We are not likely to see Arnaud Démare and Marc Madiot together again anytime soon.
Six months after his departure for the Arkéa-B&B Hôtels team and almost thirteen years after his professional debut at Groupama-FDJ, the French sprinter still does not seem to have digested the choices of his former manager.
Double stage winner on the Tour de France, Démare was not selected to compete in the 2023 edition. Above all, he only learned of it a few weeks before the big start.
Dressed in its new colors, the Picard was followed by the France Télévisions teams.
And he was always bitter towards Marc Madiot.
🚴 #TLS |
After 12 years spent with the Groupama-FDJ team, sprinter Arnaud Démare will begin his 2024 season in Spain.
⌚ Meeting with the French cyclist who joined his new Arkéa-B&B Hôtels team.
pic.twitter.com/Sm3Q4fKBd0
— francetvsport (@francetvsport) January 22, 2024
“I felt betrayed”
“The anger is still present, as is my incomprehension,” he said.
I have always been professional, I have always highlighted this team (
Groupama-FDJ
), and it is clear that I felt betrayed and not recognized for everything I was able to bring to them.
It was hard to tell myself that ultimately, everything I was able to do, there was no recognition behind it.
»
The man who has already won the title of French champion three times was then invited to comment on the words spoken by Marc Madiot about him at the end of the last Tour de France.
“He probably hates me and that’s normal,” said the former runner.
(…) I believe that time will do its work and that we will find a beautiful and good relationship.”
Not really to the taste of the person concerned.
“Politically, for him it’s interesting to say that,” he said.
Now, no, I have nothing to say to Marc.
(…) In twelve years, no one has ever said to me:
Arnaud, everything you have been able to do, well done
.
» Unlike his new manager, Emmanuel Hubert, who told him that he could “be proud” of everything he had accomplished.
“I'm dressed in a new outfit and I'm very happy,” confided the sprinter shortly after his departure for his new team.
My goal remains the same, it is to win races.
(…) It will take a little more time to digest.
Then we will have the opportunity to discuss it again, I think.”
An exchange between the two men seems far from being envisaged.