The Groupama-FDJ soap opera continues after Gaudu furore, another rider dropped: 'I don't understand why'
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Follow us on GoogleGroupama-FDJ United has already had to have a lot of difficult conversations, even before the Tour de France has started. The French team is fielding a young, attack-minded squad for the Tour de France, without David Gaudu. The climber recently lashed out after alleged personal criticism within the team. It turns out Valentin Madouas isn’t exactly in a good mood either.
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The criticism of Gaudu came to light two weeks before the start of the Tour de France—not an ideal time. The team’s top rider isn’t competing in the Tour de France, but it’s mainly the potential criticism from teammates regarding Gaudu’s high salary that’s making the story so contentious.
"David is an annoying enigma. He doesn't have the passion anymore, but he's the only one who doesn't realize it," one rider reportedly said. Gaudu brushed off the criticism and is setting his sights on the Vuelta a España later this year.
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David Gaudu
Madouas surprised to be dropped from the 2026 Tour de France
And then there’s Madouas, another seasoned rider at Groupama-FDJ United. The 29-year-old climber has been a regular at the Tour de France for the past six years, but he’s been dropped by the French team for the 2026 Tour.
"Yvon Caër (team manager, ed.) called me on Monday morning to tell me," Madouas told Le Telegramme. "The team manager then explained to me that it was a strategic decision and that they would rather take other riders than me."
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Valentin Madouas
Are Madouas and Groupama-FDJ United parting ways?
The fact that Madouas’s contract with Groupama-FDJ United expires after 2026 appears to be linked to the team’s decision to focus on younger riders for the future. As Madouas puts it: “My fitness has nothing to do with it; I just don’t fit into their plans.”
"I don't understand why," emphasizes the Frenchman, who may well have a problem. No Tour de France, and soon perhaps no contract—which means a reevaluation of his schedule. The rider will need results, which he was unable to deliver in 2026.
His best finish was 14th place at the Boucles de l'Aulne, a position he also achieved at last Sunday's French National Championship. Madouas's most recent victories date back to 2023, when he became French champion and won the Bretagne Classic.
To say the mood within Groupama FDJ is low would be an understatement. How that will affect the team's results at the Tour de France this July will become evident in around 3 weeks time.
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David Bavin-HobbsChief Editor
David has been working in the sports & cycling industry for 16 years. Covering racing, business and technology, he has worked in communications for cycling companies, teams, and as a journalist. His proudest achievement is winning the first bike race he ever entered. He hasn't won a race since.
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