Voeckler does not care about Bardet and Alaphilippe retiring soon: ''Golden generation knocks on the door with Martinez, for example''

It was not a bad result. Behind the unbeatable Remco Evenepoel, Valentin Madouas and Christophe Laporte took the silver and bronze in the road race of the Olympics—an excellent result for the French in their own Paris, led by national coach Voeckler. The French are ready for rejuvenation with Romain Bardet, who will retire in 2025, and Julian Alaphilippe, who is 32 years old and does not have eternal life. And that is precisely where the coach is confident, leading him to extend his contract with the national team.

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Voeckler explains why he will continue as national team coach. "The focus will be more on developing young talent and talented riders. I have also had interest from other teams in my services, which was flattering. But I want to work with the national selection, and I enjoy seeing young people, even very young people, get to the top." And then the national coach, indeed, has a lot of options in the coming years. Think of Lenny Martinez, top talent Paul Seixas, and sprinter Paul Magnier.

"I am convinced that something can be accomplished with this group," he continued. "Indeed, we have also depended on Julian Alaphilippe and Romain Bardet," he admits. "But so did Madouas and Laporte, and there was no talent shortage." Hence, the decision to extend. "There is a great generation knocking on the door, for example, Martinez and Magnier. A lot will also depend on World Championships and European Championships courses. I like it here. I am very proud to be the head of the French team and would like to get more results from the national team."