Michael Storer, a rising star in the cycling world, has sparked controversy with his bold statement: "Not actually doing anything to help you be a good cyclist" regarding his former team, Groupama-FDJ. But is this a fair assessment, or a rider's frustration? Let's delve into the story.
Storer's impressive wins at the Tour of the Alps and his Top 10 finish at the Giro d'Italia this year were a result of his move to the Tudor Pro Cycling Team, who invested in him as a leader. This is in stark contrast to his time at Groupama-FDJ, where despite his high level of performance, he claims the team did little to support his development.
The Australian rider took a risk by signing with Groupama-FDJ in 2018, leaving his comfort zone at Team Sunweb (now Team Picnic PostNL). He aimed to become a leader and gain more freedom, but his expectations fell short. Despite winning the Tour de l'Ain and two stages at the Vuelta a España, Storer felt his potential was not fully realized. He openly criticized Groupama-FDJ's training methods, suggesting they were stuck in their ways and lacked a supportive structure.
But here's where it gets controversial: Storer claims the team didn't provide the necessary support to help him grow as a cyclist. He wanted a team that cared about his improvement, but felt Groupama-FDJ only expected results without offering adequate assistance. This harsh critique is backed by his exponential improvement after joining Tudor, where he is their main rider and receives dedicated resources.
And this is the part most people miss: Storer's experience is not an isolated case. Arne Marit from Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe revealed similar issues with Intermarché - Wanty's training methods, and Matteo Jorgenson left Movistar for Team Visma | Lease a Bike due to a lack of individual support. Storer believes big teams often neglect riders who aren't their primary leaders, and this might be the case with Groupama-FDJ.
So, is Storer's criticism justified? Are some teams failing to provide adequate support to their riders? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's discuss the importance of team dynamics in a cyclist's success.
