Cycling-Barguil and Bardet take over French charge on the Tour (Reuters)
By Julien Pretot ARRAS, France, July 8 (Reuters) – With Thibaut Pinot having dropped out of contention, local hopes of celebrating a first home Tour de France champion in 30 years now lie on the shoulders of Romain Bardet and Warren Barguil. Pinot, third overall last year, was tipped as a potential podium finisher but he lost considerable time in the opening block of racing. The FDJ rider will now target a prestigious stage win in the mountains while Bardet, sixth last year, is still hoping to end up in the top five.