Bardet set to return to Decathlon in management role

L'Equipe reports that Romain Bardet, who retired from the pro peloton at last year's Critérium du Dauphiné, is set to return to the Decathlon-CMA CGM in a management position that could see him working closely with French compatriot Paul Seixas.

Bardet, who has enjoyed a successful shift in focus to gravel racing since leaving the pro road scene behind, is of course no stranger to bearing the weight of expectations of the French public, something that Seixas is learning to do this season with his star on the rise. Bardet rode to runner-up honors at the Tour de France back in 2016 and compiled eight Grand Tour top 10s over a WorldTour career of more than a decade. [L'Equipe]