Turin (Italy) (AFP)

New team, new race: Romain Bardet is entering the Giro for the first time and discovers the sharing of responsibilities under the colors of the DSM squad, which he joined in the offseason.

At 30, the Auvergnat has taken a complete turn in his career, which began in 2012. To have left the AG2R team - on good terms - he was tempted by an experience abroad, even if it meant changing his habits. .

"It's like a new adventure," he said Thursday, in English, the language of his training ... German.

"It's like a new start for me. Everyone knows I wanted to do the Giro one day."

The pandemic had forced him last year to review his plans and to line up once again at the start of the Tour, the race which forged his reputation (2nd in 2016, 3rd in 2017, three stage successes).

Until his abandonment, on his land, on the evening of the Puy Mary stage, after a concussion.

Nothing to the contrary has hampered his progress this time even if, curiously, the announcement of his choice came very late in the season, on April 14, after weeks devoted exclusively to preparing for the Giro.

Is it the culture of secrecy maintained by his team?

In its latest issue, Vélo Magazine lifts only a corner of the veil, with sporting director Matthew Winston, on the degree of sophistication of the preparation, particularly in terms of aerodynamics, equipment and nutrition.

All kinds of experts gathered in the service of performance, evidenced by thunderous results for the young riders of the group last year on the Tour (Hirschi) and the Giro (Hindley).

- On par with Hindley -

"I feel very good in this team", affirms Bardet who welcomes his integration.

"It's very interesting for me to have this new approach to racing, setting goals, preparing to be on top. There are a lot of new things."

If the results of the Giro d'Italia 2020, with two riders present on the podium (Hindley 2nd, Kelderman 3rd) but without the final victory, lends itself to discussion on the tactical lucidity of the team, it confirms the excellence of the preparation collective.

"We will try to achieve the best overall ranking possible, to fight for the pink jersey," announces Bardet.

"This is my first time racing alongside another leader but I think it will work out well."

The other leader is named Jai Hindley who, at 25, is racing the Giro for the third time.

In the recent Tour of the Alps, the Australian seemed slightly superior to the French in the mountains without offering as many guarantees in the descent, as proof of his fall as a prelude to retirement.

Who will be privileged?

"We are at par," replies Hindley.

"We will share the responsibilities, confirms Bardet. In a race like the Giro, it is very useful to have two cards to play. I think it will be a much more open race than the Tour and that should suit me better."

© 2021 AFP