadej Pogacar, the title holder, will still crush the race? “” I never make prognosis. But what is certain is that this boy is extraordinary is the new Eddy Merckx. He runs – and that is new – almost from the first race of the year to the last. He is world champion, he wins the big towers, he wins the classics … He wins everything, exactly as Merckx did, which was called the Cannibal. It’s the favorite. But how will Vingegaard feel, who has still won two Tour editions in recent years? Over three weeks, it is always possible that a big champion has a bar “, Note Gérard Holtz.
