Tadej Pogacar's journey in the Tour de France has been a rollercoaster, especially when it comes to the adoration of the French cycling fans. The Slovenian cyclist's dominance in the race has sparked a debate about the nature of heroism in cycling and the expectations of fans. The article delves into the complex relationship between the Tour de France winners and the French public, exploring the idea that fans appreciate a certain level of struggle and valiant failure, even if it means not winning. This dynamic is often referred to as the 'MJPP principle', named after the rivalry between Jacques Anquetil and Raymond Poulidor, where the latter's popularity was rooted in his consistent yet unsuccessful attempts to win the Tour.
The article highlights how the French public's perception of cycling stars has evolved over the years. In the past, cyclists like Anquetil and Eddy Merckx were seen as unreadable and unpopular due to their clinical approach to the sport. On the other hand, cyclists like Bernard Hinault and Laurent Fignon were initially derided for their lack of excitement, but later gained admiration for their heroic defeats. The article also mentions Miguel Indurain, who maintained a stoic demeanor throughout his dominant era, avoiding any pushback despite his consistent victories.
However, the introduction of doping in the late 1990s and early 2000s changed the dynamics. The article discusses the case of Lance Armstrong, who, despite his prolific victories, faced criticism and booing due to his ethical questionable behavior. Similarly, Alberto Contador's positive test for clenbuterol in 2011 led to a negative reception from the French public. The article concludes by suggesting that the French fans' expectations of a hero are a delicate balance between winning and competing with a certain level of humility and charm, as exemplified by Raymond Poulidor.
In the context of Pogacar's current dominance, the article speculates that the French public's mixed reactions are a reflection of their desire for a hero who embodies both winning and the 'MJPP principle'. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural and historical context of French cycling fans' expectations, which can be a challenging triangle to navigate for any cyclist aiming to win the Tour de France.
