Thibaut Pinot still France’s favourite but hopes of home glory thin on the ground | William Fotheringham

It has been 36 years since the country’s last victory in the men’s race – and it is hard to see who can stop it from becoming 37

Every Tour has its earworm and this year’s nifty little number, Tibopino, is out there on YouTube, dedicated to France’s Tour hero Thibaut Pinot. “Allez Pinot,” the singer intones, adding one of the best – or worst, depending on how you see these things – puns to grace the French language: “Sur un vélo, t’es beau, Pinot.” You look good on a bike, Pinot.

There is a more telling line in the song, however: “ça fait longtemps depuis l’Blaireau” – it’s been a long time since the Badger – referring to the 36 years of hurt since France’s last victory in the men’s Tour de France, when the Badger, as Bernard Hinault was known, won for the fifth time.