Overview

• The 28-year-old Groupama-FDJ leader announced on June 26 that he will skip his seventh consecutive Tour de France after deciding he cannot contest a top-10 finish
• Gaudu suffered four crashes in four months, including incidents at Strade Bianche, Tirreno-Adriatico and the Giro d’Italia that left him with hand fractures and deep cuts
• Comprehensive medical examinations found no underlying issues, leaving his performance slump unexplained by physical injury alone
• He has begun hypnosis sessions and is working with a mental preparer and psychologist to address the psychological toll of his recent setbacks
• Gaudu plans to compete in the French national championships this weekend before launching his bid at the Vuelta a España to revive his season