Thomas Voeckler defends French cycling team tactics

French national cycling coach Thomas Voeckler has addressed the performance of the French team following recent competitions. Following Paul Seixas's 15th-place finish at the World Championships, Voeckler defended the team's tactical choices, stating he does not let criticism influence his decision-making. He noted that while the team lacked sufficient support for Seixas in the final stages, the race was intentionally hardened to suit their interests.

At the European Championships in Ljubljana, Slovenia, the French team displayed a different tactical approach compared to the World Championships. While several riders finished in the top eighteen, none contended for medals. Léo Bisiaux was the highest-placed Frenchman, finishing ninth. Other notable performances included Romain Grégoire, who finished twelfth, and Mathys Rondel, who finished eleventh. Voeckler defended the riders' efforts, acknowledging the difficulty of maintaining tactical discipline, such as marking competitors like Remco Evenepoel, during intense climbs.