Fans of cycling have every right to feel a bit hard done by right now. But it’s not all bad news.
I bring you David Moncoutié and his win on Mont Faron, taking the stage and the overall of the Tour Méditerranéen. He joined Cofidis it first started in 1997 and has been with the team ever since, escaping any of the mud flying when Philippe Gaumont and David Millar were busted. Now 36 and in his last year of racing, he’s had some moments of glory including two stage wins in the Tour de France, both won solo with panache. He’s also won the best climber’s jersey three times in the Vuelta.
But all the physical talent has been hampered by a mental block. It’s not fear, more a lack of ambition. He’s often said he won’t risk barging shoulders with riders just to hold his position, he can often spotted right at the back of the bunch. Plus he just hasn’t seemed that hungry to win, the Cofidis manager saying “David just wants to be left in peace“. If this has infuriated many a French fan who think he could challenge for higher honours, it’s also a sign of his relaxed manner and underpins a career-long rejection of doping. He’s quietly outspoken if you like, he’ll talk openly about riding, indeed living, clean but doesn’t look to shout about it.
In summary, he’s a nice guy who took a well-deserved win. The only problem is that I feel obliged to put out some good news today.
Yes, as he said at the finish a finish for the strong men, he left Peraud for dead with a decisive acceleration. I see that he has won there twice before,this time it gave him the race. Well deserved. Also as a Brit nice to see Cummings up their.
Hey this guy gets over shadowed by the bad guys so I say it’s good to feature him. He should be what everyone is talking about.
Moncoutie’s rides at the Vuelta absolutely confuse the hell out of me.
And how about Talansky, the rookie in fourth!