Published February 2, 2015 02:20PM
Ag2r presents 2015 team, hopes to bolster classics squad
Ag2r draws on Péraud's experience and Bardet's youth to cue up for 2015 season, aims to develop Pozzovivo and Betancur
Ag2r La Mondiale's Romain Bardet had a breakout season in 2014. The French outfit will look for more good results from the 24-year-old in the coming year. Photo: Tim De Waele | <a href="http://tdwsport.com" target="_blank">TDWsport.com</a> (File).
PARIS — French cycling outfit Ag2r La Mondiale has announced a 30-man team, led by veteran Jean-Christophe Péraud, 37, and young star Romain Bardet, 24, for the upcoming 2015 season.
“We took it to another level last year, and the team showed that they are capable of competing with the best,” said team boss Vincent Lavenu at the team’s Paris base during Monday’s announcement.
“For 2015, we have kept all our leaders and we have tried to eliminate our weak points, notably in view of the classics in the style of the Flanders.” he added.
Alongside Péraud and Bardet, who finished second and sixth respectively in last year’s Tour de France, the team has put their faith in Italian climber Domenico Pozzovivo, a regular top-10 finisher in the Giro d’Italia and particularly the Colombian puncher Carlos Betancur, winner of last year’s Paris-Nice.
“Carlos has incredible potential, the greatest that I’ve seen in the 24 years that I’ve managed the team.” continued Lavenu.
ADVERTISEMENT
“He looks to be have the right foundations, he’s recognized his mistakes and he has the desire to do well. His wife is expecting a baby in the next few days, which will give him some stability.” added Lavenu.