Romain Bardet finished second overall behind Italian Vincenzo Nibali (Astana Pro Team) at the Tour of Oman. The Frenchman showed his intentions for the Tour de France and other big rendezvous.

"The Tour de France is a big part of the season, but I also like to perform all year long," he told Velonews. "That begins with Paris-Nice and Catalunya, then the big goal is Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Tour de Romandie. There are many goals this year, but there’s no other way than to ride a good Tour de France.

"I’m working on all the skills needed to be a stage race contender, especially for a three-week race like the Tour de France. It’s important to ride safe in the first half to the Tour, to avoid an off day that could compromise a podium or top five. I have to manage those days better, a skill that will come with time."

Bardet is happy with his performance at the Tour of Oman. He added that he was defeated by "one of the biggest champions of his generation" : "I’m happy. In the end, I was very close to getting the win against one of the biggest champions of his generation in Nibali,” Bardet said. “It’s a good start, but the big things will happen later in the season."

"As a professional, I was 10th and then sixth last year. My worst place was 13th. I will try to do something better. And why not already this year?", he said. "For the public and media who don’t follow the whole season, everything is about the Tour de France, but for me it’s also important to perform from Oman through to Lombardia. For sure, though, for the people who just know my name in France, for them, only the Tour de France matters."