David Gaudu to undergo medical checks after spate of abandons
Groupama-FDJ United have indicated that David Gaudu is to undergo a battery of health tests after a series of abandons, most recently at La Polynormande on Sunday.
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Gaudu has struggled in 2026, and he was omitted from the Groupama-FDJ United squad for the Tour de France. His best result this season came at Boucles de l’Aulne in May, where he placed fifth.
“David is currently going through a difficult period and is struggling to fully regain his form,” read the statement from Groupama-FDJ United, with the team confirming that the Breton would undergo “a series of further tests” in a bid to identify the root cause of his struggles.
“[The tests] will enable the team to adapt their support, both in terms of training and in planning his upcoming race programme.”
Gaudu placed fourth overall at the 2022 Tour and sixth at the 2024 Vuelta a España. He won stage 3 of last year’s Vuelta and spent a day in the red jersey, but he struggled thereafter, reaching Madrid in 97th place overall.
The 29-year-old was reportedly affected by allergy problems earlier in 2026, though a report in Le Parisien in June suggested that his team was running out of patience with his lack of results.
“David has become a frustrating mystery,” an unnamed teammate told Le Parisien. “He no longer has the fire, but he is the only one who does not realise it. And I can tell you that he has fewer and fewer supporters within the team.”
Speaking to L’Équipe ahead of the French Championships, Gaudu downplayed reports that he might depart Groupama-FDJ before his contract expires at the end of 2027.
“I’ve got a contract, and all parties have signed it…” Gaudu said. “I’m training, I’m doing what’s required. We’ll see the contract through to the end, and perhaps after that a new chapter will begin. But we’re still under contract until next year.”
Gaudu failed to finish the French Championships and his return to racing in August has been subdued. He abandoned the Clásica San Sebastián and he also withdrew from the Vuelta a Burgos on the final stage. He was dropped by the peloton an hour or so into La Polynormande on Sunday, abandoning the race soon afterwards.
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