Faster bike or stronger legs? Ferron responds to Lafay’s Specialized aero bike comments after Dauphine win

GAP, FRANCE - JUNE 10: Valentin Ferron of France and Team Total Energies celebrates winning during the 74th Criterium du Dauphine 2022, Stage 6 a 196,4km stage from Rives to Gap 742m / #WorldTour / #Dauphiné / on June 10, 2022 in Gap, France. (Photo by Dario Belingheri/Getty Images)
Valentin Ferron of France and Team Total Energies (Image credit: Dario Belingheri/Getty Images)

As Valentin Ferron sat down for his press conference as stage winner at the Critérium du Dauphiné, he was asked about his emotions and his late attack, but also repeatedly about his bike. 

Cofidis’ Victor Lafay, a companion from the breakaway that went all the way to Gap on Friday, had suggested he was racing against riders on faster bikes, sparking a debate about aero bikes and who has the best equipment in the peloton.

Patrick Fletcher

Patrick is a freelance sports writer and editor. He’s an NCTJ-accredited journalist with a bachelor’s degree in modern languages (French and Spanish). Patrick worked full-time at Cyclingnews for eight years between 2015 and 2023, latterly as Deputy Editor.