PARIS - French cycling outfit AG2R La Mondiale have announced a 30-strong team, led by Jean-Christophe Peraud and Romain Bardet, for the upcoming 2015 season.
(From R) France's Jean-Christophe Peraud and Romain Bardet ride during the Tour de France cycling race on July 23, 2014
"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 Peraud and Bardet, who finished second and sixth respectively on last year's Tour de France, the team have put their faith in Italian climber Domenico Pozzovivo, a regular top ten 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.
"He looks to be have the right foundations, he's recognised 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.