Romain Bardet confirmed that he was a promising runner. The  AG2R La Mondiale leader realized a good season with a nice 6th place overall in the Tour de France. At just 24 years old, he gave an interview to CyclingQuotes. He came back on several topics including the route of the 2015 Tour de France.

"I succeeded in doing a very good season", he explained. "I was being constant at the highest level. I exceeded my goals and I had not any major glitches. I am progressing. But I know I'm not at my physical maturity and I still have to take the experience. This year is a good foundation for future years."

Bardet were very close at ending five overall in Tour de France, but a puncture came in the way. "It is an excellent result. At the departure in Leeds, I would have signed for a top 10. With the lack of experience at the end of the Tour, I missed the top 5. But it was a good performance that I would like to repeat. Doing it again motivates me every day." He added: "I await confirmation of the results of my past seasons."

Now he thinks about next season. In 2015, he will play his fourth year in the professional peloton. "I know myself and I know how I have to work. With the AG2R La Mondiale team, we know how we have to prepare in order to be in the best condition for a new year." He hopes to be competitive like this year: "I would like to get closer to the podium in classic races and to be in the top 10 at the Tour de France."

It seems obvious that he should participate in the Tour again next year. He told about the route: "The route is very good and suits my qualities. We have to be vigilant in the first week and do not expend energy before the mountain. I hope the same success like this year. The tour will not be drawn like this every year. There is a big week in the Alps, on roads I know well. Now I'll do anything to get on this Tour with maximum confidence."

Like this year, there will be a stage with cobblestones. A danger to him? "The presence of cobbles is good for the show and the suspense. This is the key to make attractive races. All riders fear the cobblestones. The risks are increased and you need a little luck that day. For everyone, this stage is a trap that we want to avoid."

In this year's Tour de France Contador and Froome among others abandoned but next year they probably both are back… "This does not change the situation. Nibali achieved a great physical performance this year. If they are presents, the goal will be to approach them."

With Thibaut Pinot, he represents the future of French cycling. "I am friend with Thibaut. There is a real rivalry between us. It's good for us, good for cycling and good for the French public. I think that it is exciting for everyone. And forget not Jean-Christophe Péraud."