Frenchman looks likely to make Tour debut
AG2R La Mondiale’s Blel Kadri received good news from the team doctor yesterday and is likely to make his Tour de France debut on July 2nd. The Frenchman had displayed good form during the opening prologue of the Critérium du Dauphiné by finishing fifth, but then could not start stage five due to a tear in his left calf muscle.
However, Dr. Eric Bouvat, the team’s medical officer said that the situation had greatly improved. “A MRI performed Friday in Toulouse showed a significant recovery in the lesion of the upper calf. Blel can gradually resume his preparation on Monday and train properly.”
The rider himself is a little more cautious though, as he prepares to take part in the French National Championships where the team will hope to do well. That’s particularly the case as they are the only French team left with a UCI ProTeam licence.
“Right now I’m cycling slowly with the team doctor’s permission. The results of the last MRI are good but I must still be careful. The goal is to find the right balance to try to be successful for the Tour de France.”
Although he has not won any races this year, the 24 year old has been knocking on the door all season with a number of top ten placings. He also has Grand Tour experience having ridden the Vuelta a España last year. His best result was finishing fifth on stage nine.
While the Critérium du Dauphiné is one of two traditional warm up races for the Tour de France, AG2R La Mondiale had a nervy expedition in the race, losing team captain and Tour general classification hopeful Nicolas Roche to a crash.
However, the Irishman seems to have also recovered in time for the race and this week was doing a reconnaissance of the Pyrenees stages with teammates Christophe Riblon, Sébastien Minard, Jean-Christophe Peraud, Maxime Bouet and Matthieu Peget.
He’s previously commented favourably on Kadri’s ability and dedication to the job; providing the Frenchman’s recovery continues to progress, he looks set to make his Tour debut in two week’s time.