Romain Bardet, the celebrated French cyclist, has extended his contract with Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL until the end of 2025, with plans to transition to gravel racing after his final road races. The extension comes as Bardet prepares for his last Tour de France in 2024 and his final appearances at the Giro dโItalia and the Critรฉrium du Dauphinรฉ in 2025.
Bardet, who turned professional with AG2R La Mondiale in 2012, has enjoyed a stellar career, including second and third place overall finishes at the Tour de France in 2016 and 2017, three stage wins, and the polka dot jersey. His achievements also include a silver medal at the World Championships and a memorable stage win at the Vuelta a Espaรฑa after joining Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL in 2021.
Reflecting on his decision to extend his contract, Bardet said, “I have really enjoyed my time with the team so far, so for me, it was a no-brainer to either continue with them or fully end my career. I am very grateful for the relationship I have with all the team members and for the trust that the management is putting in me.”
Bardetโs commitment to his team was also highlighted during the 2022 Liรจge-Bastogne-Liรจge when he stopped to assist Julian Alaphilippe after a heavy crash, earning him the International Fair Play award. This act of sportsmanship, coupled with his consistent performances, has endeared him to fans and colleagues alike.
His final season on the road in 2025 will see Bardet aiming for big results, particularly at the Giro d’Italia. “I hope to still chase some big victories with the team in 2025, especially in the Giro, to try and get the missing stage win there. I also feel that I want to give the team something back in this race after doing it together three times,” he explained.
Looking ahead to his post-road racing career, Bardet is enthusiastic about his shift to gravel racing. “After that, I am really excited to tackle a new challenge and do gravel racing with the support of the team. It will be a kind of transition for me, but I will do my best in some of the World Cups and hope to also do well in the World Championships in Nice in 2025.”
Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL head coach, Rudi Kemna, praised Bardetโs professionalism and influence within the team. “It has really been a pleasure to work with Romain over the past few seasons. He is a true professional who always gives his all for the sport and gives energy to those around him. We’ve seen Romain not only perform brilliantly on the bike with us, but he has a passion for helping those around him, and with a voice of wisdom and calmness, he helps to guide and mentor the young up-and-coming GC talents within the team,” said Kemna.
The team is eager to support Bardet in his final year on the road and his new adventure in gravel racing. Bardet’s journey from road racing to gravel will commence with the UCI Gravel World Championships in Nice, scheduled for October 2025.
Main photo credit: Tim de Waele/Getty Images